Jesus’ Assignment on the Earth

And she shall bring forth a son, and shall call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 

This verse tells us Jesus’ assignment on the earth. Jesus was born, lived, died and rose again to save his people from their sins. 

You are God’s people. You are created for him and by him and He loves you. 

Jesus came to save You from Your sins. Sin was keeping you from God and His Goodness. Jesus came so you could know God and His Goodness in your life. 

Thank you God for sending Me Jesus!

Made It! What A Hoot - Owl Purse

I wanted to make my sister something special for Christmas. I found some fabulous fabric... green corduroy with silver sparkles, she loves green so I knew that would be perfect. Then she pinned a cute owl bag to her pinterest board and I started looking for something similar that I could actually make.

That's when I found The Phoebe Bag. It looked like an owl to me. David helped me draw out the owl and I went to work. 8 hours later and you have the tutorial! Caden loved it, so I've decided to make one for myself.

Since the Artsy-Crafty Babe did such an excellent job of her pattern and the tutorial I'm not going to tell you everything, just the changes I made and will make in future owl purses.


Materials you'll need: 
1/2 yard for exterior

1/2 yard for lining

1/2 yard fusible fleece

1/4 yard Fusible Web (Under Wonder #807)

magnetic snap

felt or material for eyes and beak

1/8-1/4 yard each or 2 fat quarters of contrasting material for wings and tummy

One Size Fits All!

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 

For by Grace are ye saved… it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 

Christmas time is a season in which Gifts are exchanged. Remember that Jesus was God’s gift to you! Jesus is the perfect gift. One size fits all! 

This verse says that Eternal Life was given through Jesus. Eternal Life is knowing God. Believing on Jesus enables us to know God personally. Knowing God and building a relationship with him is a gift that continues your whole life. 

The best present of all is Jesus!

Faith & Patience

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: …be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.  Titus 2:1-2

These verses tell us to be sound or developed in faith and patience. 

The power of patience is a working power. When faith begins to waver, patience helps it to stand strong. Almost everywhere you find faith in the Bible you find patience. Together faith and patience will produce God results.

Family! Merry Christmas 2012

The end of the year is a busy time for us as we get ready for holidays. When we were first married we decided to make a new holiday tradition... 

Our own Christmas weekend!

Be Consistent

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  2 Peter 3:9

Patience means to be consistent or being the same way all the time.

As Christians no matter what comes our way we need to respond the same way – with the Word of God. We are to act on whatever the Word of God says is true, regardless of what our senses are telling us. 

Don’t allow impatience or doubt to steal God’s greatest blessings from you.

Stand strong in faith and be patient. God’s Promises are true!

Extraordinarily Patient

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  Galatians 5:22 – 23

God didn’t give you just any kind of patience (longsuffering).  Patience is part of God’s character and He has equipped you with His own patience.  He is extraordinarily patient.  God has what it takes to get through hard times and he has given you that power too!

Family! Caden 19 Months Old

What are you thankful for?

Perfect & Complete

But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  James 1:4

Patience is the ability to stand on what the Bible says even when your victory takes a while to come. 

Patience is like having a set of weights. They wont make you strong hiding under your bed.  You have to use them! When you work on your patience by trusting in and relying on God you’ll end up perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Don’t give up!

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.  Hebrews 6:12

This verse tells us to be followers of those who have inherited God’s promises through Faith and Patience. The Bible is FULL of past Believers who believed God and then patiently endured while the promises they were believing for came to pass in their lives. 

Don’t give up! Continue to put God’s Word first, with patience and you will receive His promises to you.

Made It! Preserve Your Family Memories To DVD!

Our first Christmas together David's mom brought some home movies for us to watch. It was so much fun to see him and his family growing up. Fast forward a few years and we realized the VHS tapes were starting to get fuzzy and deteriorating. So, we invested in a professional VHS to DVD conversion machine and have begun to copy those old VHS tapes to DVD. Now, we can watch them for years to come. This time around it's been even more fun seeing the home movies because I'm noticing how much David and Caden are alike!

