Cap Creations

Happy Birthday to ME!

2012-02-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

Today is my BIRTHDAY so I thought I'd celebrate with a little sale! For the next 24 hrs only get 25% off all items in the shop!!! If you've had your eye on something now is the time! Shop HERE. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ME!

Do you have any birthday traditions that you do in your home? One that we do that I started when it was just my husband and I, is to wake the birthday person by blasting this song below.

So this my friends is what I woke to this morning. It is such a fun way to start your birthday morning!

{What Do I Know of Holy}: An Everlasting Love

2012-02-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, I would like to take a break from our I HATE RELIGION series and talk instead about that thing called love.

And speaking of love, I absolutely LOVE this free printable from my friend Valerie over at The Blogging Pastor's Wife.

Go here to download.

Did you know that God loves you with an everlasting love?

I just love the sound of that - an everlasting love. How beautiful and refreshing.

Think about it. No matter who you are or what you have done, or will ever do, God loves you more than you could ever imagine - unconditionally.

Probably the closest earthly comparison would be the love between a parent and their child. I can speak from experience that no matter what my little guys do, I could never love them any more or any less. Even when they drive me crazy, I still love them with an overwhelming love. They are apart of me - like little pieces of my heart walking around in earthly bodies.

Can you relate?

And yet even this comparison falls short because God's love for us is SO much bigger than my love for my children. Plus, his love is perfect. He never makes a mistake that he has to apologize for later. His love is constant, unending, everlasting. Our one true love.

If you are single, be reminded that you have access to a love that is better than any you will find here on this earth. And if you are married, tap into this love and allow it to pour over into your marriage.

Artwork and Image by Barn Owl Primitives

I don't know if I want to go so far as to say that my life is a fairy tale - but I do know that there is a knight in shining armor on a white horse, who so desperately wants to win my love - so much so that he died on the cross for me. And he did the same for you.

To get a glimpse of this love, read one of my all-time favorite books:

Seriously. Every woman should read this. It is based off of the book of Hosea in the bible and you will be absolutely amazed at the everlasting love that God has for you.

May you know the fullness of God's love this Valentine's Day, and always.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. {John 15:13}

Prayer Rock Valentine

2012-02-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

Shared this over at Worthy of the Prize for their Hope for the Home series but thought I'd share it here too!

Have you ever heard of a prayer rock? The idea is simple. You place this little rock on your pillow each morning so that when you go to bed that night you are reminded to say your prayers. Then when going to bed you place it on the floor so you are reminded to say your morning prayers when you wake. This is also great for training your children to remember their morning and nighttime prayers.

These are so simple and fun to make. Here's how. Oh and be sure to get the kiddos help they love making these!

Gather some rocks. I had these on hand that I got at the Dollar Tree.

Cut out small heart shapes using some of your favorite fabrics. This is a fantastic use for even the tiniest of scraps.

On a smooth clean side of your rock, brush on a coat of mod podge.

Add a fabric heart.

Brush on another coat of mod podge, right over the fabric heart. You'll want to get good coverage over the fabric to ensure a good attachment. Now do several and let them dry and you are done!

Now my kid is a rock fanatic so these are going to be his Valentines to his classmates this year. I made a tag with the prayer rock poem and we will package it up like one of the options below. You can snag the tags below too!

Use letter stamps to stamp "You Rock" on a muslin bag and tie on the tag. You can also stamp the to and from on the back of the tag. The complete letter stamp sets can be found in the dollar bins at Michaels.

Add the tag, basket filler paper, and the rock to a cello bag and close. Again you can stamp the to and from on the back of the tag.

Simply drop the rock into a red bag, fold the top over and attach the tag with a heart paper clip.

If not using for a Valentine, how great would these be in an entryway, you can let your guests grab one as they go.

Download the Prayer Rock tags HERE.

{What Do I Know of Holy}: Church is NOT a Building

2012-02-01T16:15:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad that you are joining us today, as we continue our I HATE RELIGION series. Go here to watch the incredible video that this series is based upon and to catch up on the previous posts if you missed out.

In case you are new around here, my name is Erin and you can usually find me blogging over at Worthy of the Prize. As always, I'm so honored that Cat invites me to guest blog here every Wednesday. I have truly enjoyed our time together each week.

Today I would like to discuss one of the problems that I have with the modern-day church.

But before we get started, I just want to clarify again that I do love church. It is good to be involved in a church. God wants us to be in constant fellowship with other believers, as we seek him together. And by the way, my hubby is a pastor, so we are definitely heavily involved in a church and always have been.

But as stated in the video, there is a huge problem running rampant in today's churches...

If religion is so great, why does it build huge churches but fails to feed the poor?

And there you have it, my friends. It really bothers me that today's churches put so much time, money and effort into their building, their image, their look - yet they are not reaching people.

Here me when I say that church is not a building. It is not a show. It is not a place to come be entertained.

Do we really need to waste thousands and thousands, millions even, of dollars, to build beautiful buildings stocked full of expensive equipment, even to the point of making our worship services a broadway spectacle complete with smoke, lights and costumes?

Since when did you have to be a professional entertainer and have a radio voice to be a worship leader?

Are we really fulfilling our purpose by sitting in our pretty pews being entertained one morning a week, when there are hurting people, poverty and orphans dying, without Jesus, all around us?

Now don't get me wrong. God does ask for our best. It is good to strive for excellence, so that worship is not hindered. And you definitely have to be relevant, in order to reach people.

But we need to remember that church is about meeting people where they are and introducing them to Christ. Period. And worship services are about encountering God. Period.

What are your thoughts?

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. {Acts 2:42-47}

Come visit me!

2012-01-30T15:13:00.000-08:00

Hi there! You should come check out my prayer rocks! I am blogging about them over at Worthy of the Prize today, for their Hope for the Home series. Won't you come say hi?

What I Love About the Thrift Store {link party #17}

2012-01-27T16:29:00.000-08:00

Hey thrifty friends. Welcome back for another thrifty link up. First I want to announce that Comment #11 who is Kristine Kuert is the lucky winner of the store credit for the live.laugh.rowe giveaway. Congrats Kristine!

I went to 2 thrift stores this week, very quickly. I found absolutely nothing! Hate it when that happens. So I have no photos to share this week.

Last week I asked for your tips on reselling your thrifty finds. Which by the way please share more tips. I want to thank Laurie who shared the link to download this book Etsy 101 for free! And even better when you down load the book, inside it shows you how you can also request a free hard copy! While supplies last. I requested mine and already got it in the mail today!!! Yippee! Thank you Laurie for the great tip!

I do want to share these lovely dishes that Just a Little Southern Hospitality linked up.

These dishes bring back so many memories. My mother has a pretty large collection of these. And they were used at my bridal shower. They were used again for my baby shower. So pretty and fancy, perfect for a lovely luncheon.

Okay friends, so what did you find this week? And be sure to share any selling tips in the comments. Tips on etsy, ebay, shipping and anything else you feel would be useful.

{What Do I Know of Holy}: Perfume on a Casket

2012-01-25T08:38:00.000-08:00

Authenticity. Sincerity. Openness. Honesty.

What do these 4 words have in common, you ask?! Why do I bring them up?

Unfortunately, I have found them to be scare, almost non-existent, in today's churches and religious circles.

What about you? Has this been your experience?

Show me in the Bible where it says that we need to cover-up our sin, hide our mistakes and just put on a "happy face" no matter what trials, tribulations, tragedies, struggles, etc we are going through.

Have you struggled with this - or even been told that you need to "wear the mask"?

Last week we talked about the fact that God does not ask us to "get our act together" before coming to him and that churches are not a "museum for the good" but on the contrary, a "hospital for the broken." Go here to catch up if you missed it. And go here to watch the incredible video that this I HATE RELIGION series is based upon.

Today I would like to take it one step further and urge you to...

Be. Real.

Image and artwork by one of my favorite little etsy shops, Barn Owl Primitives.

Do not be influenced by "fake" Christians. You know the ones I am talking about - who seem to have it "all together," always telling you "what you want to hear," putting up a wall and pretending everything is okay when they are dying inside.

I do not want to be harsh or critical, so hear me when I say that all churches and followers of Christ are not this way. But this is a trend in our society that has infiltrated many churches and religious circles. And I want to be clear in saying - this trend is not of God. God does not ask us to mask our problems and lie to those who care about us.

In fact, doing this gives Satan a stronghold and allows him to thrive. And when this happens, Christ's mission is derailed.

Life is tough. Trials are many. And it is during these times that we need support from our brothers and sisters in Christ more than ever.

Now, am I saying that we need to "boast in our sin" or "air our dirty laundry"? Absolutely not.

In fact, go here and read what Amanda of Baby Bangs has to say on the subject. Amanda is a fellow pastor's wife and happens to be the daughter of Beth Moore. She discusses this very topic here and says it better than I ever could.

They can't fix their problems and so they just mask it - not realizing that religion is like spraying perfume on a casket.

Classmate Valentine Printable

2012-01-23T10:17:00.000-08:00

Here's a fantastic idea for a valentine for your kiddo's classmates! This adorable pop bottle was illustrated by my wonderful husband. I took his drawing and transformed it into a Valentine envelope that reads "I think you're tops!" and "Happy Valentine's Day". And a to and from for you to fill in.

It's perfect for stuffing with a bottle cap necklace or bottle cap magnet. Which by the way we have a tutorial for each! Necklace here and magnet here. (We make it so easy on you.)

We did these last year for my son's 1st grade class and they were an absolute hit! Classmates got the necklace and teacher the magnets. And everyone loved them!

To Make:
Download our Valentine envelopes HERE.
Print on regular 8.5x11 paper.
Cut around the edge. Cut inside the outline so that no black is left.
Next you need to fold back the big tab where the arrows show below.

You will now have something that looks like the photo below. Fold the flap that sticks out, upward. Again where the arrow is showing in photo below.

Now you have this. Tuck that flap under the top layer.

Run a glue stick across the under flap and attach to top layer.

When you flip it over it should look like this.

Simply fold the top and bottom flaps. Add glue stick to the bottom flap and leave the top open for stuffing.

You can either glue stick the top after stuffing or use a cute Valentine sticker to close that flap.

Now go check out our bottle cap necklace tutorial and bottle cap magnet tutorial to complete your Valentine. These are sure to be a hit!

The bottle cap in our photo was done with our ink jet printer using the same method as our magnet tutorial. That bottle cap art in the photo is available at Blessed by Designs.

What I Love About the Thrift Store {link party #16}

2012-01-20T17:29:00.000-08:00

Hey! Thanks for joining me and the linksters (that's you awesome people that link up to this party) for our thrifty link up. But first! If you missed yesterdays post I encourage you to check it out. There is a giveaway!!! And some creative ways to say I Love You and a free printable.

So what do you love about the thrift store? I'd love for you to share in the comments section. You guys inspire my thrifty outings. Truly, I mean just read this post and not want to go thrifting or saleing (yard sale shopping)!

So one thing I notice often is that some of you sell your thrift finds. Well I decided recently that I was gonna have a go at that! And I also noticed that there is so much more to buy when you are shopping to resell. I see tons of things that I like but don't buy cause lets face it, I just don't need it.

Anyway thank you all for the inspiration. I will share when I do have some active listings. Any tips you'd care to share about this would be fantastic! Pah pah pah PLEASE! Tips on etsy, ebay, shipping and anything else you feel would be useful.

So here's what I found this week. A Miche bag, a lovely milk glass cake stand, a wooden pedestal style bowl that I see a makeover for in the near future. And a bag full of wine corks that we will be using for a class project.

Here's what y'all linked up last week!

Tatter and Fray (I must hang out with this woman some day) always finds the best stuff. Check out these glasses. She is one of you that I mentioned sells her finds.

Cheerful Thrifty Door found these neat glasses. Hey Cheerful do you sell?

Granny Sue found a whole load of stuff! Including this sugar dish.

And I also wanted to mention that Having a Hallelujah Good Time is teaching her son well! Go see how he turned his $2 into 4 PS2 games and $1.20 in GameStop store credit. Well done!!!

This my friends is what I love about the thrift store! So what did you find?

Linking up at:
S- Fleamarket Finds M- Apron Thrift Girl Tu- House of Grace, Coastal Charm, F- Shabby Nest, The Thrifty Groove S- Penny Worthy Project

Guest Post: Creative Ways to say {I Love You} by Live.Laugh.Rowe

2012-01-19T08:56:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! My name is Kelly of live.laugh.rowe. I'm currently a stay at home wife. I stay busy blogging, crafting, cleaning and taking care of my boys...my husband and my two furry friends {smile}.

