Groovy Invitation to the 1970s {Another Party Idea}

 

     I take very little credit for the idea in this post.

 

     My mother, who never describes herself as creative but can be when she wants/needs to be, designed this invitation. When the details stumped her, I would lend a helping hand. Jazzy and funky, the final product is "out of the box" (pardon the pun).

 

     The clear box adds a 3D effect while the disco ball reflects little shimmers around the room. The invitation inside keeps the disco theme "rolling" :) as the guests read fun details like "Wear your groovy threads" and "The 70s are not dead!" (Suh-weet lingo, S. L. N.!)

     I love disco balls!

1. Clear box (ask us for our extras somewhere in the top of a closet!)
2. Mini disco ball
3. Clear, round sticker to hold up the disco ball (surprisingly hard to find, but we ended up using Avery "Mailing Seals" that are perforated down the center.)
4. Funky Square Invitation

~Madeline

Bunches of Banners

     I have numerous banners from birthday parties, Valentine's Day, the 4th of July, Christmas, and everyday. Here are all my ideas in one place. Click on your favorite and make it today!

Red, White, and Blue Mini Flag Banner

 

Two Simple, Beautiful Banners: Dot & Flag

 

Bandana Pendant

 

Cheery Christmas Chain

 

Hanging Hearts

 

Polka-dot Happy Birthday Banner

 

Book Page Banner

 

Rainbow Pipe Cleaner Chain

 

     Every party deserves a hand-crafted string of love!

 

~Madeline

Cupcake Toppers with Pom-poms

     This simple, mini pom-pom cupcake topper is the perfect personal touch to jazz up your next party! Simply use a six-inch skewer and stab a pom-pom.

 

     Voila! Surprising and inexpensive cupcake decorations add color to your dessert display and take a second each to manufacture!

~Madeline

My Writing...Two Women and Their Redeeming King

Two Women and Their Redeeming King

“There are only two books in the Old Testament that bear the names of women, Ruth and Esther. God used both of these women in two distinct ways to change the course of history,” Mary Sticklen confidently states in her article “The Old Testament’s Heroines: Ruth and Esther” concerning these wonderfully wise women. “The books of Ruth and Esther show what it means to make difficult decisions during difficult times and how God can be working behind the scenes in many circumstances. However, Esther and Ruth come from very different backgrounds and circumstances.”

     Certainly, Ruth and Esther allow God to use them in astonishing ways whereas myriads of modern-day women do not submit to God’s plan for their lives. Participating in a remarkable journey, these ordinary girls set out to build up those around them with service and salvation. Ruth serves God wholeheartedly. Esther speaks up for God. When I carefully consider the two ideal role models, Ruth and Esther, their circumstances, actions, and qualities represent significant aspects to study.

     First, both Ruth and Esther arise from challenging circumstances. In a way, Ruth draws my attention because she triumphs over extremely grim and daunting situations. As we observe her in chapter two of Ruth, we find her in a tight position: a foreigner, a widow, and a lowly laborer toiling to provide for her disheartened and widowed mother-in-law Naomi. Correspondingly, Esther, a Jew, also dwells in a foreign kingdom, that of Persia after the Jewish exile, and like Ruth she has lost loved ones, in her case her father and mother. In contrast to Ruth’s demise, the king of Persia chooses Esther above all other beautiful virgins as his queen, and she lives in the “lap of luxury.” Enchanting and satisfying, Esther’s situation begins to appear especially more appealing than Ruth’s.

     Secondly, these two astounding ladies, Ruth and Esther, take various actions based on their situations, and God uses them each powerfully to help others. Both Ruth and Esther listen to their elders’ advice, “rescue” others from dire situations, and even marry for others’ benefit although either one may wish otherwise. Ruth needs a redeemer for herself and Naomi, and God lovingly, like a mother, blesses her with a husband, Boaz, to provide Naomi an heir. In contrast, Esther performs a remarkably courageous deed: presenting herself before the king, which could mean facing death. Since Esther pleads with the king for her people’s endangered lives, God blesses her efforts as well by saving the Jews living in Persia from destruction. Acting out of love and faith, both Ruth and Esther boldly take decisive action and conquer their fears out of love for their God, family, and friends.

     Finally, the virtues displayed in these heroic women call for comparison. Both exhibit marvelous love, compassion, obedience, and courage in the face of difficulty. Ruth proves herself especially loyal, hard-working, determined, hopeful, and humble. Interestingly, Ruth’s name means “friend” or “companion”; what true, loyal friendship and companionship she lavishes on Naomi! As one peers into Ruth’s life, her actions reflect the wise and honorable character of her new God. According to Ruth 1:16-17, Ruth declares, “Your (Naomi’s) people will be my people and your God my God.” On the other hand, Esther shows characteristics of beauty, purity, spiritual strength, and dependability. On the second page of her article “Inspirational Women in the Bible: Ruth and Esther,” Miriam Cawood decisively names the following lessons from the story of Esther: “faith, courage, and heeding the advice of older people.” Esther means “secret” or “hidden”; she conceals her Jewish background from the king until the appropriate time arises. Her Hebrew name, Hadassah, means “myrtle” (a beautiful plant) or “bride”; her beautiful features draw the king’s attention, causing both a marriage and the salvation of the Jews living in Persia. Esther definitely lives up to her names. All God-fearing women should imitate Ruth and Esther since they model excellent qualities.

