"Jelly fish" part 2 :)

This week, the words 'repent, return, renew, & reflect were added on small strips of craft paper ( which is actually a roll of paint masking paper I found at the Goodwill!) I should have printed them in black ink- they would have shown up better......trying to conserve ink. Also lots of crosses went up, and some of that black netting that you make poofy wreaths out of. I thought it would be neat, but it was kind of a pain to make it lay flat and not roll back up. Stay tuned for next week's addition :)

This is in the Narthex/entryway of the church. The cross is the same one we cover with flowers on Easter Sunday :) This is my first time using candles with timers ~ now THAT was a useful discovery! TTFN~

Ash Wednesday

This is the "Lenten Jellyfish" - my fun name for the Sanctuary mobile at church :) This year's is going to be a whole new deal for me- a progressive one that will change each week before the Lenten Services. So I had to start out a little sparser than my normal *over-the-top* craziness! Stay tuned for the updates. All to the Glory of God :)

Last night was the first message from our new Shepherd, Pastor Larson, and what a blessing it was! Such a humble, genuine man with a heart for the Lord! I know, that's kind of a 'pre-req' for clergy, but it's not always the case, sadly. I'm thankful that the Lord saw fit to bring him here, and that lives will be touched because he shares the Gospel with passion :) 

On another note, don't forget to check out my retirement sale-a-palooza- the rubber is flying out the door as we speak! First come, first served as it were. God bless you as you travel the Lenten road to Calvary! 

Guess What?

Yup! I'm retiring! Heart & Soul has been a huge blessing to us for almost 20 years now, and I'm ready to hit the sand with the Mr. and our friends more frequently :) What this means for you, is that I'm having a big ol' *clean out the store* sale!  ( If there WERE a store, that is!)  Ideally, I would love to sell everything to someone who would just take it and run with it, giving it the attention it deserves. If you're that person ( or better yet, group of people) shoot me an email and we'll talk.  If you just want to get a great deal on Heart & Soul Stamps while you still can, go to www.heartandsoulrubberstampco.com to see the complete line. ALL IMAGES SOLD UNMOUNTED UNTRIMMED FOR $1.00 each, quantities limited to stock on hand. No mounted stamps in the sale (sorry). Like I said, I'm ready to hit the ground running :)  The sale will continue until things get pretty bare, or travelling season begins. So spread the word, if you would, and don't be surprised if you order and receive a few more than you ordered....heh heh.  

With one foot out the door.......

super duper Goodwill find :)

I hope you all had a blessed Christmas- no matter how it looked for you this year. I have a lot of friends and family who had a hard time being *merry* ~ it's tough when life zaps you during the holidays. My theory is that there is always something to be thankful for :) 

I found these little gems when I popped into my local Goodwill hoping for some after Christmas markdowns.....they are ( I believe) printing blocks for fabric or paper, handmade in India from wood and copper strips! I think they are lovely and it makes me wonder if the maker was a Believer :) Cool, huh?

Advent Sanctuary mobile

This could be my favorite one yet! I've always wanted to add lights to the mix~ and this year I found an LED battery operated star on a timer :)  We'll see how it all plays out.....it's not easy winching it up and down, so I'm hoping I won't need to do it more than once. I love the Advent season :) Some churches go 'blue' and some 'purple' ~ we have blue Paraments and purple candles in the Advent wreath.....so me being 'me'......I try to crowd in as much purple as possible :) May your Advent season be a time of preparation and anticipation of the celebration of Jesus's birth! 

Blessings to you

Praying that you all have a thankful day, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. There is always something to be thankful for :) I'm thankful for my Lord, my family near and far, and the smell of a bird roasting in the oven~

Advent Tea Calendar

And I'm back with another Pinterest find  (here's the original pin)

Here's my 'take' on the idea! I found the mini bags at Michaels.....but I would probably just make my own next time. Each bag has a different tea in it- it gets a little expensive doing it that way ( PLUS they are mostly decaf - for a few of my friends) so I would recommend going together with a friend and splitting the cost. Or just make a bunch- they get progressively less expensive that way :) Another hint - next time I would make sure the tea bags are all individually wrapped.....I had to print some labels for some teas so folks would know what they were drinkin' :) I made the box from  12" cardstock and the lid from a transparency sheet. I also tucked in some chocolate truffles here and there to make the bags *stand at attention* :) I can't wait to give these to some special people in my life!