I'm tickled silly to be guest blogging here today. With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, we have so many options as to how we can express our love. Hopefully, we're all expressing our love for our family and friends everyday -- but, Valentine's Day is one of the special days where you can go about it a little more creatively, passionately and excitably {yay}! So, how do you go about doing that each year? Do you buy a box of chocolates? Send a card? Or maybe you just make a phone call to say, "I love you." I thought I'd share some creative ways you might say those three special words this year.

{Message Pillow Cases}
Desiree over at The 36th Avenue came up with ingenious idea -- and what a great way to say those three special words of I love you all year long. Leave little notes of admiration, love, and encouragement. See her tutorial here.

picture credit here

{I Love You Cards}
I saw these featured in a magazine a couple of years ago and thought they were pretty cool. I purchased a pack and leave them laying around the house, in my husbands car, lunches, etc. I've often thrown one in a card to a friend too. Something small and thoughtful that makes that friend, spouse, or child know that someone, somewhere loves them. For $5.00 you get 20 hot pink cards. Well worth it!

{Duty Free Coupons}
One year for a creative gift I gave my husband a half dozen Duty Free cards. They could be redeemed whenever he wanted to pass on his daily duties or weekly chores (whatever the case may be) -- taking the garbage out, cleaning the dishes, recycling, picking up after the dogs, etc. I've attached a sheet that is downloadable for you to use. These are great for your husband, wife, or kids. The sky is the limit. It's creatively FUN! p.s. Ladies, my husband {loved} these! You could even design your own. I personally liked the minimalist approach, plus men aren't that picky. Print on a piece of white or colored card-stock paper, cut and gift. Super easy! Download my version here.

{Frame this I Corinthians 13 Printable}
This is something I put together and will be printing a few as Valentine's Cards. I thought I would share it with you. It's sized to print as a 5x7. Print and frame it or have it printed on a card. Gift some inspirational love. Download this printable here.

So there we have a few inexpensive ways to say I love you this year. Now, to spread even more love, I'm going to give away a $10 store credit to my little Etsy shop, called House 129. Right now, it's more or less little expressions of crafty love with owls, birds, etc. I have so much more I want to add, but time seems to keep getting away from me. Anywho, check out the Valentine's Day aisle, you might see a little something to gift this year.

To Enter:

Visit House 129 and have a looksy! Come back here and comment about a favorite item from their site. This is mandatory before extra entries count!

Extra Entries (leave a comment for each):

-Follow Live.Laugh.Rowe blog.

-Become a fan of Live.Laugh Rowe on Facebook and suggest her page to friends.

-Become a fan of House 129 on Facebook and suggest her page to friends.

-Make a purchase from House 129 and earn 5 extra entries (please leave 5 comments)

-Follow Kelly on Pinterest.

This giveaway is open to US residents and Canada through Thursday, January 26th. The $10 store credit cannot be used towards shipping costs. Winner will have 72 hrs to respond and claim their prize. Make sure we have a way to contact you if you should win.

{What Do I Know of Holy}: A Hospital for the Broken

2012-01-18T17:53:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are new around here, my name is Erin and I blog over at Worthy of the Prize. I am so glad that you have decided to join us today - we are on a journey to find true joy this year, knowing that it can only be found in Christ alone.

If you missed last week's introduction to our I HATE RELIGION series, please go here to get caught up and to watch an incredible video that we are going to discuss in depth over the next several weeks, starting right now.

Have you believed the lie that you have to "get it all together" before coming to God?

Do you feel like you need to straighten-up, shape-up or study-up in order to step foot in a church?

Are you worried that you are not good enough?

Please hear me when I say...you are NOT good enough and you NEVER will be. Period.

So stop trying. And hear what the scriptures have to say.

I waited patiently for the LORD;

he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock

and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.

{Psalm 40:1-3}

Did you hear that?

God is the one who does the lifting. the changing. the saving. NOT you.

All you have to do is turn to him. come to him. trust him.

Will you stop believing Satan's lies and take that first step?

Church is not a museum for the good. It's a hospital for the broken.

Family Number Necklace {New in the Shop}

2012-01-16T10:16:00.000-08:00

Just added to the shop is the Family Number necklace. It features 2 sterling silver discs that are hand stamped and soldered together. The number represents the members in a family and then the family/last name is hand stamped below. A single freshwater pearl and a sterling silver ball chain finish it off.

This would be great for grandma too with the number of grand kids. Come check it out!

What I Love About the Thrift Store {link party #15}

2012-01-13T22:29:00.000-08:00

Welcome to this week's thrifty link party. I've got 2 things to share today. Please try to ignore all the clutter in the background. :)

I had to pick this up because I love to make jewelry and this makes a great display area for my pieces! I could not pass it up. It's HUGE and holds lots of jewelry. Sorry no inside photos but it has a pretty blue lining, a spot for rings and lots of divided compartments. And 3 large drawers. And the lock with key!

Next is this globe. Awhile back I found this in my brother's yard sale which made this one FREE! Yippee! I've been really drawn to globes lately and maps. Huh??? I've got a vision going on in my mind for my long overdue office re-decorating. Vintage - shabby - industrial! Make sense? lol! I thought so! (wink)

Thank you all who linked up last week! I love checking out your finds. The only bad thing is I get a major itch to go out immediately and look for great stuff!

Kiss My Brass if sharing some lovely Pyrex. And lots of it! There's more too, go see.

Tatter and Fray has these neat book ends. Can you guess what she used to make these book ends?

This my friends is what I love about the thrift store! So what did you find?

{What Do I Know of Holy}: I HATE RELIGION

2012-01-11T18:14:00.000-08:00

Last week I told you that my one word for 2012 was...JOY! Go here to read why if you missed it.

I have been praying for God to reveal to me what he wants me to share with you here every Wednesday and boy did he make it clear.

There is only 1 thing that can bring you true JOY in this life and that is a personal relationship with our savior, Jesus Christ.

I am not talking about happiness. Happiness is circumstantial.

But you can have JOY regardless of what is going on in your life. Despite it, in fact. And I am going to explain to you over the next few weeks how it is possible.

Will you take this journey with me?

Watch this incredible video, which we will discuss in depth over the next few weeks. Go ahead and leave me some comments with your thoughts. I would love to know your initial reaction, where you currently stand. And I strongly encourage you to share it with your friends. Talk to you next week! ;)

To the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. {Romans 4:5}

Just joining us?

Here are the posts that you have missed in our I HATE RELIGION series so far...

A Hospital for the Broken
Perfume on a Casket
Church is NOT a Building

{Hope for the Home} New Blog Series

2012-01-09T09:52:00.000-08:00

Hi y'all! I want to share this new blog series that is just starting over at Worthy of the Prize Ministries.

It's called Hope for the Home - Finding God in the Everyday. Every Monday they will share an idea on doing intentional things in your daily life that spur thoughts/conversations about God, making your home and life a living testimony.

It may be a craft that teaches your child a Bible story, a piece of decor for your home, a devotional thought or an object lesson, a recipe with a spiritual parallel, an inspirational printable to display in your home or anything that people can use to make God a part of their everyday life and home.

You will hear from Worthy of the Prize AND some great guest bloggers for this new series which includes yours truly on occasion. If the interest is there this may even become a linky, so that you can link-up your own ideas too!

There is an overload of this kind of stuff around the holidays but it would be nice to have a place to share ideas year round! Yeah???

I encourage you to check it out, share it with everyone and grab the button below to help share the love.

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. {Deuteronomy 6:4-9}

What I Love About the Thrift Store {link party #14}

2012-01-06T17:59:00.000-08:00

Hello! We have a giveaway going on over HERE! Go check it out. I posted this photo sometime back and never said what I ended up doing with these thrift store frames.

We made a family art gallery in our dining room.

We painted the frames all different colors cause as mentioned before I am a color freak! Spray paint works best. I tried craft paint cause of the great color selection but it was not covering very well. We added a wire to the back side of each frame and a clip for hanging our art work. We added one small shelf for a tiny easel art piece. And we added some vinyl wording that says Family Art Gallery.

Here is some of our handy work lol!

We love it because we can change out the art as often as we please. And seeing our art displayed encourages my kiddos to want to create more art! LOVE THAT!!! All the frames were picked up at the thrift store for under 2 bucks each and one was given to me by my mom. Can't beat that!

Now lets see what you linked up last time.

Jeannie Marie & Company found these Friendly Village dishes.

Sweetpea's GoodJunks found some Pyrex! I love all the Pyrex finds. I don't come across too much Pyrex around here.

And this my friend is what I love about the thrift store. So what did you find lately? Share it!

Linking up at:
S- Fleamarket Finds M- Apron Thrift Girl Tu- House of Grace, Coastal Charm, F- Shabby Nest, The Thrifty Groove S- Penny Worthy Project

{What Do I Know of Holy}: JOY

2012-01-04T13:06:00.000-08:00

2011 was a rough year and I am not sad to see it go. Anyone else feel this way?

Ministry triumphs were in abundance but unfortunately, so were personal trials.

As the freshly fallen snow covers the cold, hard ground, may the grace of God cover over a multitude of sins as he washes us whiter than snow.

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. {Philippians 3:13-14}

As for 2012, I look forward with great hope to the possibilities it brings. A new beginning. A clean slate. A fresh start.

And after much thought and prayer, I have decided that my one word for 2012 will be...JOY!

Have you heard of the one word movement? Do you have a word that you are going to focus on this year?

I am not much for resolutions. I usually get overwhelmed and quit. So last year when I discovered the one word movement, I was so excited. It simply gives me one thing to focus on in the new year. One thing that I want to accomplish. One thing to filter everything else through to make sure that I stay on track and am not adding anything to my life/schedule that does not fit with my God-given purpose and goals.

I suggest you consider doing it too. That way you can head into the new year with a goal, but without setting yourself up for disappointment, failure and frustration.

What do you say?

Tough things may come my way. Unknowns may be scary. Yet, I am determined to find joy in the journey in 2012!

Download here this print designed for us by 517 Creations, which has also been featured at Be Different Act Normal, 517 Creations and Printable Decor.

I may have to look hard to find it at times, and some days I may even have to choose joy, but the bottom line is that my God is with me, he has a plan for me and his mercies are new every morning.

A big part of this is going to be living a life of gratitude, being thankful for all of his blessings, not taking the little things for granted. And learning to embrace/cherish the special moments along the way.

My husband is a wonderful, loving, Godly man of character and integrity. I have 2 beautiful, healthy boys who light up our home. And if nothing else, by the grace of God {through faith}, I have a personal relationship with my savior Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life in heaven with him!

I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. {Philippians 3:8}

These are the things I will cling to when the going gets tough.

So, whose with me? Tell me your 2012 word!

Go here for 5 tips to help you decide your one word.

And by the way, I plan to print the {above} 517 Creations print to display in my home this year, as a reminder of my one word and my goals. I already put it on the left sidebar of my blog. I also plan to purchase this necklace from The Adopt Shoppe to wear as a daily reminder as well.

I am sure that Cap Creations or my talented friends over at The Adopt Shoppe and 517 Creations would love to design a necklace and/or a word art print with your word on it for you. Just let them know that I sent you!

Also, my friend Melanie at Only a Breath is giving away free blog buttons with your one word on it!

Happy New Year, friends! May God bless you as you seek him in 2012!

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart. {Jeremiah 29:13}

My Memories Scrapbook Software Review, Giveaway & Discount

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

If you've been around this blog for any amount of time, you know I absolutely love to create. Creating jewelry is my favorite but my next best thing is creating printable items. Invitations and party goods such as favor packaging, cupcake toppers, banners and more are what I love best. I also love making pretty and fun prints for the home. So you can imagine my excitement when My Memories contacted me to test out their My Memories Suite software! Yippee I get to play with a new program that will help me create!!!

My Memories offers a fantastic digital scrapbooking software that is perfect for creating digital scrapbooks. It is super easy to use and they have lots of templates so even a beginner can create a scrapbook in no time. My Memories Suite is rated #1 by Amazon and top ten reviews. It's great too because it can even be used to create the printables and such I was talking about before!

Check these out! I made these free printables for you with the My Memories Suite software. Click on them to download and send to your local photo lab and print at a 5x7 size. Frame them and adore! They are great inspiration for the new year! Hold the Key (with Matthew 16:19) meaning you are key to your own accomplishments or achievements and Unlock meaning you have the key to unlock your own greatness. Great inspiration right?

Key element from The Graphics Fairy

I'm telling you folks this software was super easy to use! My Memories also has a great website where you can find tons of scrapbooking kits for sale from several designers. And the program even works with other digital kits that are not necessarily from their site. I have to admit I'm kind of addicted to scrap kits and had fun looking around the site!