     Irrefutably, the circumstances, actions, and qualities found in these ordinary girls radically change their lives forever as Ruth and Esther remain two of the most admired women in the Bible. When I search the Scriptures for life-giving truths, Ruth’s story tells of redemption and God’s mercifully abounding love. Esther’s story tells of purity and courage. Throughout the day, ask, “Should I model a loving, friendly Ruth or a brave, zealous Esther in this situation?” Both women face many trials, but Ruth and Esther stand firm in their faith and serve their true Redeemer and King with humility and obedience.

 

Author's Note: Ruth and Esther prove that no matter our circumstances, we can be brave and unshakable in our faith because God is on our side, protecting, loving, and redeeming us.

~Madeline

My Writing...Gladys Aylward

Gladys Aylward: Passionate Missionary for Christ

     “I wasn't God's first choice for what I've done for China…I don't know who it was…It must have been a man…a well-educated man. I don't know what happened. Perhaps he died. Perhaps he wasn't willing…and God looked down…and saw Gladys Aylward…And God said, ‘Well, she's willing.’” Honest and poetic, the words of Gladys Aylward (1902-1970) exhibit her humility in serving the King. Eagerly, this young woman journeyed to China in 1932 to pursue the lost and share with them the Good News of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. If I could meet anyone in history, I would meet Gladys Aylward because she bravely shared the Gospel in China, loved children, and passionately served her Lord.

     First, I would like to meet Gladys Aylward because she bravely shared the Gospel in China. One day this meant jumping in front of a mule train to grab the lead mule’s head and turn it into her inn, The Inn of Eight Happinesses, to share stories of Jesus with Chinese men. Certainly, moving from England to Yuncheng, China, also proved fatiguing and challenging for the 30-year-old woman. Although the local Chinese community received her quite coldly at first, God gradually flung open doors to share His love when she remained determined and faithful. During these times, dejected Gladys probably found verses like Psalm 46:1-2 especially encouraging. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” Indeed, Gladys found courage in God.

     Secondly, I would like to meet Gladys because of her sweet love for children. In 1938, six years after her arrival in Yuncheng, Gladys led over 100 children who all lived with her on a nearly two-week journey on foot through mountains to escape the dangers of World War II. As they maneuvered the difficulties of the mountains on this bold adventure, she would often find herself singing spiritedly with the children. According to Cornelia Lehn, author of I Heard Good News Today, “Whenever they reached a level stretch of ground, Gladys would start to sing a hymn and they would all bravely march along, singing the chorus” (56). She also adopted many of the children and started an orphanage, the Gladys Aylward Orphanage. She truly displayed her tremendous love for Christ in her love for the Chinese children with whom she came in contact.

     Finally, I would like to meet Gladys Aylward since she constantly showed passion for her Lord and King. “She always had an ambition to go overseas as a missionary and studied with great determination in order to be fitted for the role,” states Wikipedia. Gladys asserted, “If God has called you to China or any other place and you are sure in your own heart, let nothing deter you….Remember, it is God who has called you, and it is the same as when He called Moses or Samuel.” Never has anyone uttered truer words! Enthusiastic and submissive, Gladys embraced the Great Commission and “made disciples,” and God mightily helped her. Throughout her life, Gladys May Aylward remained an obedient servant and zealous advocate for God.

     Conclusively, Gladys’s brave mission work, love for children, and passion for her Lord molded her into a superior role model and someone I would happily bump into one day in Heaven. When serving her Lord, Gladys worked as faithfully as a star appears at night. From this remarkable woman’s life, I can glean these three marvelous attributes to apply to my own life: obedience, love, and fervor for the Lord. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be described in that way?  When Gladys Aylward readily traversed half of the globe to reach China, little did she know she would develop into a passionate missionary for Christ and attract hundreds to Him.

 

Author's Note: A true source of inspiration for me, missionary stories encourage me to be willing to serve God in any way He asks me to do. It is not about what we have, how smart or funny we are, what church we go to, or any of that garbage. God is looking for someone to "build up the wall and stand before [Him] in the gap on behalf of the land" (see Ezekiel 22:30 NIV). The question is:

Are you willing?

God will accomplish the rest!

~Madeline

My Writing...Sunshine

Sunshine

     One warm day, Laura and her ten-year-old daughter timidly crossed the street to the Willow Orphanage for Girls. They had never brought food to the orphanage before and didn’t know what to expect. Nervously, Laura banged the large brass knocker on the heavy wooden door. Mother and daughter held their breath.

     A few seconds later, a charming young woman opened the door.

     “Hello. Are you Laura Walker? I’m Hannah Cole. Nice to meet you. We’ve been expecting you,” she greeted warmly.

