No Budget, No Problem: Pretty Pinecones and the Process of "Being" One









    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. You are still you, and your spouse is still them.  However, now, you are caught up in creating a new oneness that becomes your marriage and your family. Genesis 2:24 says, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." (Genesis 2:24, ASV). It's a process of being together.  
    Add financial burdens to this process of "being" together, and you will experience conflict. The key is not to turn toward your idea of perfection. The key is honestly to turn to each other. Talk it over. Listen to others but realize that only you and your spouse have opinions that matter. You are the two who are becoming one. You are the ones who are dwelling together in body, mind, and soul.
    Where do these little insignificant pinecones come in?  They facilitate oneness. First of all, they are a super easy craft. All you need are free pinecones. A family member gave me these. You can pick some up if you have pinecones in your yard. Dry them out for a few days if they aren't already dry, and then grab some white paint. Husband and wife can gather the pinecones and paint together. Brush each little section with white color. You don't need a lot of paint. The white craft paint costs about 50 cents to $1.
    When they are dry, cut a hanger from the curling ribbon. Put a knot at the end. Glue the looped segment of ribbon on the pinecone. Cut another ribbon, make a bow, and glue it on the pinecone. Then you can decide if each one needs another segment of curled ribbon. 
    Hang the pinecones on your tree. You've spent only a few dollars and now have many new pretty ornaments. Plus, you've done something together, "cleaving." You're building your new identity by decorating the Christmas Tree you will hopefully have for years to come.








Blessings in Christ,
Jane Shoemaker

















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