Buy It
If you are looking to purchase the award winning My Memories Suite software here's a sweet deal! The software is currently priced at $39.97 but Cap Creations readers can use coupon code STMMMS65694 to get $10 off! You will also get a $10 coupon to spend in the MyMemories.com store! So for $29.97 you will get the software and $10 in store credit! Purchase HERE.

Win It
My Memories has offered one lucky winner their very own copy of the My Memories Suite software! Yep one of you will get to play with this program too!

To Enter: (mandatory)
Visit the My Memories website then come back here and leave a comment telling us your favorite scrap kit. This must be done before extra entries will count.

Extra Entries: (these are optional)
• Follow the My Memories Blog and tell them in a comment Cap Creations sent you.
• Like My Memories on Facebook and tell them you want to win the giveaway at Cap Creations.
• Follow My Memories on Twitter.
• Blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway. Each can be done daily.
• Follow the Cap Creations blog.

Good Luck!

Leave a separate comment for each entry.

Make sure we have a way to contact you.

Last day to enter is 1/9/12.

Thrifty Link Party Holiday

2011-12-30T10:54:00.000-08:00

Hello, I am taking a much needed break this week to tend to family issues. I hope to be back next week with the What I Love About the Thrift Store link up. I'll share some of your links from last week. Thanks much for linking each week I love seeing what you all find. And writing each thrifty link up post really gets me itching to go out and find something great!

May you all have a blessed and happy New Year!

What Do I Know of Holy? {With Us}

2011-12-28T11:46:00.000-08:00

As I reflect back on the Christmas season, the one thing that really jumps out at me is the fact that God is with us.

Emmanuel. God with us.

And that it is his story, not ours.

And I could not help but think about the things we talked about on our 25 Days of Fitness journey the past few weeks...

-- how things never quite seem to go the way that we planned
-- and how God does things his way, with his custom label on them, in ways that we could never have
imagined or even wanted, quite frankly

We also talked about the "characters" {if you will} surrounding the Christmas story...a bunch of unlikely people who we know close to nothing about.

For example, all we really know about Mary is that she was probably between 14 and 16 years old and as for Joseph, he was a carpenter.

And that's about it.

This of course reminded me of our discussion on Day 1, that God uses ordinary people.

You would think God might give us a list of Mary and Joseph's qualifications, as to why he chose them to carry and raise his son.

But instead, he barely gives us any details.

And I really love what a pastor had to say about it:

God does not choose to use us in his story because of who we are or anything we have done. It is not about us. He is the central character in his own story. He is the one who gets all the glory.

And the ones he chooses to use are those who are willing to let him overwrite their story with his story.

If we want to be apart of God's story, we have to give up the one that we have written for ourselves.

So tell me, are you willing to do that?

Will you step out on faith and allow God to overwrite your story in 2012, so that you can be apart of something big--- something that he is doing.

Or are you going to hang on to the plans that you have made?

I cannot believe this is the last What Do I Know of Holy? post for 2011! How time flies!

I have enjoyed my time with you and I hope you have as well. I will be back with some new topics in 2012. Feel free to let me know if there is anything specific you would like for me to cover next year. Leave me some comments.

Before you go, hop on over to my blog Worthy of the Prize and enter our last giveaway of the year, for a chance to win this awesome necklace from The Adopt Shoppe!

Then "like" the Tower Promotions facebook page and enter for a chance to win 2 $50 Visa gift cards. What a great way to pay off some of that holiday debt or buy something for yourself for a change!

I hope y'all had a blessed holiday season with loved ones. May God bless you as you seek him in 2012.

Guest post: Thankful ornaments by MJ of 517 Creations

2011-12-27T11:28:00.000-08:00

Hi there! My name is MJ and you can usually find me blogging over at 517 Creations. I have the greatest job in the world: being a stay-at-home momma of my wild and wonderful little boy. I'm married to a youth pastor, which often make for such a fun (and crazy) life!

The project I wanted to share with you today is a little something that you can do with your kids before you pack away all of your Christmas decorations. I called it our thankful ornament.

We made this one in 2006, just after our first year of marriage, and used to it "record" things that we were thankful for from that year.

I simply typed out things that we were thankful for (on plain computer paper), cut the paper into 1/4 inch strips, rolled them into "curls" in stuck them in the ornament. I also added some "curls" of red and green scrapbooking paper.

To make it easier to see what we were thankful for from that year, I created a little tag to attach to the top of the ornament that listed everything. Tie a few ribbons to the top and you're done!

It's a fun tradition and a great way to look back on the great things from the past years!

The girls over at Shanty2Chic just posted a variation on this project a few days ago. Check it out here.

Wouldn't this be great to do with your kids before New Years? Especially since you can find all of the Christmas stuff for more than 50% off!

Thanks again to Cat for allowing me to guest post today! I'd love for you to visit me over at 517 Creations!

What I Love About the Thrift Store {Link Party #13}

2011-12-23T10:22:00.000-08:00

Hey thrifty friends! Glad to meet up again! I have a few things to share this week but first wanted to let you know about the giveaway going on today on the facebook page! You can win a gift certificate for $50 to spend on some Cap Creations jewelry! Or use it as a great last minute Christmas gift. Click on over to the facebook page HERE to enter.

I recently picked up these beauties! Don't you just love all the color? I'm a color freak though lol!

Now these next two photos are not actually thrift store finds. But I wanted to share them and all their vintageness. These were my mom's when I was growing up and she gave them to me a few years back. I loved these angels when I was a little girl. They were soooooo pretty to me. I wanted that one's hair on the right. I would stare at them for hours.

And this one belonged my husbands mom. This was the nativity set that he grew up with. It does include all the pieces. What a family treasure right?

Just a few of my things now lets see what you got!

Tales From Beyond the Nook found these. They are so pretty!

Treasures in Thrifting Land found these and I think they look so neat in a bowl like that. Go see her other Christmas finds too!

Sir Thrift-A-Lot found some more fantastic Pyrex with lids!

And this my friend is what I love about the thrift store. Come share your finds!

What Do I Know of Holy? {He Is On His Throne}

2011-12-21T11:24:00.000-08:00

After hearing Mary's perspective today in my reading from Max Lucado's One Incredible Moment, I am reminded of my thoughts on Joseph from last week, that things never quite seem to happen the way that we planned them.

Rest well, tiny hands. For though you belong to a king, you will touch no satin, own no gold. You will grasp no pen, guide no brush. No, your tiny hands are reserved for works more precious: to touch a leper's open wound, to wipe a widow's weary tear; to claw the ground of Gethsemane.

Your hands, so tiny, so tender, so white---clutched tonight in an infant's fist. They aren't destined to hold a sceptor nor wave from a palace balcony. They are reserved instead for a Roman spike that will staple them to a Roman cross.

Mary would never have planned for her child to walk the path that Jesus did. None of us would choose or want that for our son.

And yet, if she had tried to stop Jesus from walking the path to crucifixion, there would have been no resurrection. If he had not died, we would not live.

And I cannot help but think about Lazarus. Jesus could have saved him. He could have prevented him from dying. He did not need to leave him dead for that long. But if he had healed him before he died or if he had raised him from the dead immediately, we would not have witnessed God's glory and known for sure that it was of God and not man.

So when times are tough or things do not go according to plan, I encourage you to remember that {like silver} if we do not go through the fire, we do not come out refined.

And when you are wondering where God is in the middle of this mess, he is sitting on his throne. He is in control. He has a plan and it will prevail. He is on our side.

The God who can, will.

We just have to trust him.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. {Proverbs 3:5-6}

a letter from Santa printable

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

When Cathy asked for guest bloggers I jumped at the chance. It is always nice to enter into the world of another and I have been a fan of Cathy's work for quite some time. I am a fellow blogger, fellow creator, but of all things paper and Cathy won a giveaway a while back that I gave and we have been web friends ever since.

My letter from Santa tradition came about after I left cookies and milk for Santa. Christmas Eve night, Santa came and went as he usually does, ate his cookies, and drank his milk, and graciously left my two little ones a note of thanks and encouragement with two candy canes.

So I thought I would pass this tradition onto you with use of this printable. Use it as Santa's letterhead - as a way for Santa to leave a message - one of thanks, one of joy, or one reminding your kiddos of the reason for the season.

Have fun with it and enjoy.

To downlod your freebie just click here.

(for instructions on how to thread the ribbon through the card please stop by my blog tomorrow for a quick little tutorial).

And last, but certainly not least, have a wonderful and very joyful Christmas!

To learn more about me, Alison from The English Pea Studio, feel free to stop by or to keep in touch:

www.theenglishpea.com

www.facebook.com/theenglishpea

www.twitter.com/theenglishpea

www.pinterest.com/theenglishpea

What I Love About the Thrift Store {Link Party #12}

2011-12-16T08:48:00.000-08:00

Super busy with Christmas orders right now but wanted to pop in real quick for our thrifty link up. If you are waiting on an order it will be out soon. If you've placed an order thank you SO MUCH for your business! We are happy you selected us to be part of your gift giving this year!

Here are a few more Christmas items that were picked up at the thrift store. These lovelies help decorate our home for Christmas!

I so have a thing for vintage ornaments! They are all just so lovely. I see them and I can't resist them. There were finally enough to do our tree this year with them. Are they not lovely?

This vintage looking Santa is great because his toy sack in the back is the perfect spot for holding candy canes.

Look at that vintage detail! Love it!

How here's a bit of what you all linked up last week!

Joyful Treasure Hunting picked up a pair of these chairs for 10 bucks!

And check out what Shabby Cottage Collectibles found.

Linking up at:
S- Fleamarket Finds M- Apron Thrift Girl Tu- House of Grace, Coastal Charm, F- Shabby Nest, The Thrifty Groove S- Penny Worthy Project

What Do I Know of Holy? {This Wasn't My Plan}

2011-12-14T10:20:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness!! God really hit me over the head with this one in today's reading from Max Lucado's One Incredible Moment: Celebrating the Majesty of the Manger.

Do you ever wonder what Joseph must have been thinking?

This isn't the way I planned it, God. Not at all. My child being born in a stable? This isn't the way I thought it would be. A cave with sheep and donkeys, hay and straw? My wife giving birth with only the stars to hear her pain?

...Who will celebrate with us? The sheep? The shepherds? The stars?

This doesn't seem right. What kind of husband am I? I provide no midwife to aid my wife. No bed to rest her back. Her pillow is a blanket from my donkey...

Did I miss something? Did I, God?

Wow. I think Max could have entitled this chapter, "Erin, what happened to your plan?"

And I would have to answer, "we are so far from my plan, I can't even remember what my plan was!"

I know for certain it was not to leave the great state, move cross country to the frozen tundra, away from family and friends, taking the boys from their cousins and all that is familiar, basically giving up everything....and for what?

This is not the life I wanted for my children. This wasn't my plan.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. {Jeremiah 29:11}

I'm unaccustomed to such strangeness, God. I'm a carpenter. I make things fit. I square off the edges. I follow the plumb line. I measure twice before I cut once. Surprises are not the friend of a builder. I like to know the plan. I like to see the plan before I begin.

But this time I'm not the builder, am I? This time I'm a tool. A hammer in your grip. A chisel in your hands. This project is yours, not mine.

I guess it's foolish of me to question you. Forgive my struggling. Trust doesn't come easy to me, God. But you never said it would be easy, did you?

You know how they say, "God works in mysterious ways."

Well, I believe it is because he wants us to know for sure that it is him. His ways are custom-made with his label on it.

One final thing, Father. The angel you sent? Any chance you could send another? If not an angel, maybe a person? I don't know anyone around here and some company would be nice. Maybe the innkeeper or a traveler? Even a shepherd would do.

Only the God of the universe could have orchestrated the events that took place the night of that first Christmas, all those years ago. Thank goodness Joseph and Mary allowed themselves to be used in such a way that we can know for sure that it was from God and not man.

I wonder what God could do in our lives if we did the same?

I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. {Philippians 3:8-9}

Be sure to join us over at Worthy of the Prize as we continue our 25 Days of Fitness journey, preparing ourselves physically and spiritually for the arrival of our savior!

100 Postcards {A Giveaway} (CLOSED)

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

What would you do with 100 free postcards? You may get your chance because UPrinting is offering one lucky winner 100 free postcards to do with as they please! We have used UPrinting before and the quality of their product is great! You will not be disappointed.

Prize Details:
- 100 pcs Postcards for one winner
- 5” x 7”, 14pt Cardstock Gloss, No Folding
- Front Only Printing
- 14pt Cardstock Gloss / Matte / High Gloss (UV), or 13pt Cardstock Uncoated
- 2 Business Days Turnaround time
- Free US shipping only

to enter:
1. Like UPrinting Postcards page and share how you would use the postcards if you win the giveaway.
Click Like↓.

