Pallet Art Girl's Night

The girls in my small group love our night's out. Sometimes we meet at Panera. Other times we have a baby shower. Or trade freezer meals. A few Saturday's ago, we decided on a craft night.

Now that my friend Ashlee knows how to use power tools, there is no project we can't tackle together! She took apart pallets and assembled these wooden signs.

Once we knew who could come, we printed names and wedding years. Using this tracing method, we painted a large colored initial on the board. The scripted last names looked great on top of these large initials.

Some added "Est. 2004" to complete their last name pallet art. It was so fun to see each person's style come to life as they painted their signs.

I always leave these nights feeling encouraged by these sisters in Christ.

Titus 2:1, 3-5, 7-8 says, "..,.Teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. ...And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can't be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us."

I used to think these "older women" that were to be examples referred just to my mom and grandmothers. It is scary to realize that I am now in that role of being the influencer to my children and other young women around me. I still have a lot to learn, but I left this evening feeling challenged to make a difference.

When I looked around at the number of families that were represented that evening in that workshop, it was staggering to think of the influence we ladies could have. Our children...their friends...our friends...our spouses...our co-workers...our grocery store cashiers....the list goes on and on. As we painted the year that our families were established on those signs, it seemed to signify a testimony of the number of years we have been influencing our family.

In 2 Timothy 1:5-6, Paul credits Timothy's spiritual growth to the influence of his mother and grandmother. What do we makes a difference. We are changing lives.

I love these ladies and jump at every chance I get to hang out with them. It is truly a blessing to be surrounded by these like-minded women. Together, we can encourage each other to make a difference. 

Thankful for this Group

Last night, our small group had our annual Thanksgiving party -

We usually have it at the beginning of November, before all the family get-togethers begin.

Everyone brings part of a traditional Thanksgiving menu. And it always gets me excited about the yummy meals to follow in the next few months as we celebrate the holidays.

This year, we had our party at the church playground. Kids were running everywhere.

While the adults were able to talk.

And although were aren't related to the people in this group, they have become our family. Whether it's the bond we have in Christ or having kids around the same age - this group is what has helped make Chattanooga feel like home. 

Adding Scripture to our Homes

Last night, the girls in my small group had a baby shower/girl's night/craft night/potluck. Since our husbands were nice enough to keep the kids for the evening, we decided to cram as many activities in one night as possible.

I've said it before...and I will say it again...I love these families. I love that we do life together. We support each other in so many ways. Whether it's a baby shower, bringing meals, offering a hug or praying for each other's needs or hurts.

We had a great group last night...but we also missed those who weren't able to attend.

We all contributed to the taco supper and enjoyed yummy desserts.

We then showered the two expecting moms with diapers and baby gifts.

After praying over these two sweet ladies, their babies, and some other needs in our group, we dug into our craft time.

I remember Scripture being on the walls in my home while I was growing up. And that cross-stitch of the Proverb about making sure my words were "sweet like honey comb" convicted me many times. I wanted to incorporate Scripture into my own home as well.

In Jewish homes, you will find a Mezuzah (little box like item with a scrolled rolled up inside) on their doorposts. It serves as a reminder of God's law and presence and is a symbol of their Jewish identity.

Their scroll contains Deuteronomy 6:4-6,9. I was challenged by the entire passage (verse 4-9). And I love that my Bible titled this chapter "A Call for Wholehearted Commitment."

Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul,

and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these

commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your 

children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the 

road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 

Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 

Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. 

Like the Mezuzah, Scripture in our homes can also serve as a reminder of God's law and presence and be a symbol of our Christian identity.

Plus, it's always going to produce good things.

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. 

It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. 

Isaiah 55:11, NLT

It helps me to memorize Scripture and encourages both my family and our guests. In Hudson's room I have Zephaniah 3:17, Psalm 61:2 in Nora's room and Joshua 24:15 in my kitchen. Little 4x6 prints of Scripture are also sprinkled throughout our home. 

 The girl's all chose ahead of time which canvas they would paint. I brought along all of the supplies. 

My MawMaw's canning rack held all the supplies perfectly. 

We used the technique from this blog post to transfer the words to the canvas.  

Some chose a design that said "Count your Blessings."  (PDF for Count your Blessings)

Let all that I am praise the Lord, may I never forget the good things He does

for me. He forgives all my sings and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from 

death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things.

Psalm 103:2-5, NLT

Others painted "Walk by Faith." (PDF for Walk by Faith)

I will walk by faith, even if I cannot see.

2 Cor. 5:7

And the third option was "Choose Joy."  (PDF for Choose Joy)

...When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an 

opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is 

tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

James 1:2-3, NLT

Whatever they chose to paint, I am excited to see how they choose to incorporate Scripture into their homes.  These canvas boards can easily be framed, hung on the wall with command strips or set on a shelf or hutch. I think I might hang a large frame on the wall and then hang my canvas board with command strips onto the wall inside the frame (leaving the wall showing between the frame and the canvas). 

I wish I would have taken pictures of the finished projects last night. They looked fabulous. I am anxiously awaiting pictures of these verses hanging in their homes. And I love knowing that the Lord will use these Scriptures in mighty ways.

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. 

It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. 

Isaiah 55:11, NLT