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...

            November usually begins with the falling of leaves and acorns to the ground. For those of us living in the American South, the falling of leaves and acorns is usually quickly followed by the mowing up of those leaves and acorns. The squirrels barely get a chance to take a bite. So what do you do with the acorns you're going to mow up in a few days? Repurpose them, of course! You could do this in a lot of ways. You could turn them into a garland. You could pick them up and put them in a squirrel or bird feeder. Or you could turn them into coffee table art. The internet is ablaze with beautifully painted acorns.       Many people paint intricate designs on them. In contrast, some people simply paint them bird's egg blue. Whatever you decide to do with them, they can brighten your day. I have a simple gold leaf plate that they now adorn. The dish was made by Betty, but I have seen many similar ones. You may have a squirrel ...

      As Halloween approaches, many Christians will look for ways to redeem the season by proclaiming Jesus's victory over sin and darkness. The "Pumpkin Prayer" is one such tool. I did not write this prayer. It is a tool written by an unknown author. Using the "Pumpkin Prayer" in your church event is a great way to teach children and adults how to share Jesus's light in the darkest times. Each line in the prayer features an action to do with a pumpkin. Those actions are in parentheses. Also, note that one may demonstrate the truths found in the "Pumpkin Prayer" by using a complete Jack' o Lantern rather than performing each task in real-time. The prayer is reprinted below.  The Pumpkin Prayer Author Uknown Dear God... Open my mind so I can learn about you. (Cut the top of the pumpkin.) Take all my sins and forgive the wrong that I do. (Clean out the inside.) Open my eyes so that your love I will see. (Cut out the eyes.) I'm sorry for the t...

    For hundreds of years, Christians debated whether or not to celebrate Halloween. Halloween possesses well-documented pagan roots. It started out as the Celtic Festival, Samhain. It was believed to be the day when the dead could walk among the living. Thus, much was done on Samhain to appease evil spirits. It also consisted of bonfires and human sacrifices to false idols. From a Christian perspective, Halloween does not look suitable. God does not condone worshipping idols or murdering people. In fact, to do so violates two of the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:3, 13). Consistent with the repurposing theme of our blog, the early Christians transformed the holiday. Instead of worshipping darkness, the early Christians proclaimed Jesus's victory over Satan. Instead of fearing the terrors of the night, the Christians declared God's victory over them all.      According to Roman Catholic theology, "All Hallows Eve" was a day to pray for those souls who recently depar...