2. Tweet how you will use the postcards if you win the giveaway. In the tweet include a link to the UPrinting Postcard page (http://www.uprinting.com/postcard-printing.html) NOTE: Make sure to use the FULL URL and not any URL shortening tool for the tweet. Twitter will automatically shorten the URL for you.

Both must be done before extra entries will count.

extra entries:

• Follow the Cap blog.
• Like Cap on facebook.

Open to US residents only, 18 yrs and older that have not won a UPrinting prize in the last 6 months. • Leave a separate comment on this post for each entry. • Make sure we have a way to contact you. • Last day to enter 12/15/11. • GOOD LUCK!!!

This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive postcards for hosting.

What I Love About the Thrift Store {link party #11}

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas festivities are in full swing around here! Not to mention making and packing jewelry orders like Santa's little helper! Busy Busy!!! Did you grab the free Christmas printable yesterday?

Keeping with the Christmas theme I have a couple of thrifty Christmas items to share. I love vintage Christmas decorations. I snatch them up real quick anytime I see them. How about you?

I was so excited when I found these little toy solders at my local thrift store. They are about 12 inches tall. They are styrofoam, plastic and fantastic! Have you ever seen anything like them? I haven't!

This lovely angel was just waiting for my to pick her up. She measures about 11 inches tall. Not sure what she is made out of but the crazing on her face is neat. Sorry you can't see it in the picture.

Do you have any vintage Christmas items? I'll be sharing more next week.

Now on to you guys! We had a good turnout last week. I'm so glad that some of you are coming back each week. And glad to see a couple of new people too. Are you guys enjoying this thrifty link up? Thanks so much for joining if that's you!

Dj's Dusty Attic found this unique dish. What is it? I love the color!

Cheerful Thrifty Door found toy solders too. They come apart. So fun!

So what did you find lately? Love for you to join us!

Linking up at:
S- Fleamarket Finds M- Apron Thrift Girl Tu- House of Grace, Coastal Charm, F- Shabby Nest, The Thrifty Groove S- Penny Worthy Project

wise men printable

2011-12-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

Today we have a free 5x7 wise men still seek Him printable! I had this printed at my local photo lab, framed it and placed it in our living room. It's such a simple reminder to seek Jesus this Christmas and always. I would definitely have no problem leaving this one out all year long. These framed prints would make great gifts too. Enjoy and we'd love to hear if you snag it!

Oh and if anyone can help us out, let us know in the comments if our blog header looks blurry? It's looking horrible on our end and trying to figure out the issue here. Big fat Thank You!

Click on image to download.

What Do I Know of Holy? {An Ordinary Night}

2011-12-07T09:13:00.000-08:00

We are in the midst of 25 Days of Fitness over at Worthy of the Prize this month. We would love for you to join us as we prepare ourselves both physically and spiritually for the arrival of our savior! I will be sharing some of the thoughts from my journey through Max Lucado's One Incredible Moment: Celebrating the Majesty of the Manger here with you each Wednesday this Christmas season.

Have you ever felt like God forgot about you? Like there is simply nothing special about you?

That you are just ordinary.

If so, I encourage you to think about the night that Jesus was born and, take heart!

An ordinary night with ordinary sheep and ordinary shepherds. And were it not for a God who loves to hook an "extra" on the front of the ordinary, the night would have gone unnocticed. The sheep would have been forgotten, and the shepherds would have slept the night away.

But God dances amidst the common. And that night he did a waltz.

...The night was ordinary no more.

God has a special plan for each one of us. And it is bigger and better than we could ever have imagined.

Who would have thought that the savior of the world would have been born in a stable to a lowly carpenter and his wife, who was pregnant before he married her?

And yet it is a beautiful picture of the fact that "man looks at outward appearances" while the Lord "looks at the heart."

Many at that first Christmas were so busy looking for a "political savior" that they missed God's best...his bigger, better plan...the birth of his son...not the one that would save them from the government...but the savior of the world, the one who would conquer the grave!

Don't miss out on what God has for you this Christmas because you are distracted by the busy-ness of the season or because you are looking for something spectacular.

Slow down. Seek him. And notice what he is doing in and around you this season.

And don't forget that people are watching you too. And you just might be the only Jesus they see.

And can I just add...thank goodness God uses the ordinary. Otherwise we would miss out on the privilege of being apart of his glorious work, bringing us closer to him and making us more like his son.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. {Isaiah 55:8-9}

Be still, and know that I am God. {Psalm 46:10}

And just a little reminder, today is the LAST day that you can purchase an Africa Glass Ornament. ALL proceeds go to help the adopting families that we support bring their children home. You will get it in time for Christmas. Go here to purchase and please help us spread the word!

Our Christmas Cutoff has Arrived!!!

2011-12-05T10:06:00.000-08:00

Coupon Code Below

Final day to place your Christmas orders!

Our Christmas cutoff date is here, Monday December 5th. All orders placed after today are not guaranteed to arrive by Christmas.

So if you want to GIVE a little Cap Creations for Christmas please order now! And if you're hoping to GET a little Cap Creations be sure to forward this to that special someone. {wink wink} Nothing wrong with an obvious hint!

We cannot guarantee delivery times on orders placed for our international friends.

Check out some goodies below and use coupon code CHRISTMAS to get 10% off for mom, dad, brother, sister, grandma, grandpa, teacher, cousins, friends and more.

Tiny Initial	Saint Christopher Necklace	Best Friends Necklace
Little Slugger Baseball Necklace	I Teach	Sterling Silver Initial Necklace with Freshwater Pearl

What I Love About the Thrift Store {link party #10}

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Do you have a Goodwill Bookstore near you? I love thrift store books because of the bargain you get on them. My kiddos and I hit up our Goodwill Bookstore with a mission! We needed Christmas books and we needed 25 of them to do a Christmas countdown. Yikes that's a lot! Check out what we found.

The doh-doh bird in me forgot to take pictures before wrapping them. But they are all Christmas or winter theme. We snagged the Polar Express hardcover for 45 cents! I just saw it on my kiddo's scholastic order form for 19 bucks! And I am looking forward to reading Flavia and the Christmas Legacy. Thinking it might become a favorite for years to come.

We wrapped them like gifts and placed a number on each. Every night the kids will take turns opening one and the whole family (Dad too!) will read it together until we get down to 1! Got the book idea from The Idea Room, (thanks Amy) but we added the countdown numbers. You can snag our numbers HERE. By the way the kids loved wrapping these too! They are just for us so who really cares how well they are wrapped more importantly they had fun with it and mom wasn't hovering over them making sure they looked perfect!

And this my friends is what I love about the thrift store! I will probably be sharing many thrifty Christmas finds soon. Hope you like vintage Christmas cause I sure do. Now lets see what you found!

Speaking of vintage Christmas, Tatter and Fray found these Vintage Christmas Ornaments.

These owl trivets are from Joyful Treasure Hunting. Be sure to check out her mom's Pyrex collect too! WOW!

Thanks for joining us!

Linking up at:
S- Fleamarket Finds M- Apron Thrift Girl Tu- House of Grace, Coastal Charm, F- Shabby Nest, The Thrifty Groove S- Penny Worthy Project

Free Christmas Countdown Tags

2011-12-01T10:10:00.000-08:00

Happy December! Today and tomorrow only use coupon code HAPPYDEC for 15% off your orders at Cap Creations. Not valid on past or pending orders. Monday is the last day to order for guaranteed Christmas delivery!

Are you ready for Christmas? Use these tags to countdown! Simply download, print and cut or punch with a jumbo hole punch. 1 3/4 - 2 inch punch works best. The possibilities are endless on how you could use these. Create your own countdown activity and attach these tags! We'll share ours tomorrow for our What I love about the thrift store link party. We'd love to hear how you use them! Enjoy!!!

Click images to download.

Background paper by Summertime Designs.

What Do I Know of Holy? {ThanksGIVING}

2011-11-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

As November comes to an end and we wrap up our discussion on gratitude, I would like to talk about {giving back}.

By the way, I am SO sorry I missed last week. We were traveling for Thanksgiving and it completely slipped my mind.

I hope you all had a blessed holiday with loved ones. I know we did. Not only did we get to spend time with family thanking God for his many blessings, but we also got to be there for my husband's grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary celebration. Wow. What. A. Testimony. AND, I was able to be with my baby sister on her engagement night!! The last one to get hitched! Woohoo!!

This is a picture of me and my 2 little sisters. I am the one on the far left. Notice I am wearing my Cap Creations gather around necklace! ;)

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever! {Psalm 107:1}

The proper response in knowing that Jesus gave up his life for us is to give up our lives for him. In the same way, in response to all that God has given to us, we should give to others.

My prayer is that during this Christmas season of giving, you will consider {giving back} what has so graciously been given to you.

One easy way to do this is in your gift giving. You have to buy gifts anyway, so why not buy gifts that {give back}?!

You can find shops all over the web that sell gifts for a good cause! In fact, we are selling these gorgeous Africa Glass Ornaments to help the adopting families that we sponsor raise the $ they need to bring their children home!

What a beautiful reminder of the fact that God sent our savior to the world so that we could become his children! Emmanuel. God with us.

I can't wait to have one hanging from my tree this Christmas!

Please buy one here and/or more importantly, share this fundraiser on your blog/facebook/twitter/etc to help us spread the word!!!

ALL proceeds go to our adopting families and you will have your ornament in time for Christmas. These are only available for purchase through December 7th. No custom orders {sorry!}.

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. {John 14:18}

Be sure to stop by Worthy of the Prize tomorrow for the beginning of our 25 Days of Fitness series {December 1st-25th}, preparing yourself physically and spiritually for the holidays!

Merry Christmas, friends! I just LOVE this time of year! :)

Cyber Monday Sale

2011-11-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today only, Cyber Monday, all orders enjoy FREE SHIPPING and orders totaling $50 or more also get a free pair of pearl earrings. Shop Now!

Also, just a reminder, order by December 5th to ensure delivery by Christmas. Have a fantastic week friends!

What I Love About the Thrift Store {Link Party #9}

2011-11-25T10:49:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving! We did turkey in the deep pit and it was excellent!

Quickly want to mention we have 20% off in the shop for black Friday and we will be doing something (free shipping) for cyber Monday too. Just in case you want to get a little Cap Creations for Christmas gifts. Be sure to order by our cutoff date of Dec 5th though!

Thanks for linking up last week to our What I love about the thrift store link party! You guys find some awesome things! Here are some of your great finds below.

"I see plenty of Tom & Jerry mug sets, but these Hazel Atlas ones have so much Retro Oomph ... I couldn't resist." - Bliss & Vinegar

Love it when your bestie knows you so well that they can pick up something for you from a thrift shop and know you'll love it! Like this Butterprint Serve & Store set @ Sir Thrift A Lot

And some old skeleton keys from Helen and her Daughters. Be sure to check out their larger purchases too.

No pictures yet but we (my boys and I) picked up LOTS of children's Christmas books at our local Goodwill Book store. We have BIG plans for them which I hope to share next week. If you have children snag those Christmas books you might want to do this too! Linking up at:
S- Fleamarket Finds M- Apron Thrift Girl Tu- House of Grace, Coastal Charm, F- Shabby Nest, Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, The Thrifty Groove S- Penny Worthy Project

Black Friday Sale!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-11-24T23:59:00.000-08:00

The entire shop is on sale now! 20% off the entire store! Discount will automatically deduct in the cart. Shop now for Christmas. Our Christmas cutoff date is Monday December 5th.

Christmas Cutoff

2011-11-21T14:45:00.000-08:00

Click on images below to go to each product.

If you are hoping to give some Cap Creations goodies for Christmas please order by Monday Dec. 5th. All orders placed after this time can not be guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas giving. This cutoff date is for US only. We can not guarantee delivery times on any orders placed for our international friends.

What I Love About the Thrift Store {Link Party #8}

2011-11-18T09:58:00.000-08:00

One thing I absolutely love about the thrift store is the opportunity to repurpose things! Seriously, just look at things and think, I know what it's made for but how can I use it? What can I do with it, what can I make out of it?

Do you remember my finds from the last link up?

Check them out now in all their glory!

Green succulents and silver containers are great together. A match made in heaven. :)

This adorable plant holder became a gift for my mom! She loved it! I painted the "thingamajig" (maybe a jam/jelly holder???) a soft yellow and added an antique glaze. I am very happy with the outcome. And this my friends is what I love about the thrift store!

Find anything lately? I'll be looking to feature some of your finds next week so join us.

Linking up at:
S- Fleamarket Finds M- Apron Thrift Girl Tu- House of Grace, Coastal Charm, F- Shabby Nest, Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, The Thrifty Groove S- Penny Worthy Project

What Do I Know of Holy? {Thankful}

2011-11-16T11:39:00.000-08:00

I just realized that Cat made a blog button for our time together every Wednesday. Isn't it cute?!