     Laura with little Eliza crossed the large front room behind Miss Hannah. Briskly, they strolled into a petite kitchen. Turning to Laura and Eliza, Miss Hannah spoke gently.

     “Now this is where all the food for the girls is prepared, so you can set those baskets on the counter here. While your mother and I finish fixing the food, why don’t you run upstairs with the girls and play?” she suggested to Eliza. “The children would love to meet you.”

     Miss Hannah directed Eliza up the stairs, so the girl climbed the staircase to where about twenty other girls were laughing, playing, and reading books from a large bookshelf. Eliza crept up to one of the girls and boldly spoke, “Hi. I’m Eliza. What’s your name?”

     “Heidi,” the other girl replied with a shy but friendly smile. “Wanna play tic-tac-toe?"

     “Sure. I’d love to. Maybe afterwards we could play explorers like I play with my brother, Benjamin,” Eliza tittered excitedly.

     “I’ve never played that, but it sounds like fun,” replied Heidi.

     The girls began playing together like old friends, and Eliza taught Heidi and the other orphans new games like explorers, London Bridge, Blind Man’s Bluff, and Follow the Leader. All too soon, it was time for the girls to eat, so Eliza and her mother left.

     “Don’t worry, Heidi. I’ll come back soon. I had lots of fun today,” Eliza reassured her new friend.

     The next day dawned damp, dark, and dull. Heidi sat alone in her window seat while the other girls frolicked. Peering into the chilly gloom of a rainstorm, Heidi thought about her new friend. When, oh when, would she return to the orphanage? Heidi wished more than anything that the sun would shine. Everything was all right when the sun was shining, but today she was trapped indoors. One thing that encouraged her was the delicious, hot soup, which Miss Laura, Eliza’s mother, had brought the day before. It warmed her from the inside out.

     The following morning, Heidi opened her eyes to brilliant sunshine. With a light heart, she raced to her window. Dressing quickly in her nicest dress, which was yellow with a white sash, Heidi skipped out of her room and quickly ran down the stairs. Entering the front room, Heidi spotted Miss Hannah and Eliza walking towards her. She was overjoyed! Eliza stayed there the entire day as it was Saturday.

     Bringing cheer with her, Eliza would regularly dance into the orphanage. Many times she would bring a new game, yummy food, or some tiny gift for the girls. Eliza and Heidi’s friendship thrived over the years.

     When the girls were almost thirteen, Eliza’s parents asked if they could adopt Heidi. Miss Hannah was enthusiastic about the idea and so were Eliza and Heidi. One stormy afternoon, while Eliza was helping Heidi pack for the move to the Walkers’ house, Heidi mentioned how gloomy it was outside. Suddenly, Eliza grabbed Heidi’s hands and began to spin in a circle with her. She started to trill like a bird:

     “Heidi, you are the sunshine of my life. That's why I'll always be around. You are the apple of my eye. Forever you'll stay in my heaaaaaaaaaaaart. I feel like this is the beginning though I've loved you for a million years. And if I thought our love was ending, I'd find myself drowning in my own tears. You are the sunshine of my life. That's why I'll always stay around. You are the apple of my eye. Forever you'll stay in my heart.”

     Heidi continued the song as they danced around.

     “You must have known that I was lonely, because you came to my rescue, and I know that this must be heaven. How could so much love be inside of you?”

     “Together!” Eliza shouted. “You are the sunshine of my life. That's why I'll always stay around. You are the apple of my eye. Forever you'll stay in my heaaaaaaaaaaaart.”

THE END

Author's Note: This post is the first in a series of school writing assignments. Writing hasn't always been enjoyable or exciting to me, but I am working on using my gifts for God's glory. This is the finished product of an assignment to write a story based on a song. I love the idea of sunshine, but this song doesn't match my writing style. That is why the story might not seem to jive with the song choice. My hope is that this story teaches you new words, fills you with compassion, and inspires you to be receptive and encouraging to all those around you, even if they are different.

~Madeline

Wonderful Scriptures (For You To Look Up Right Now!)

This is our current computer screen pic. So fun!

     If you forced me to select my top ten favorite Bible verses, I would choose these (which are in no particular order except for the top three.)

1. 1 Timothy 4:12 (Youth)

2. Psalm 19:14 (Words of my mouth)

3. 2 Timothy 4:7 (Keeping things in perspective)

4. Philippians 4:4-8 (Joy, gentleness, anxiety, peace, and purity all packed into one neat little PACKAGE—I mean PASSAGE

5. Proverbs 31:10-31 (A long passage on being a woman of God, but it is SO worth it!)

6. Joshua 1:8-9 (God’s Law, strong and courageous)

7. Psalm 1 (Blessings)

8. Psalm 100 (Joy, thanksgiving, GOD)

9. Luke 1:46-55 (Glory to God, thanksgiving—better known as the Magnificat)

 

10. Colossians 4:5-6 (Living a testimony)

 

     Please take time to read at least five. If you do, comment to let me know of your success and which spoke to you most where you are.

 

~Madeline