We'd like to extend this wonderful offer to you as well:

Made It! - DIY Hand Print Ornaments

I love baby hand prints, they're just the cutest! Last year I was able to get a little hand print from Caden for our Thanksgiving pictures. This year, I decided to make a hand print ornament for our Christmas tree. Thanks to this post from A Sorta Fairytale, I was able to figure out how to make the ornaments.

Kissing Frogs!

I recently found something I wrote in 2005, thought I'd share it with you...

Kissing Frogs! (Previously, No Frogs Allowed!)

I was about 4 years old when I met my first toad. He was in Mom's garden, catching bugs. We named him Herman and every year when it was time to plant the garden Herman would show up. I thought he was one ugly looking creature, but he ate the bugs that I disliked, so I tolerated him. We also had a tree toad that lived in the lilac bush by the back porch, I never saw him, but on warm summer nights he'd join the crickets in the evening bug song.

Endurance Is Worth It!

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.  Hebrews 10:35-36

This verse says that we have NEED of patience. 

Why do we need it? We need Patience because as we begin to understand who we are In Christ and begin to understand his promises we may be tempted to want it working RIGHT NOW. 

Questions To Ask Your Midwife or Care Provider

So, you're having a baby? Congratulations! This can be an exciting, yet overwhelming time, especially if this is your first baby!

Often, first time mama's wonder what questions they should ask their care provider. There were several things that were very important to us when we interviewed midwives. We knew we wanted a home birth, but we also wanted to know what our possibilities were within a home birth and we wanted to get to know our midwife a little more than, "Hi, are you available to deliver our baby?" 

Evidence

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8:15

As believers we are to put the Word of God inside of us. As the Word grows on the inside we begin to have “fruit” or evidence of that transforming Word in our lives. While we are growing and maturing in areas we will have need of patience so we will continue in the Word at all times. 

Get Dressed!

As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with… patience.  Colossians 3:12

Patience is one of the characteristics God has put in you, but you need to let it operate in your life. When you became a child of God, in your spirit you are identical to Jesus. Jesus operated in complete patience. As we renew our mind and CHOOSE to operate in patience we are clothing ourselves with the God nature on the inside of us!

Made It! Home Spa Baskets

Here they are all finished and ready to give to someone special. Below are links to make your own:

Wicker Spa Basket

Energizing Spa Basket - Includes:

• 3oz Whipped Coconut Oil Body Butter
• 1.5oz Lotion Bar & Lip Balm
• 4oz Sugar Scrub
• 6oz Bath Salts
• Candle (color and scent may vary)
• Bath Puff (color may vary)
• Suggested Use / Ingredients Card
• Presented in a Wicker Basket 

Mini Spa Set

Energizing Mini Spa - Includes:

• 1.5oz Whipped Coconut Oil Body Butter
• 1.5oz Lotion Bar & Lip Balm
• 2oz Sugar Scrub
• 2oz Bath Salts
• Suggested Use / Ingredients Card

Suggested Use / Ingredients Card

Made It! Bath Salts

The Sugar Scrub was so easy to make, that I still have time before the Lotion Bars are melted. What else should I add to the Spa Gift Baskets? A quick search on Pinterest and I've found something... Bath Salts.


Mix Together:
3/4 Cup Epson Salts
1/2 Coup Coarse Sea Salt
1/4 Cup Baking Soda
6-10 Drops Essential Oils
2-4 Drops Food Coloring (optional)

Made It! Sugar Scrub

The Lotion Bars are slooooowly melting in the crock pot... what to do while waiting?

With the holidays coming and all the extra Whipped Coconut Body Butter and Lotion Bars I have,  maybe I could make some gift baskets, what else should be included in a home spa basket? Sugar Scrub! To polish those rough spots so the Lotion Bar will soak in better. Good idea!

What is patience?

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5 

What is patience? Patience is persevering, or enduring without complaining.

This verse tells us that God is a God of patience. 

Now what would God have to be patient about? Well, for starters, he had to wait all through history for the time of Jesus to come to the earth and make a way for us to have relationship with Him… I'm Sure THAT took patience! 

Because we serve a God of patience, and He lives inside of us, then we too can operate in patience. 