If you want to put it on your blog, grab the button code on the left sidebar. Thanks Cat! :)

So, as we continue our thoughts on Thanksgiving this month, I would like to share this quote with you:

Source: kerryskronicles.blogspot.com via Worthy of the Prize on Pinterest

Wow. That really hit me when I read it. As I mentioned earlier, it can be so easy to get caught up focusing on what we DO NOT have instead of what we DO have, especially this time of year, around the holidays.

If you have lost loved ones or jobs, or for whatever reason are having a tougher time being "thankful" this year, I want to encourage you to count your blessings.

As you write down 1 thing you are thankful for each day {even if they are simple, small things}, find a way to display them in your home as a reminder of the many blessings God has lavished up on you.

One way to do this that I have seen around blogland is to create a {Thankful Tree} where you can hang your blessings from the branches.

Source: simplyvintagegirl.com via Worthy of the Prize on Pinterest

You could make it a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dinner table or you could make it 1 dimensional out of paper or fabric and hang it on your wall or refrigerator.

One thing we do in our home is hang up this {Thankful Turkey} made by 517 Creations. Then we write things we are thankful for on slips of paper that we slide into the plastic pocket on each feather.

You could also do a {Blessings Box}. We were actually given one of these as a wedding gift. The idea is to daily, or weekly, or monthly or just whenever you think about it, write down something you are thankful for onto a piece of paper and put it into the box. Then at a designated time each year, maybe Thanksgiving, open it up and praise God for His blessings from the previous year.

Concentrating on what you don't have, leaves you depressed.
Concentrating on what you do have, leaves you blessed.

This week I am thankful for our veterans, those who have/are/will fight for the daily freedoms that we tend to take for granted. What about you?

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. {Psalm 100:4-5}

Sidenote: Speaking of being thankful, be sure to hop on over to the Worthy of the Prize facebook page and enter our {1000 Fans} week FULL of giveaways! We are having 1 giveaway a day for an entire week as a THANK YOU to those who have supported our little ministry. 4 are already posted and 4 more will be posted in the next 4 days, including something from the lovely Cap Creations! Goodluck! :)

Linking up to:

Next Day Flyers Winner!

2011-11-15T08:15:00.000-08:00

The lucky winner of the 500 Business Cards from Next Day Flyers is Tammy @ Tammystable.com ! Congrats Tammy, contact us to claim your prize! And thanks everyone else for entering.

Happy Veterans Day!

2011-11-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hello, we are taking a break from our What I love about the thrift store link party. Instead we are taking advantage of this holiday and spending time with those we love! Our link party will be back next week so be sure to come back.

A big THANK YOU to all of our Veterans and active military and all of you who are family to these great people! We thank you with our whole heart! We are grateful for your service and lift you all in prayer daily. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Check out these Veterans Day appropriate tutorials.

A Poppy for Remembrance from House Revivals

Flag Blocks from Brown Paper Packages.

What Do I Know of Holy? {Give Thanks}

2011-11-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

Source: atsecondstreet.blogspot.com via Worthy of the Prize on Pinterest

Last week I told you that this month we will be focusing on Thanksgiving each Wednesday in November.

Go here if you missed my introductory post on gratitude.

I think it is really important for us to give thanks and praise to God for the things he has blessed us with, including the simple, small things that we usually take for granted. I hope that you have taken my advice and are writing down 1 thing you are thankful for each day this month. Focusing on these things will help us have a joyful attitude and outlook, even when things are not going our way.

Always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father. {Ephesians 5:20}

God calls us to "give thanks in all circumstances," good, bad or indifferent. We should trust Him enough to thank Him for everything we experience, knowing that He is in control, that He knows what is best for us, that His will is perfect, and that "He works all things together for good" and for His ultimate glory.

Easier said than done, right?!

I suggest you display a reminder in your home. One idea is to print out the banner pictured above. You can hang this anywhere in your home, preferably somewhere that you will see it each day. And everytime you see it, simply send up a prayer to God thanking Him for 1 thing He has blessed you with.

Click here for the free printable.

I have a similar banner hanging in my home. It was made by 517 Creations out of fabric and it says, "thankful." I have it hanging on my mantel, making it the first thing you see when you walk through the front door. I love this simple reminder.

I am sure Mary Jo would make one for you too if you would rather have a fabric banner and do not sew. You can choose your fabric and saying.

If you do not want to mess with a banner, another idea is to display the following verse somewhere in your home.

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. {1 Thessalonians 5:16-18}

Go here for the free printable.

So tell me, what are you thankful for this week? I am thankful for a roof over my head, clothes to wear, food to eat and a beautiful, loving family to share my life with.

Are you grateful for what God has done in your life? Ask Him to give you a thankful heart.

Side note: Today is the last day you can bid on fabulous items to help the Mercy House, a maternity home that brings hope to the woman of Kenya, including a fun prize package from Worthy of the Prize and Scripture Art Designs. Go here to do a little Christmas shopping and support a great cause! Spread the word!!

500 Business Cards - Next Day Flyers {Giveaway}

2011-11-07T10:02:00.000-08:00

Giveaway time! Today I want to take a moment to share Next Day Flyers with you and talk a bit about business cards.

So you blog, you have an etsy shop or some other type of shop but do you have business cards? Business cards are a great way to spread the word about what you do! Even if it's "just a little crafty, mommy blog" why not spread the word? Let people know you exist! Give them something tangible to remember you by.

If you've got a business where you are shipping out items, you should put a business card or two in EVERY order. I put one in the bag with every single item sent out. Who knows the person getting your item may like your stuff so much that they pass your card on to a friend! Here's hoping anyway lol!

So that was pretty obvious right, business cards for your business? But say you have no business whatsoever. Well a fantastic idea in this situation is to use the cards for Christmas "from" gift tags. I love this idea! Design a lovely little card that says something like "Merry Christmas from the _________ Family", or "From our family to yours". Tie that baby on to all those little gifts for neighbors, teachers, service people like the mailman and so on. One handy tip is to not put a date/year on them so you can use them year after year. 500 may take awhile to use up!

Finally, use them as mommy calling cards. You know, I'm so and so's mom, here's my number, call me so ~~I can get a break~~ we can set up a play-date! Very handy use right there.

So these are just a few ideas great ideas and Next Day Flyers can help you with each. I'm sure you have tons of other great ideas too. We wanna hear them.

The Giveaway
Next Day Flyers has graciously offered 500 standard business cards printed in full color on the front and black and white (or blank) on the reverse side! Woohoo! The winner can create their business card layout using the Online Design Center, or upload a print ready file of their own.

to enter:
Leave a comment and let us know how you would use the cards if you win. Or comment with any other great ideas you may have for using the cards. This must be done before extra entries will count.

extra entries:
• Like Next Day Flyers on Facebook and let them know you are loving the giveaway @Cap Creations!
• Blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway = 1 entry each. Each can be done daily!

• Follow the Cap blog.
• Like Cap on facebook.

Open to USA only.
Leave a separate comment on this post for each entry.
Make sure we have a way to contact you, should you win.
Last day to enter 11/14/11, noon pacific.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!

What I Love About the Thrift Store {Link Party #7}

2011-11-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

Were you able to get thrifting lately? Seriously I crave it! It's like "mommy break" time for me. Here's what I picked up. This lovely pewter, stainless, chrome combination.

And this thingamajig lol! But really what is it? I know someone knows. Is it a cream and sugar tray of some type? And is it supposed to turn? When you lift it and hold the handle, you can turn the bottom part.

Got plans for these goodies! I'll post some after pictures when it's done.

Here's what some of you found!

How great are these? Vintage Christmas ornaments at It's Still Life.

Love me some Pyrex with LIDS at Vintage Velda.

This my friends is what I love about the thrift store! Thanks for linking up!

Linking up at:
S- Fleamarket Finds M- Apron Thrift Girl Tu- House of Grace, Coastal Charm, F- Shabby Nest, Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, The Thrifty Groove S- Penny Worthy Project

What Do I Know of Holy? {Gratitude}

2011-11-02T07:52:00.000-07:00

Since this is the month of Thanksgiving, I thought it would be appropriate to blog about gratitude every Wednesday in November.

I have noticed that alot of people are posting {30 Days} of thanksgiving, giving thanks, thankfulness, etc on their blogs, facebook pages and twitter pages this month.

Wouldn't it be fun to do something like that here each Wednesday?!

I will blog about gratitude and tell you what I am thankful for and then you can do the same! What do you say?

Source: restoredstyle.com via Worthy of the Prize on Pinterest

I just love this print. I found it on Pinterest several weeks ago and have been saving it to share during the month of November.

We can get so caught up in focusing on what we need, what we want, what we do not have and what other people have that it robs us of our joy.

I want to encourage you this month to focus on what you DO have. I will be sharing with you some ways to do this over the course of the next few weeks but first, I challenge you to write down 1 thing that you are thankful for each day this month.

It can be anything. Simple, small things. Things we usually take for granted. Write it in a journal or on your blog, facebook, twitter page or on a piece of paper. Encourage your family members to do the same.

Ok, my turn.

Today I am VERY thankful that my book is in print!!!

After years of hardwork, it is finally finished! You can pre-order it now, directly from my publisher, and save $4.05! Just in time for Christmas, only $10.94!

Buy it and then give it to one of the ministry leaders at your church/mission organization to be used as a community outreach or on mission. Go here to pre-order it.

Now it's your turn.

What are YOU thankful for today?! Leave me a comment!

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. {Philippians 4:11-13}

Holy Candy Batman! Today's Halloween! (and a winner)

2011-10-31T22:18:00.000-07:00

So did you all enjoy your Halloween? We sure did!

These are the costumes I was supposed to make. Thanks Mom for bailing me out! She's awesome!

We had Mummy Dogs and Mummy Pizza for dinner. The boys loved making their own, what fun!

Happy Halloween! Did you enjoy your day?

The randomly selected winner of our gathered clutch is comment #14 - Amanda! Congrats girl! Email us with your mailing address and we will get it out soon. And to everyone that entered thanks so much for checking out the site.

What I love about the thrift store! {Link Up}

2011-10-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

Real quick, have you checked out my giveaway for a handmade gathered clutch? Link is in the sidebar over there
<---------------------------------------!

Alright you guys are always finding some fantastic stuff! And many of you that sell your finds inspire me to do so as well. Yeah, I've been checking out your etsy shops! And some of you sell in consignment shops too.

Selling is a great way to keep the thrift hording to a minimum. It's satisfying enough to have these thrifted items in your hands for just a bit until it sells isn't it? I bet it also tackles that " hum??? but do I really need it" issue, doesn't it? If you do sell your finds let us know your thoughts if you don't mind.

Thank each and every one of you that linked up last week! Lets see a couple shall we? I said it before and I'll say it many more times, I'm a sucker for old Pyrex!

Look at this great set Kiss My Brass found! Is that great or what?

And check out this vintage mirror at A Woman of Notes. She found a couple others too, go see!

Lots of great stuff! Are you checking out the links?

Here are a few of my finds lately. I totally have a creamer collection! I love the small ones and I use them to hold EVERYTHING! Most are crystal or glass, so I kinda get excited when I find a small one that's ceramic.

Vintage button refills.

And these baby's! I was so happy about this find because I have actually been putting off buying wooden spoons for about a year now because of the cost! I hate the cheap ones cause they get nasty real fast.

Brand new in the package! And just look at that price! You can't beat that!

And this my friends is what I love about the thrift store. Thanks for reading! So what did you find?

Linking up at:
S- Fleamarket Finds M- Apron Thrift Girl Tu- House of Grace, Coastal Charm, F- Shabby Nest, Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, The Thrifty Groove S- Penny Worthy Project

What Do I Know of Holy? {Mighty to Save}

2011-10-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

Today I have another free printable designed for you by 517 Creations!

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE this saying!

And this is one of my favorite passages of scripture in the entire Bible.

What a beautiful picture of how powerful and at the same time how loving our God is.

You can frame it and display it in your home as a reminder of our great God who saves!

Or simply download it and use it as a desktop background or screensaver for your computer!

It was inspired by one of my favorite worship songs of all-time, Laura Story's "Mighty to Save."

Go HERE to listen to it if you are not familiar.

For some reason God has laid it on my heart to pray that he will "move the mountains."

I have been praying this prayer for several months now related to different things.

I love the line in the song that says, "Savior, He can move the mountains. My God is mighty to save. He is mighty to save."

No matter what the mountains are in our lives, we need to know that God is capable of moving them.

Will you {I} trust that God is in control and that He knows what is best for us {me}?

