Repurposed with Purpose

     This is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is the season in which Christians look forward to the second coming of Christ at the time of his first coming. We look forward to the day when Christ will redeem us personally and make the world new (Romans 8). We hope for his second coming. The first candle we light, therefore, is the hope candle. It reminds us to put our hope in Lord.  Psalm 130:5 says, "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word, I hope.               Although not a traditional Advent symbol, the heart reminds us we can hope in the Lord because his love is unfailing. It's true at all times. "But God proves His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.            Maybe you are looking for hope this advent season. Trust in God's love for you. His word says that if you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Christ ...

     Art is important. It shouldn't be at the periphery of our lives. It should be closer to the center. Creating either fine or folk art is akin to worship. The scriptures show us that God utilized textile art to dwell with his people. Beautiful textiles housed God's presence in Israel's first center of worship, the tabernacle. Exodus 36:8-19 describes the excellent fabrics created by skilled workers for the tabernacle. Curtains were made of fine linens with colorful yarns. Textile artists carefully sewed golden cherubim into some of the curtains, while the outer tent which covered the tabernacle was made of fine goat's hair. God gives people artistic talents to use for his glory.      When you make something out of textile, take a deep breath. Imagine your prayers going up to God, giving him adoration and glory. The prophet Samuel tells us that worship is obedience to God (1 Samuel 15:22). Making textiles can be a central part of your obedience to Go...

    I said, "I do," over eleven years ago. Many ups and many downs followed. There were many lean times.  Today, I'm writing for those just beginning their married lives.     Many of us get married with the idea of making our marriage perfect. Let me say that most sober-minded individuals do not believe that everything will be perfect, yet we want to strive to make it so. I realized early into my marriage that my idea of perfect was not my husband's idea of perfect. We are different persons with different personalities and different life histories.  The key to overcoming conflicts that arise from different views of perfection comes from growing together and admitting when we are wrong.     The home you share together can be a source of oneness, but it can also be a source of conflict, especially if you and your mate are not on the same page when decorating. What is relaxing or energizing for you might not be energizing for your husband/wife. ...

     This is not your average wall-hanging tree. Those of us growing up in the 1990s remember them all too well. In fact, this one was no exception. Destined for the trash can, the heroine saved it from certain death. That is how I wished the story read. I did rescue it, but over the cries of family members who wanted no more junk brought into the house.      First of all, I removed approximately 15 gold boxes and bows. The bows are classy, so I saved them for another project. Then I removed all the red berries and pine cones. The pine cones were also gold. Then, I had to ask, what will I do to update this tree? Make it modern by throwing it back to the 1950s.     Mid-century modern takes its name from the 1950s and 1960s. It was popular during the mid-20th century. It features bright colors and clean lines and totally disregards convention. In some ways, this interior design movement is analogous to modern art.  But most importantly, my kitc...