Made It! Lotion Bars & Lip Balm

After whipping up a couple batches of Coconut Body Butter and doing some baking there's a little less than 3/4 of a container of Nutiva Coconut Oil left! It's a good thing this stuff has a 2 year shelf life!

Thankfully, there's another lotion recipe at Nourished And Nurtured... Homemade Lotion Bars and Lip Balm. What's hard lotion? It's a lotion that's a solid at room temperature which softens when it comes in contact with your skin. It's designed to heal dry, cracked and chapped skin, making it perfect for those rough spots on my heels, yet gentle enough to use on my lips. 

Made It! - Whipped Coconut Oil Body Butter

A while back we purchased a huge container of Nutiva Coconut Oil from Costco. I had read that it was great for toddlers to help them get all those yummy healthy fats they need, it's good for mama's health too and has tons of other uses. Little Bear loves it right from the spoon! Mama not so much, I kinda have to hide it, using it in place of oil or butter.

What in the world was I going to do with 78 oz of Coconut Oil? Make Whipped Coconut Oil Body Butter of course!

Don't Give Up

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised.)  Hebrews 10:23

When you pray in faith, knowing that God hears you and will answer you.  Don’t allow doubt to creep in.  Your words are very important.  Stay in agreement with God’s Word.  He is always faithful to fulfill His promises to you.  Don’t give up!  Stand strong.  You will see His Will be done in your situation

Faith. Trust. Believe.

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.  For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.  Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.  Mark 11:22-24  

Have Faith in God. Trust in God. Believe in God. We have a source that is greater than ourselves. Notice Jesus doesn’t say we believe we’ve received what we ask for when we see it…  He said to believe you receive when you pray.  When you pray in faith, you are taking God at His word.  You are verbally agreeing with God.  There is nothing too difficult for God to do.

No Voice Mail

Call unto me (God), and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.  Jeremiah 33:3

Jeremiah 33:3…God’s direct line. God is on call 24 hours a day, everyday.  He’s always ready to talk to you.  You’ll never get God’s voice mail.  In fact, He sent His Spirit to live in you, so He could communicate with you every moment of the day.  When you pray, listen to God’s voice, He will show you amazing things.

Take The Time

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he (Jesus) went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. Mark 1:35 

And he (Jesus) withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed. Luke 5:16 

And it came to pass in those days, that he (Jesus) went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12 

Jesus constantly had people around him and things to do. Many people to heal, many people to teach yet Jesus took time to get alone with God. He purposefully took time to spend with His father. Out of that time spent with the Father, Jesus knew what to say and what to do. 

The same thing happens when we spend time with our Father God. We are directed in all areas of our life just as Jesus was. God wants your life to be successful, so let him lead your steps. 

Family! Caden 18 Months

What Is Caden Doing at 18 Months?

Oh, so many things!!!

Caden has learned to say over 30 words in the last 6 months! Some of them I'm pretty sure only mommy and daddy can understand, but we love that he's learning to communicate with us.

He loves to eat! Especially if it's a favorite, like: cheese, waffles, fruit smoothies, eggs, lasagna, popcorn, lemonade, and smarties.

All that tasty food has helped him grow big and strong! He weighs 23.5 pounds and is 32.75 inces tall!

Caden has quite an imagination for being so young, he's also very energetic and animated!

The Purpose of Prayer

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Matthew 6:33

What is prayer?  The purpose of prayer to talk to God.  It is spending time with God, loving and thanking Him.  It develops our relationship with God. When we put loving God first in our lives, all of our physical needs will be taken care of. 

Don't Stop

Pray without ceasing.  1 Thessalonians 5:17

Praying is communicating with God. We can communicate to God SO many ways.  Sometimes we are specifically praying for specific areas, sometimes we are praying in the Holy Spirit and then at other times we are just thanking God for all he has done! God enjoys talking to YOU!!

Absolutely Positively

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 

1 John 5:14-15

We can have confidence… what does that mean? It means that we can be absolutely positive with NO doubting that God hears us when we pray. We can also have confidence that when we pray according to His Will that we have the petitions we desire. 