The hard part for me is not knowing that God is powerful enough but being able to say like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego...

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. {Daniel 3: 17-18}

If you are familiar with the story of my friend Melanie of Happy Hartman Farm, you know she faced some major mountains in bringing her son home and that she saw the faithful hand of God through them.

Listen to what she said on her blog after FINALLY rescuing her boy and bringing him home from the mental institution in Eastern Europe that her family adopted him out of after he was put there because he was born with down syndrome...

I am reading a book I picked up in the airport and I really like it and highly reccomend it,,, Title: THE DIRTY LIFE a Memoir of farming, food, and Love. There was something I read that really struck me... here it is

When we would talk about our future in private, I would ask Mark if he really thought we had a chance. Of course we had a chance, he`d say, and anyway, it didn`t matter if this venture failed. In his view, we were already a success, because we were doing something hard and it was something that mattered to us. You don`t measure things like that with words like success or failure, he said. Satisfaction comes from trying hard things and then going on to the next hard thing, regardless of the outcome. What mattered was whether or not you were moving in a direction you thought was right.

This paragraph comes after she explains all of the subtle comments and actions of those around them that were giving help and support but really didn`t think they`d make it and it was obvious. And how it would wear on her.

I don`t know, I can see alot of paralells of this to our adoption process,,, not just about all of the uncertainty of it all... And the months of hard work... where others pitched in to help, but couldn`t help to let their concerns be heard,,, sometimes more obvious and sometimes a bit more manipulatively. But also our hearts... many cannot understand our hearts. And then there are those that just seemed to get it completely, even if it was not something they were interested in doing at the time. Don`t get me wrong, I am not complaining, we appreciate every penny, every prayer, and every encouraging word... Even from the doubters :)! Trust me we know that we have struggles ahead... We have older children, they are not special needs and there has been heartbreak and trials and our patience tested to the core. We have little bitty ones, and they are not perfect, nor are we... So such as life... Here we go... My husband always says that nothing worth having ever comes easy!

Oh how she inspires me.

She will never know how much her journey has blessed me.

And I love how my friend Jen of Team Chase 4 and Counting {who is in the process of adopting 2 children from Ethiopia} put it when she said...

The journey is difficult, it stretches me in every aspect, but it is SO worth it. Not just because of the end result {which I look forward to with great hope}, but because of what I am learning along the way.

And that, my friends, is what I truly believe it is all about: the journey.

I encourage you to cherish the journey.

God uses it to bless us, to teach us and to make us more like Christ.

And even though it is tough, it is worth it.

And you just never know who you are blessing along the way.

Linking Up With {Encouraging Words Wednesday}:

So happy I can (sorta) sew! {Giveaway}

2011-10-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

Looks like a great day for a giveaway huh? Do you remember my new hobby? Well this gathered clutch tutorial by Noodlehead is one of the first things I wanted to try.

It came out pretty good for a beginner don't you think? I know where I messed up (it's minor) and I'm sure you pros would know. But I'm pretty proud of it!

Who knew sewing could be so fun and not sooooo stressful after all? I think I've caught on pretty quickly! A little instruction was all I needed. Who knows you may see some lovely sewn items in the shop one day. Wouldn't that be great?

The Giveaway
One lucky winner will get this lovely clutch made by yours truly!

to enter:

Tell us, have you checked our our website? If not what are you waiting for? Answer either question in the comments section before extra entries will count.

extra entries:

• Blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway with a link back = 1 entry each. Each can be done daily!

• Follow the Cap blog.
• Like Cap on facebook.

• Leave a separate comment on this post for each entry. • Make sure we have a way to contact you, should you win. • Last day to enter 10/31/11 at noon Pacific time. • GOOD LUCK!!!

Thrifty Goodness Link Up

2011-10-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

I sure love seeing what you all find! How about you? We only had 3 of ya link up this time so you all get a feature! Yay!

Cheerful Thrifty Door found this great cloche that she is GIVINGAWAY! Better hurry cause it ends today!

My Cowboy's Wife found some great stuff. I am loving the bobbins/spools!

Helen and her Daughters found lots of great vintage items including several lovely linens.

Thanks for linking up ladies we love having each of you join.

So did you find anything great this week? I got a few more Halloween things to share. Actually these could carry me through Thanksgiving too. Lovely ceramic pumpkins at half off paying a whopping 1.31 for the set! They look oh so lovely sitting on my mercury glass candlesticks. The perfect little pedestal for these fellas.

And these pretties! At first I thought they were glass pumpkin ornaments then I realized the are place-card holders. How pretty would these be on a fancy Thanksgiving table setting? Half off and paid 30 cents for the set!

And this my friends is what I love about the thrift store! So how'd ya do this week? Find anything fantastic? If this link up ever becomes large we will go ahead and switch over to the thumbnail linky. For now we're gonna stay with the free one. Hope you don't mind.

Linking up at:
S- Fleamarket Finds M- Apron Thrift Girl Tu- House of Grace, Coastal Charm, F- Shabby Nest, Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, The Thrifty Groove S- Penny Worthy Project

What Do I Know of Holy? {When I Stand}

2011-10-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

Today is huge day of celebration for me and Worthy of the Prize Sports Ministries!

The Texas Rangers are going to the World Series and my book is FINALLY going to print!!! Wooohooo!!!

In celebration, we are having a BIG giveaway on the Worthy of the Prize facebook page including an autographed baseball signed by THE Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers and a faith memory pack from Scripture Art Designs {the company of Josh Hamilton's wife and sister-in-law who I happen to be in partnership with} and MUCH more!

Be sure to hop on over to our facebook page and join in the celebration!

So I found this on Pinterest the other day and I.fell.in.love.

Seriously, this is my life goal. The very reason why I live. The very reason why Worthy of the Prize exists.

When all is said and done. When the great race has been won. I want to be found worthy of the prize.

Growing up, I always knew that God had gifted me with these athletic talents and abilities for a reason, a chosen purpose---more than just to win an earthly prize.

This great gift I have been given
I am not worthy of
It’s only by the wondrous grace
Of my Lord above

So I wait upon you Oh Lord
I do not want to fall
It’s your will I desire
Only your will above all

I know you have great plans for me
But I just feel so lost
What do you have in store for me?
I will go despite the cost

It is me my sweet child
That you are yearning for
It is me who is your destiny
I am your great reward

My plan is for you to know me
And to become just like my son
I promise to come back for you
When all is said and done

For now enjoy my presence
Lead others to my grace
Don’t worry about tomorrow
Simply live life for today

{The Journey, Erin Vick Franklin}

They are for his glory, to bring others to his name---to win a heavenly prize, the ultimate prize in Christ.

You can read more about how to gain the ultimate prize in Christ here.

It is my hope and prayer that when I stand before the throne at the end of my life, I will be able to say with Paul:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day---and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. {2 Timothy 4:7-8}

What are you living for?!

By the way, the ipad 2 {or $550 cash} giveaway is up and running! Check it out here.

Happy Wednesday and Let's Go Rangers, WIN IT ALL!!! :)

Linking Up With {Encouraging Words Wednesday}:

Past Halloween Ideas

2011-10-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

Just taking a moment to share some of our past Halloween ideas! Click on the pictures to be taken to each post.

Dollar store Halloween decor. This one will set you back $4.

Adorable Halloween and fall soap favors with free printable tags.

Skull Candle Sticks

Halloween Fabric Flowers

And this little thrift store guy wanted to say hi! lol!

Hope these inspire you just a bit! And don't forget to snag our free 5x7 Halloween print HERE. Print and frame and you're good to go!

Have a great week folks!

What I Love About The Thrift Store Link Party & Halloween Printable

2011-10-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

Okay so I'm thinking the name (What I Love About The Thrift Store) is a bit too long lol! What do you think? Got a better name? Lets Go Thrifting, Thrift Me, Thrift is Me, I Love Vintage, My Thrift Fix, Lovely Vintage, Thrifty Goodness...

I want to share 2 things this week just in time for Halloween. First is this vintage costume pattern. It's dated 1978. I actually picked this up online cause I am making the Batman and Robin costumes for my boys. Do you get the Hub channel? Well every night before bed my boys watch the old Batman TV show, so this was the perfect costume choice for them this year! I love homemade costumes, this is my first ever as I just started sewing this year. Batman is started but wish me luck on getting these completed in time!

Next I have this old frame that I picked up for 95 cents.

I don't know about you but many, many times I love the things I find just the way they are. Yeah, sure, some need makeovers but for some reason I usually end up liking the old vintageness of the things I find. How about you? My uncle says I have an old soul. What ever that means??? All I did to this frame was add a Halloween print I made that you can snag for free below.

Snag the free printable here. It's 5x7 and you can have it printed at your local photo lab. Click on the image, then right click and save and it's yours!

Thanks to everyone who linked up last week! Everyone is finding some great stuff! Isn't it fun to see the awesome things people find?

Cheerful Thrifty Door picked up some old Pyrex. I love old Pyrex. So much in fact that I even got some as wedding gift when I got married. Yep wedding gift from the thrift store! Love that! I think it was actually from an antique store. Either way I love it!

It's Still Life found this neat pitcher and many other old things including some like new aprons.

Find anything lately? Share it! We'd love for you to join us.

Linking to: CSI Project, Eighteen25
S- Fleamarket Finds M- Apron Thrift Girl Tu- House of Grace F- Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, The Thrifty Groove S- Penny Worthy Project

S- The DIY Showoff, Under the Table and Dreaming, M - The Girl Creative, MM Party at BNOTP, Making the World Cuter, Skip to my Lou, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Keeping it Simple, T- Coastal Charm, Tip Junkie, All Thingz Related, Today's Creative Blog, Hope Studios W- Trendy Treehouse, Blue Cricket Design, Someday Crafts, My Backyard Eden, Room to Inspire, Creations by Kara, Just a Girl, T- The Idea Room, Yesterday on Tuesday, The Shabby Chic Cottage, Somewhat Simple, Beyond the Picket Fence, Tidy Mom, Fireflies and Jellybeans, F- It's FUN to Craft, The Shabby Nest, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Tatertots and Jello, Funky Junk Interiors, S- Along for the Ride, I Heart Naptime

What Do I Know of Holy? {Strong Enough}

2011-10-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

Source: None via Vicki on Pinterest

So many times I feel like this simple pot of clay.

Hard pressed on every side, but not crushed.
Perplexed, but not in despair.
Persecuted, but not abandoned.
Struck down, but not destroyed.
{2 Corinthians 4:8-9}

Hanging. by. a. thread.

Seriously.

Have you ever felt this way?

And yet God in his infinite wisdom chose to house his greatest treasure, the gift of his son Jesus, inside of me. An ordinary, highly breakable clay pot. What was he thinking?

I'm definitely not strong enough for the task. Are you?

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. {2 Corinthians 4:7}

God wants people to draw their attention, not to us, but to the treasure inside of us. It is God in us that makes us beautiful. And it is God in us that makes us strong enough to house his glory.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. {2 Corinthians 4:16-18}

Matthew West says it perfectly in his new song Strong Enough. I absolutely love it. And him. It is one of my favorites right now. Listen to it and let me know what you think.

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. {Philippians 4:13}

I don't have to be strong enough.

Don't forget to checkout the upcoming ipad 2 giveaway. It's less than a week away.

Linking up with {Encouraging Words Wednesday}:

Pretty Yard Space

2011-10-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

I love pretty spaces in the yard. One area we FINALLY finished is pretty much a focal point in our backyard. The triangular shape of our yard leads your eye right to this point. This area holds our deep pit and if you've seen one you know it's not much to look at. They are handy to have but they are not pretty. I wanted to hide it!

Wish I had a before picture but I only got a during and after. Picture if you will, a deep pit, dirt with the wood fence behind it, all retained by railroad ties. The railroad ties were pretty cool but having small children they were a health concern due to the chemicals used to treat them. So we tore those bad boys out and replaced them with retaining wall bricks. These are so easy cause they literally just stack.

So here's our during picture. So far what we've done here is add the new 2 foot retaining wall, a fountain and a section of rod iron fencing to hide the deep pit. We planted jasmine on the rod iron and it filled in beautifully! Deep pit hidden! Now this area actually sat this way for a couple of years. 1 year for the rod iron fencing one year for the fountain and finally...

...the after and I LOVE it!!!

We added stepping stone pavers and gravel around the fountain. Due to water splashing from the fountain that area was constantly wet and muddy! We packed the gravel a few inches deep so the water now sits below the gravel and the muddy water problem is solved! We added two potted plants that we already had at each end of the jasmine wall.

Next we planted the ground cover from seed which you can see starting to grow over here. This ground cover is awesome! It's called dichondra and here is what I love about it. It grows fast, handles full sun, it's hardy (you can walk all over this stuff), drought tolerant, can take the heat and it's BEAUTIFUL! Just look at that bright shade of green but pay no attention to that weed!

Isn't this a lovely space?

It's nice to look at, has a lovely sound from the fountain, and it's doing a fantastic job hiding that deep pit!

We need to restain that wood fence and I still want to add a sitting area here but that's another story. I have the perfect iron table and 2 chairs that I need to refinish. Another project for another day though!

So this is one lovely space in a yard that I love that my husband works so hard at maintaining. Thank you sweetie! You do a terrific job!

Linking to:
Funky Junk Interiors

What I Love About the Thrift Store

2011-10-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

Hi y'all! Thanks for linking up again last week. This link party totally inspires me to get out there and find some thrifty goodness. How about you?

Owl Really had me drooling over her thrifty finds! Check it out!

And how about this beautiful punch bowl set from Tatter and Fray? She found several other cocktail sets too.

I just have a few things to share today. This lovely milk glass dish full of goodies! Is that rose necklace awesome or what? Love it!

And this my friends is what I love about the thrift store. ← Link party name right there. Finally got one, a few of you have asked. What I Love About the Thrift Store.

So how about you? Find anything lately?

Linking up at:
S- Fleamarket Finds M- Apron Thrift Girl Tu- House of Grace, Coastal Charm, F- Shabby Nest, Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, The Thrifty Groove S- Penny Worthy Project

What Do I Know of Holy? {Waiting}

2011-10-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

So, these are my little guys. Over at Worthy of the Prize, they are known as Little A and Little E. I love them to pieces. Aren't they adorable?! :)

A few weeks ago we finally took them fishing, after much prodding. They had just gotten new poles, which by no coincidence are Cars {as in the movie} themed. They are addicted to all things Cars {and now Cars 2}. Thanks for that, Disney Pixar! ;)

Anyway, they had an absolute blast. And the craziest part is that they did not. catch. anything. nothing. nada.

I don't know if the fish were asleep that day or if we did not have the right kind of bait, or what. Bottom line. The fish weren't biting.

And yet, my boys were smiling. They were simply enjoying being there at the fishing pond with mommy and daddy, casting and reeling in, over and over again, using their brand new fishing poles. There was no place on earth they would have rather been that day.

They were waiting with joy for fish that never came.

Waiting is not easy. We're not a patient people. When days turn to weeks and weeks turn to months and months turn to years, you can't help but wonder if God is still working on your behalf. But rest assured, He is! Just as your children were born when they were ready {after 9 long months of waiting}, your dreams and miracles will hatch at their appointed times. So, hang in there and wait with joy. Whenever you are able to finally embrace whatever it is you're believing God for, it will be more than worth the wait! {Daily Wisdom for Mothers, Michelle Medlock Adams}

I happened to take Michelle's class a few years ago at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference. She is fabulous. But when I first heard that term wait with joy, it blew me out of the water. As if waiting on God is not hard enough, we are supposed to wait with joy?!

Have you ever been through a time when you were seeking God for answers and no matter what you did, "wait" was his only answer?

It is a tough lesson in faith, let me tell you. And I am slowly but surely coming to terms with the fact that...

Do you trust God's timing? Is there anything you are waiting on God for these days? What can we join you in prayer about?

You too, be patient and stand firm. {James 5:8}

And while you are waiting, make sure to check out the upcoming ipad 2 giveaway, you don't want to miss it! :)

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Linking Up With {Encouraging Words Wednesday}:

Spelling Word Necklace

2011-10-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Along with lots of reading for homework, we also have many spelling words every week. I've found that my boy absolutely does not like writing his spelling words! It's like pulling teeth people!

We have to get creative around here for spelling practice. We've already shared one way we practice spelling words but here's another that we've recently come up with. A spelling word necklace!

I think this idea is great because they practice their spelling as they build their necklace. But the other great thing is that they actually like playing with it and can carry it around EVERYWHERE. They can practice their words at hummmmm....lets say on the way to school, at the doctor/dentist or any waiting room, at a restaurant, you get the idea!!!

It's very interactive and hands on! Anyway this is just one thing that works for us, hope it comes in handy for you too. Happy learning!

Linking to:
S- The DIY Showoff, Under the Table and Dreaming, M - The Girl Creative, MM Party at BNOTP, Making the World Cuter, Skip to my Lou, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Keeping it Simple, T- Coastal Charm, Tip Junkie, All Thingz Related, Today's Creative Blog, Hope Studios W- Trendy Treehouse, Blue Cricket Design, Someday Crafts, My Backyard Eden, Room to Inspire, Creations by Kara, Just a Girl, T- Yesterday on Tuesday, The Shabby Chic Cottage, Somewhat Simple, Beyond the Picket Fence, Tidy Mom, Fireflies and Jellybeans, F- A Few of My Favorite Things, It's FUN to Craft, The Shabby Nest, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Tatertots and Jello, Funky Junk Interiors, S- Along for the Ride, I Heart Naptime

What I Love About the Thrift Store

2011-09-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

Hi there, we had a decent turnout last week for our first ever thrifty link party! Thanks for linking up and linking back, if that was you! Lets check out some YOUR thrifty treasures shall we?

Vintage Spice Jars at Joyful Treasure Hunting

Sweet Wheat Dishes at A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Bias tape, zippers and buttons. Oh my! at Holy Craft

You wanna see some of my thrifty goodness? Check out these giant thimbles! They are about 5 or 6 inches tall. And I see another jumbo button in my future! All this is perfect decor for my office/jewelry/craft/sewing room (that needs serious help by the way). Which way would you display the thimbles, as a pocket or in the other direction?

Hey all you thrift veterans, how do you know when you've found real mercury glass? Give me some pointers please. I don't think these are the real deal but they are pretty fabulous anyway! They have a hint of yellow in them. 60¢ for the set!

This my friend is what I love about the thrift store! Be inspired and go find something this weekend!

Show us what you found last week! I'd love a link back if you link up. Thanks for reading.

Linking up at:
S- Fleamarket Finds M- Apron Thrift Girl Tu- House of Grace, Coastal Charm, F- Shabby Nest, Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, The Thrifty Groove S- Penny Worthy Project

What Do I Know of Holy? {The Storm}

2011-09-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

We had such a positive response to the {Blessings} print that I shared with you last week, I decided that this week I should share the {1 Thessalonians 5:16-18} print with you.

It was also created by 517 Creations as a compliment to the {Blessings} print that I posted last Wednesday.
Pin It

{click image to download/print}

When I asked Mary Jo to create the original {Blessings} print, we put this scripture reference on it because I thought it was a perfect description of what Laura Story wrote about in her song Blessings, that I shared with you last week. If you did not get a chance to listen to it, go here and listen. Seriously, it is an incredible song.

To me, this passage of scripture has always been a tough one. Even though I know that we are supposed to thank God in all things and even "praise him in the storm," I have always struggled with it.

Can you relate?

But after going through "the storm" and hearing this song, it brought new meaning to these verses and I have come to a better understanding of what it means to rejoice always and to give thanks in all circumstances. Honestly, the pray without ceasing part has always been a little easier. I am pretty much in constant communication with God all day long, desperately needing his help and always demanding something from him. :)

Now, do not misunderstand. It is still very, very difficult {at times} to rejoice during times of trial {depending on the trial} but I can truly say that I am slowly learning how to do it. And though I do not always like it, I really do cherish the growth it brings in my relationship with God and the way it makes me more like Christ, helping me to better understand what he went through for us.

I hope this {1 Thessalonians 5:16-18} print and the {Blessings} print bless you as much as they have blessed me and my household. As soon as I find the perfect spot, my plan is to frame/display them side by side as a reminder for all who enter to see.

It will be a beautiful display.

And in case you may be thinking, "that's a nice song but Laura has not been through what I have been through." You might be right. But do you know what inspired her to write this beautiful song? Her husband's battle with brain cancer.

Seriously.there.are.no.words.

So, what about you? Have you been able to praise God, even in "the storm"?

Don't forget to stop by and say "hi" to me over at Worthy of the Prize, where I "normally" blog.

Also, I am SO PUMPED about a new partnership on the horizon for Worthy of the Prize, combining my love for scripture and my favorite MLB {Major League Baseball} player! Be sure to "like" my facebook page so that you will see the announcement when it is made!

And while you are at it, please "like" this facebook page to send $1 to Texas Wildfire Relief. They are going to send $1 for every new "like." What an easy way to help a worthy cause! You can read more about this here. Spread the word!! Thanks!

Happy Wednesday, friends!

I truly look forward to our time together each week, be sure to invite your friends to join us next week! "See" you then! :)

Linking Up With {Encouraging Words Wednesday}:

Cap Creations Grab Bag Winners

2011-09-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

The lucky winners of the Cap Creations grab bags are...

Sarah B. who tweeted about our giveaway (I tell ya those extra entries pay off sometimes)

and

Holy Craft who said "I'm a follower and I love the inspiration I have seen here so far! Plus a girl that is thrifty is my favorite kind of girl!"

Email us ladies with your mailing addresses so we can get your goodies out!

We appreciate each one of you! Thanks for playing!

Be sure to come back tomorrow and every Wednesday for our What Do I know of Holy? series with Worthy of the Prize Ministries.

And last Friday we posted our first eeeevahhhh thrifty link party. Come join us HERE! We hope to make this a weekly post so get your thrifty posts ready every Friday! We wanna see your thrifty treasures!

Fall Sale 20% off

2011-09-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

It's fall and we're pretty happy about that! We are celebrating with a sale. 20% off each order for one week only. Sale prices will be reflected in the cart.

If you've had your eye on something special now is the time, it doesn't get much better than this! Well unless of course you win our current giveaway! Last day to enter is today so click HERE if you haven't yet.

Please note, due to our fundraising efforts this sale does not apply to the chosen adoption necklace. Sorry but we know you understand.

Maybe you can snatch up these just in time for Halloween goodies!

Or breast cancer awareness month is in October.

Does anyone love a thrift store more than I?

2011-09-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

"Dang girl you're at the thrift store again!" I know that's what they say about me! Lol! But seriously, it's one of my things. My week is not complete without a stop to the thrift store, at least a quick stop. A great portion of our home contains thrift store decor as I like to call it. As well as some useful items and clothing.

Come on now, I know there are many of you out there like me that feel the same about a good thrift store. Right??? So what is it that I love about a thrift store you ask? (or maybe you didn't but I'll tell ya anyway)

• I love me some vintage and antique finds. Why do I yearn for those yesteryears?

• Unique cheap items that you can transform into something beautiful.

• It's like a treasure hunt, see if you'll find something you'll adore.

• Deals/bargains! You can find some great prices there! Because, well, the items are used. But here's how I look at it, though the item is used it's still in good condition, it still works, so why not save a small fortune.

• Thrift stores are good for our environment. Yep they keep things out of our landfills! Go thrift store!

I thought it'd be fun to share some of my thrift store treasures so I think I might make this a regular post. Maybe we could make it a link party for thrift store, yard sale, flea market finds ONLY! What do you say? Yea or nay? Would you link up? We could call it "This my friends, is what I love about the thrift store." lol!

Anyway here are just a couple of my thrift store finds to inspire you to get out there this weekend and find something thrifty!

In person these votives look old which is why I love them.

Ohhhh and look at this beauty! A Royal Typewriter in that oh so desireable color!

Complete with case!

Wouldn't a thrifty swap be fun? Get out there! Go find something!

Lets try this! I'd love a text link back if you link up.

Linking up at:
House of Grace, Southern Hospitality, Coastal Charm, Shabby Nest, Chic on a Shoestring Decorating,

What Do I Know of Holy? {Suffering}

2011-09-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello again! I am thrilled to be back and am thankful that you decided to join us today. For those of you who are new, my name is Erin and you can "usually" find me blogging over at Worthy of the Prize.

I encourage you to grab a cup of coffee, pull up a seat, invite a friend and just "be still" for a few moments, allowing God to speak to you.

If you missed last week, go here to find out why we are calling our time together on Wednesday mornings {What Do I Know of Holy?}.

Now. I know that the topic of {suffering} seems a little heavy since we are just getting to know one another, however I simply cannot get it out of my mind these days. Why does our loving God allow us to suffer so?!

Because quite frankly. IT STINKS. to put it lightly.

Obviously, {suffering} has been around since Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, but it seems to be so prevalent in our world these days. From tornados and wildfires to death and disease, the past several months alone have been overwhelming. Not to mention the 10 year anniversary of 9/11, on which I shared my thoughts here.