How do we know if we are praying according to his will? God’s will is written down for us in the New Testament! When you pray according to the New Testament and all that Jesus has done through his death and resurrection we can be sure that we will receive what we are asking for.

Today's Though: What is God's will for you?

Ask & Receive

And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?  The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.  And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.  And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.  Mark 10:51-52

Jesus’ Fame had been broadcasted all over the region. The blind man had heard of the MANY miracles Jesus Had done! He knew if he asked Jesus for his sight he would be able to see.  Jesus has already provided the way to meet your need.  Receive the same way the blind man received his miracle… BY FAITH! Simply Believe what Jesus has already done for YOU!!

Jumper Cables

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.  

Matthew 18:19-20

The prayer of agreement is a powerful thing. Agreement means that you and the other person are believing for the same results.  When you and the other believer you are praying with come into agreement with the Bible, it will be done! 

God wants us to build relationships with other Believers! This scripture shows one reason why that is important. Sometimes we need other believers to agree with us in certain areas of our lives. 

Maybe you have had a time when you just needed someone to agree with you. Think of a car that is being jump started… when a car is jump started, jumper cables are connected at one car battery and attached to the car battery in need of being started. This allows power to be released into the car in need. 

Now see it as believers, when we agree with someone or have someone agree with us it is a way for faith and power to be released to the believer who just may have needed a “ jump start” in their faith. 

What can we agree in prayer with you about today?

The Door Is Always Open

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:16

As a Born Again Christian, A Son or Daughter of God, you have the right to boldly go before God and receive whatever you need.  You don’t have to beg and plead for the answer to your prayers.  Through Jesus, you belong right before God’s throne.  God’s Grace is available to us at all times! So come in the door is always open.

Ambassadors to the Nations

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.  2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV)

So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ's personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God.  2 Corinthians 5:20 (AMP)

Just as nations send ambassadors to represent their countries, you’ve been appointed by God to represent Jesus on the earth.  This may seem like a big responsibility, but He has equipped you for this.  He has given you His name, the power of His Word and put His own Spirit inside you.  When people see you they see Jesus. You are Christ’s representative here on earth! 

Shinning Lights

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life…  Philippians 2:15-16 

This is the time to follow God, no matter what – to give Him your whole life.  You are not just an ordinary man or woman.  You are a child of the Most High God!  You are a bright, shinning light to the world! You have been sent to speak for Christ. You are bringing them the Good News of God’s love.  You are an ambassador of Jesus Christ!

Walking In Power

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”  Romans 6:4

As a Christian you have the same life God gave Jesus when He was raised from the dead.  You are a new person.  You are full of the life-giving power of God.  As you spend time in the Bible and in prayer, the Holy Spirit will strengthen you and enable you to overcome and crush any old habits in your life.  You can walk in the power of God today!

Family! Cow Appreciation Day 2012

Thanks Chick-fil-a for a free lunch today! 

We had a blast dressing up Caden as a baby calf and taking the herd out for lunch. Caden even moo-ed a few times although it sounded like a bear, cows growl didn't ya know, silly ipod app that makes the cow sound like he's growling... And he kept his cute little ears on for quite a while. 

Caden's favorite part was drinking lemonade and playing in the kids area for the first time.

Credits:

Photos: David & Tammy Larsen - Do not copy or alter

Digital Scrapbook: SmileBox

Cow Ear Tutorial: http://brianandbethany.wordpress.com/2012/07/07/cow-appreciation-day-costume-tutorial/

Made It! DIY Dry Erase Frame

For my birthday my brother gave me The Ultimate Insanely Super Hot Chili Pepper Cookbook. The recipes are truly insanely hot, David loves hot stuff so this is the perfect book. I loved the cover of the book, the colors and design are great. I've been wanting to decorate our kitchen but wasn't sure what to do, when I saw the cover I was inspired and decided on chili peppers! 

You Have The Power

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him (Jesus), that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  Romans 6:6

If we are to live in Jesus’ fullness, we need to see ourselves crucified with Christ and raised with Him in His strength and abundance. Jesus is the One who conquered death, sickness, poverty, fear and shame.  Because Jesus lives in you, you have power on the inside of you to say NO to sin and choose to serve the God who made you and loves you!