Why God, why?! {as Joey likes to say, any "Friends" lovers out there or am I the only addict here?}

I am not even going to pretend that I come close to having all {or any} of the answers, but I do know what the bible has to say and here are a few of my favorite passages of scripture related to {suffering}:

And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; peserverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. {Romans 5:2-5}

Suffering makes us more like Christ. The more we become like Christ, the more we will suffer in this world.

Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. {Romans 8:17}

Suffering gives way to glory and prepares us for heaven.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. {2 Corinthians 4:16-18}

In the meantime, may our souls find rest in God alone.
Pin It

A few months ago, I asked my friend Mary Jo of 517 Creations to design this {Blessings} print and I want to share it with you today.

{click image to download/print}

The words are taken from Laura Story's incredible song Blessings. You really need to listen to this song if you have not already heard it. It is so powerful, and her perspective on {suffering} is amazing. It really makes you think.

Seriously, listen to it. And feel free to download the {free printable} to display in your home or on your computer. Please share it, tweet it, pin it, blog about it, etc. The words of this song/print have touched many lives and we have had the privilege of hearing some of these stories already.

By the way, you will begin to notice that I use music {alot} in my devotions. For some reason, God has always used music to speak to me and to draw me close to him. Maybe it is the "artist" in me. Can anyone relate? Must be why I married a Worship Pastor! ;)

Seriously though, what are you struggling with these days? How can we pray for you?

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. {Romans 15:13}

Sidenote: We have 790 fans on the Worthy of the Prize FB page! At 1000 fans, there will be a BIG giveaway including {but not limited to} Baby Be Blessed, Cap Creations and Pitter Patter Art. Plus, there will be a prize for the 1000th fan and the person who shared us with them. Please "like" our page to help our ministry grow!

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Linking Up With {Encouraging Words Wednesday}:

800 Followers Giveaway

2011-09-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

Okay so this little ole blog recently reached 800 followers and we're pretty excited about it! Woohoo! And to celebrate we are having a giveaway for our followers. Just our little way of saying thank you for following this blog for whatever reason that is.

So you wanna know what's up for grabs? Well it's a surprise! A Cap Creations grab bag valued at at LEAST $50 for TWO lucky winners! Sound fun? Who knows what you'll get??? We've got a lot of creations up our sleeve over here. A little pinch and a dash from here and there on the blog and website. What ever it is it will be great! We promise.

to enter:

Follow our blog and tell us why you follow. I know, we never require anyone to follow in order to enter but it is a followers appreciation giveaway after all so you must follow to win. Just this once!

extra entries:

• Blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway = 1 entry each. Each can be done daily!

• Like Cap on facebook.

Leave a separate comment on this post for each entry. • Make sure we have a way to contact you, should you win. • Last day to enter 9/26/11. • GOOD LUCK!!!

Printable Reading Log

2011-09-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

Don't know about you but homework around here includes much reading! In order to keep track, we've created these adorable reading logs and wanted to share them with you, our lovely readers.

We've got the lined paper design as pictured above and another.

Click on the one you want (or both) to download. They print 4 to a page, then cut on the gray lines. We'd love to hear if you snag 'em! Enjoy! Design elements by Just so Scrappy.

Linking to:
Ginger Snap Crafts,
S- The DIY Showoff, Under the Table and Dreaming, M - The Girl Creative, MM Party at BNOTP, Making the World Cuter, Skip to my Lou, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Keeping it Simple, T- Coastal Charm, Tip Junkie, All Thingz Related, Today's Creative Blog, Hope Studios W- Trendy Treehouse, Blue Cricket Design, Someday Crafts, My Backyard Eden, Room to Inspire, Creations by Kara, Just a Girl, T- Yesterday on Tuesday, The Shabby Chic Cottage, Somewhat Simple, Beyond the Picket Fence, Tidy Mom, Fireflies and Jellybeans, F- A Few of My Favorite Things, It's FUN to Craft, The Shabby Nest, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Tatertots and Jello, Funky Junk Interiors, S- Along for the Ride, I Heart Naptime

Mixed Bag Designs Winners!

2011-09-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

We have winners!!! 3 of them that are each the lucky winner of a $75 store credit to Mixed Bag Designs! Woohoo!!! Can you feel the excitement?

# 47 is S. Greiner!

# 143 is Roxanne K!

# 41 is Rebecca!

Congrats ladies! Contact us to claim your prize. Must be in the US or CA.

What Do I Know of Holy? {Introduction}

2011-09-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

For those of us who have not yet been "introduced," my name is Erin and I blog over at Worthy of the Prize.

{Cap Creations} happens to be one of my very favorite blogs and to say the least, I am completely humbled and honored that Cat asked me to guest blog here every Wednesday morning.

Cat has become a great encouragement to me and to my ministry since we "met" a little over a year or so ago and I truly consider her to be a dear friend, which is crazy because we have never actually met {in real life}!!!

I am pretty sure we are going to have to make that happen one of these days, most likely on a beach somewhere. What do you say, Cat? ;)

Seriously though, as we began to think and to pray about what we wanted these Wednesday mornings to look like, "What Do I Know of Holy" by Addison Road instantly came to mind.

Have you heard this incredible song?!

Take a minute to watch/listen if you are not familiar. Or even if you are.

I absolutely love love love this song. It so overwhelms me to think about this great God that we serve.

I mean seriously, we are talking about a God who "spoke us into motion" and "who gave life its name."

Think about that for a minute.

And the line that really gets me, "then I caught a glimpse of who you might be, the slightest hint of you brought me down to my knees."

Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory. {Isaiah 6:3}

Wow.

And yet this is the same God who "knows our name, knows every hair on our head" and who "knew the number of our days before there was even one."

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. {Zephaniah 3:17}

I don't know where you are on your spiritual journey.

Maybe you already have a personal relationship with the God of the universe. You know of his power and of his love. You have experienced his presence in your life. Maybe you are not really sure who he is but are interested in learning more about him. Or maybe you want nothing to do with him.

Regardless, I hope that you will join us here every Wednesday morning as we discover together who God is.

Grab a cup of coffee, invite your friends and pull up a chair as we embark on this journey. And please, feel free to leave comments {with links to your own blog if you want} so we can get to know you too.

Go ahead and take a minute today to introduce yourself and to let us know where you are on your journey or what God is teaching you these days.

And don't forget to stop by Worthy of the Prize to say hello!

Side note: Please pray for my beloved homeland {Texas}. Go here to find out why and for information on how you can help.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Linking Up With {Encouraging Words Wednesday}:

New regular post starting tomorrow!

2011-09-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

I am super excited to share this with you! Starting tomorrow we will be featuring a regular Wednesday bible study post.

My friend Erin of Worthy of the Prize Ministries will join us here weekly to share devotions, timely thoughts that go with holidays and what's going on in the world. Erin has a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is very inspiring and I am excited to have her here with us weekly!

Come back tomorrow for the very first post from Erin and see what it's all about! See you then!

A Family Necklace

2011-09-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

This hand stamped necklace is a great way to carry your family with you at all times. Keep a separate charm for each member. They look neat dangling together, this cluster of charms is definitely an attention grabber!

If you are interested in a similar piece, please contact us for a custom order. We would love to help you!

Ella

2011-09-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

Where to begin...(sigh). September is a hard month for us. It's hard to believe it's really been 10 years since your passing. We miss you terribly and it's hard around here without you. Yet, at the same time it seems like just yesterday that we said goodbye. Looking back I remember thinking why couldn't it be after your birthday that you pass. Then thinking that I was just thankful that it wasn't on your birthday. Duane says that God knew that the tragic events of 9/11 were going to unfold and this is why he called you home so early. He knew he was gonna need your help up there.

It hurts my heart deeply that our boys don't get to know you in person. The wonderful you! They know you through the stories we tell though. About your crazy, witty, quirky personality and your positive, go get 'em, winning attitude! You are talked about quite often to them. The little one loves taking you flowers. He will ask out of the blue. Then we all make a wish at the humongous fountain that is near your headstone. But I'm sure you already know all this.

Ella we love you dearly. I wish I had more time to know you as my mother in law. 4.5 months was not enough but I'll take it. And I am thankful for the couple of years I knew you before I married your son. He is a wonderful husband and a super father and I thank you for showing him how to love. He has his moments and I know when he's missing you.

It seems that your song, the one you two danced to for the mother son dance at our wedding, it ALWAYS comes on at just the right time. It's like a little reassurance that even though you are gone you are still here. It's like your little way of saying it's okay.

On this 10 year anniversary of your passing and always we miss you and we love you. And in 2 days happy birthday.

Here's to you...

Mixed Bag Designs {Giveaway}

2011-09-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

Oh boy oh boy I wanna win this one! Have y'all heard of a company called Mixed Bag Designs? If not you are totally missing out!

Mixed Bag Designs makes these "Eco Fabulous Reusable Bags"! Not only are they easy on our environment but they are oh so fun and trendy and super useful to top it all off! I have each of these two items below and I absolutely love them.

The Department Store Bag is very durable and has tons of space for lots of goodies. We've used if for potlucks, the pool, the beach, and more. I was very surprised at the actual amount of weight this baby can carry. I'm telling you I love it!

The Race Car Foodies are great for lunches. Don't you hate tossing out those plastic zipper bags? I sure do. No longer a problem! And what's more, beside being food safe these Foodies are dishwasher safe. Gotta love that!

Mixed Bag Designs offer tons of stuff. Shopping Bags, Totes, Laptop Cases, Lunch Bags and more. They even have stuff for the guys! I truly do recommend their product!

I first came across Mixed Bag Designs last year when we did a fundraiser for my son's school. Yep right at the end of the year we sold these fantastic bags and they were a hit! As a matter of fact I think we are actually getting ready to sell them again in about another week. That's how awesome our school did!

Mixed Bag Designs does fundraisers and lots of them! They are a great alternative to traditional cookie dough and wrapping paper programs. And if any of YOU want more info, or would like to request a catalog, you can email DJ at dj@mixedbagdesigns.com.

And if you wanna hop on over and make a purchase Mixed Bag Designs has offered free shipping for our readers! Just use coupon code caps at checkout. Free shipping good through 9/21.

The Giveaway
Mixed Bag Designs has generously offered up a fantastic giveaway! Three $75 gift certificates to Mixed Bag Designs online store! Oh yeah, 3 lucky winners will get to do some shopping and get a little something like so ↓!

to enter:

Visit Mixed Bag Designs then come back here and let us know what you might spend your $75 on if you're one of the lucky winners. This must be done before extra entries will count.

extra entries:

• Like Mixed Bag Designs on Facebook and let them know you Love the giveaway @Cap Creations!
• Blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway = 1 entry each. Each can be done daily!

• Follow the Cap blog.
• Like Cap on facebook.

Open to USA and Canada only. • Leave a separate comment on this post for each entry. • Make sure we have a way to contact you, should you win. • Last day to enter 9/15/11. • GOOD LUCK!!!

Bottle Cap Art Freebie

2011-09-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

Hey friends I wanted to share this with you. Blessed by Designs is starting a thing where they offer a new freebie item each month! For this first month you can snag this Pink Zebra Print bottle cap art. Includes all letters A-Z and 4 blanks so you can personalize yourself!

This freebie goes along perfectly with our

Bottle Cap Magnet Tutorial

Or our

Bottle Cap Necklace Tutorial

Go get your freebie at Blessed by Designs!

Have a great weekend friends!

Toothbrush

2011-08-31T04:50:00.000-07:00

Do you ever use the wrong toothbrush? I do. lol! But shhh don't tell my husband. And the instant I put it in my mouth I know it's not mine cause it's all blown out and needs replacing. Yuck!!! Why don't I EVER notice before it's in my mouth?

I have NEVER had this issue (ever) but here's the problem I secretly wanted the orange toothbrush really bad. But to save him from having to use the pink one I took pink instead. Apparently I still want the orange one. Pink toothbrush I don't like you.

So do you ever use the wrong toothbrush? Someone please tell me I'm not the only one. Or do you just give your hubby the pink one?

Photo source This is Glamorous

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Party Printables

2011-08-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

The party printables from our Diary of a Wimpy Kid party are now available to download for free on our website! You can pick them up HERE on the Tutorials & DIY page of our website.

Available downloads include:

Diary Label

Bag Topper

Favor Tags

Keychain Art

Enjoy! We'd love to hear if you pick them up! And feel free to email or comment with any questions. Also be sure to come back and share links to your Diary of a Wimpy Kid party.

In the works.

2011-08-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

Just a little sneak peek at a project that is currently in the works.

Any guesses at what it might be???

Boy I love thrift stores!

A Gift

2011-08-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

Here's a little gift for a blog buddy. I am so happy for her family! And their adoption of Judd! He will truly get the love he deserves now!!! The beautiful awesome God love!! Yeah!!!

Have a good weekend friends.