Family! Caden's 1st Haircut

Well, I finally worked up enough courage to give Little Bear his 1st haircut.

After watching a few videos on you tube, to get an idea of what needed to be done. We armed ourselves with a popsicle, raisins, tape measure (one of Caden's favorite toys), and water bottle, put Caden in his high chair and started cutting...

Crucified With Christ

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  Galatians 2:20

We are crucified with Christ and Christ lives in us.  What does this mean?  Jesus became like us so we could become like Him.  He became a man and freely gave His life for you. Now we can choose to turn from our old ways and freely live our life for Him. We live this Christ life out by faith. Faith is believing and trusting God. We believe in the God who loved us and choose to live our life as testimony for Him.

What Are You?

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Philippians 4:8

This is God’s thought meter. 

God knew that we would need some instructions on the Right Way to think. 

In this world that we live in we are bombarded with negative thoughts. People are worried, people are anxious, people are depressed, people are angry…and the list goes on. No one told them to think like that… it just comes “natural” 

If you are not being purposeful to think the way God thinks, then these “natural” negative thoughts try to fill your mind.  Praise God, we are not just “natural” but SUPERNATURAL! 

The same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives on the inside of YOU! 

We have the Truth of the Word of God to rate our thoughts on the thought meter… thinking on Truthful things, Honest things, Good things. If your thoughts do not agree with God’s Word of how he created you or views you then you can replace them with the TRUTH. 

I am Blessed. I am healed. I am righteous. I am wise. I am bold. I am courageous. I can do all things through Christ Jesus!

Made It! Curtains In The Jungle ~ Butterick Pattern B4947

When we found out we were having a boy we decided to give his bedroom a jungle safari theme. We wanted to paint his room and deck it out to look like the rainforest, but then reality set in... that would be a lot of work, so we decided to decorate without all the painting and started with this really cute jungle bedding set from fisher-price for his toddler bed. Caden loves sitting on his big boy bed cooing at the brightly colored tigers, giraffes, monkeys and parrots. 

As Caden got older we discovered he sleeps better if his room is dark, so we added a room darkening shade, which helped a little. His bedroom window faces the east which means the sunrise comes in very early in the morning (much earlier than Mommy wants to wake up)!

So I collected an old sheet set, half a yard of Baby A to Zoo Stripes, some ribbon, sew-in interfacing, a wooden dowel and Butterick pattern B4947 and went to work on some curtains.

Identical To Jesus

…But we have the mind of Christ.  1 Corinthians 2:16

When we are born again have the same spirit of Christ on the inside of us that Jesus had. 

In our born again Spirit we are identical to Jesus I John 4:17 says that “as HE is SO are WE in this world” The moment we are born again our Spirit changes and is sealed with the Holy Spirit. 

Our body does not immediately change, nor does our soul…your soul houses your mind your will and your emotions. 

So how can this say that I have the mind of Christ? On the inside of you, You have the capacity to renew your mind to the same mind and attitude of Jesus. Ii is possible! 

As you renew your mind to the truth of God’s Word you will begin to think and act just like Jesus did! 

Made It! DIY Faux Layered T-Shirt

Now that Little Bear is mobile I find myself bending down to help him a lot. Which means I also find my shirts creeping up, I don't know about you, but I really hate the feeling of my skin being exposed when it's not supposed to be! This also makes shopping for summer clothes difficult because the shirts I like are either too low in the front or too short at the waist... I don't want to wear turtlenecks (don't even like those in the winter!) and I really don't like to layer my shirts 1. they're too hot that way and 2. they bunch up.

Thus began the search for a tutorial online, how to make a layered shirt without all the layers??? I found some ideas but, not what I had imagined...

1. I grabbed my all time favorite t-shirt (thanks Aunt-T), two old faded glory shirts that were too short, my scissors, sewing machine and these instructions on ehow.com

I figured if I messed up the old shirts I wasn't out any, I can't wear them as they are anyway!

Program Your Mind

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Program your mind with the Word of God.  The Word is Spirit and Life.  When your mind is full of God’s Word, you become stronger and can overcome ungodly thoughts and bad habits.  You can take control of your thoughts.  It is your choice what you think. Jesus paid the price for your thoughts and has given us His Word which enables us to win over bad thoughts and imaginations. 

Family! Rubber Ducky

Ever since Caden was a baby he has loved taking baths. So, when the rubber ducky inflatable bathtub (that we won) arrived, we knew bath time would be even more fun. 

Rubber ducky didn't disappoint! Caden found his swimming trunks and other rubber ducks and splashed in the tub for a very long time! 



Credits:
Photos: Tammy Larsen Do not copy or alter
Digital Scrapbook: SmileBox
Special Thanks To Munchkin for sending us a free Duck Bathtub

Made It! DIY Owl Taggie Toy

In order to get use to my new sewing machine and try to remember how to sew again, I decided to make some little stuffed owls for Caden. I actually made two owls, a blue one and a pink one, but only took pictures of the pink one.

I found these little guys on pinterest, then went to the source, for the pattern and detailed instructions, thank you Bubbles & Bobbins! They're really easy to make and only took about an hour. I spent around $10 on supplies, but I have quite a bit of ribbon, stuffing and material left over. All in all the owls probably cost less than $2 each.

Free Pattern & Tutorial from Bubbles & Bobbins  

I'm not going to give a detailed tutorial, but I will show you how I made mine... In hind sight I would have placed the eyes and beak a little lower and closer together, but this little owl has been loved by Caden, so I guess it's not a big deal, just personal preference.

Family! Summer = Watermelon

Summer = Watermelon

Caden and I were grocery shopping the other day when I saw a huge bin of melons! Yay! I showed him how to thump the melons and find the perfect one. Caden drummed on it quite contentedly, tried to eat it, and hugged it!

When we cut it open, it was love at first sight... and one of the best watermelons we've had in a long time.

Credits:

Photos: Tammy Larsen Do not copy or alter

Digital Scrapbook: SmileBox

Think Like God Thinks

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  Romans 12:2

Don’t let the world squeeze you into its mold.  Instead, “be transformed by the renewing of your mind”!  THINK a new way – like God thinks.  When you see something in the Bible say “I agree with that.  From now on I’m believing that instead of what I use to think.”  Soon you’ll find yourself believing and thinking the way God thinks.

Changed!

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Changed! It’s what happens to you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer.  You’ll learn a new way of thinking; your “outside” will be transformed! Instead of being like the world, you’ll begin to change to the image of God in you. You were created in the IMAGE of GOD!

Family! Who Does Caden Look Like?

Often we get the question "Does Caden look like Daddy or Mommy?" We like to think he's a perfect blend between both of us. Now that he's older though, his personality is really starting to shine! 

Some days he looks just like Daddy, from the cute little faces, to the adventurous look in his eyes, to his mischievous smile, to the beautiful curly hair.

Sweet Sleep

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. Psalms 4:8

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Proverbs 3:24

Sometimes (day or  night) there may be thoughts that try to come to you…nightmares, evil reports or sometimes just being afraid of something. These verses are a promise to you that as you trust in God and His Words of Protection, You can choose to focus on His Word and come to a place of Peace and Safety on the inside of your heart. You can rest in Peace. You do not have to be in Fear. You have angels surrounding you. God loves you and is for you. God has not given you a spirit of Fear. You can rely on His Word for you today!


Image: Monica Bryant Photography

A Strong Tower

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous run into it, and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

As believers we have been given the Name of Jesus. There is nothing above His name. When we believe in the power of the name of Jesus we can use it as a strong place, a place of safety and a place of security. Sometimes we get into dangerous situations… due to an accident, or other scenarios and we don’t know what to do… Trust in His Name and all that He is for you and receive His protection.

Photo: Leeds Castle - Tammy Larsen 2005  

Our Inheritance

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.  Isaiah 54:17

“No weapon formed against you will succeed.” Says God!  That’s good news!  This means that no sickness, circumstance or pressure that comes against you, will bring you down.  Protection is your God given right! This is your inheritance in Christ!