Monday, March 31, 2014

Modern Command Center

I got the change recently to help a friend update a small wall from eh to AHA!!

The wall was one of the main walkways from her front room to the kitchen, and had housed a large wine art canvas for as long as she could remember. After scoring a metal grate at a local hardware store (8.00 down from 70.00..truly. What!?), we quickly brainstormed out own version of this DIY project:

http://www.tealandlime.com/2012/04/quatrefoil-cork-board/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=quatrefoil-cork-board

We ordered an 11.00 roll of cork online to fit perfectly behind out 24x36 metal grate, and upon receipt, we tackled the project in an afternoon with some oil rubbed bronze screws, hot glue, and a quick trip to Target for some Nate.. (Berkus, that is!).

We were able to land several of our Berkus finds in the Clearance section, making this DIY easy on the eyes AND the pocket book.

The geometric design and brushed gold finish lends itself to the modern appeal that's trending right now, and picks up just the right amount of light for the space. This heavily trafficked space now serves as an area to plan meals for the week, keep track of events for quickly growing kiddos, family events, save the dates, photos, etc.





We hot glued the cork to the grate, screwed it to the wall, added screwed to hang heavier items on the grate, and push pinned the rest!



Sunday, March 30, 2014

On Self Control...


Self-control---oh, this word. Webster’s defines self-control as (n): the ability to control oneself, in particular one’s emotions and desires or the expression of them in one’s behavior, esp. in difficult situations.

If it were only that easy. I’ve struggled for 29 years (well, I’m sure I didn’t put up too much of a fight during year one. HA!) with the ability to control myself, particularly in the arena of gluttony (the desire for excess – be it things, food, experiences, etc). The helpful advice we always hear is to exercise self-control. “So that’s the missing link”, I think. “I’ve just got to figure out how to get myself a big ‘ol dose of self-control and everything will be roses.”

However, I’m starting to realize just how doomed my quest for self-control is. I am a sinner with sinful desires and motives. I can’t control myself; I’ve proved it to myself a hundred times (this week alone!). I am doing a topical study on self-control, and the Lord is really opening my eyes to some things about the attainability of this valuable characteristic. What the Lord is teaching me is that self-control is far from what its name has always implied to me. I will always fail if I rely on my “self” to control myself. Self-control means that I am controlled – but by the grace and strength of Christ. Self-control is a GIFT. It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Verse 24 tells us  “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”. POWERFUL. So this is what it means to deny myself and take up my cross daily (Luke 9:23).

Verse 26 also convicted me: Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other… Guilty! I was just discussing this with some friends yesterday. Sinful inferiority complexes leave us striving to be like the world. But God teaches us NOT to desire the things of this earth. I encourage you to read 1John 2:15-16. Then, in Luke 9:25 The Lord tells us “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self”? I need to keep mindful of this as I navigate through this journey of health. As I get closer to freedom in this area, it’s easy to run to things of the world for my happiness-however, I have to continually ask myself if my actions are God-honoring. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1Cor 10:31)  RIGHT THERE is the difference between worldly self-control and godly self-control.

“…the Christian way of self-control is NOT "Just say no!" The problem is with the word "just." You don't just say no. You say no in a certain way: You say no by faith in the superior power and pleasure of Christ. It is just as ruthless. And may be just as painful (as worldly self control). But the difference between worldly self-control and godly self-control is crucial. Who will get the glory for victory? That's the issue. Will we get the glory? Or will Christ get the glory? If we exercise self-control by faith in Christ's superior power and pleasure, Christ will get the glory.” http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-fierce-fruit-of-self-control
I encourage you to check it out the rest of this article by John Piper on his “Desiring God” blog. He has a lot of really insightful things to say about biblical self-control.


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So what happens when I stop seeking Christ? I stop seeking his grace and strength for control. I start to ignore what God’s grace teaches me: to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. (Titus 2:11-12) John Piper put it perfectly: “When we really see and believe what God is for us by grace through Jesus Christ, the power of wrong desires is broken. And that, my friends, is the freedom I am striving for: Freedom from wrong desires.”


source: http://liferearranged.com/2012/09/sunday-smiles-67/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sunday-smiles-67


Saturday, March 22, 2014

Spa party chalkboard!

Wine Cork Monogram

No wine bottles were harmed in the making of this craft. :)

This project was easy and tedious all at the same time; I was tasked with making this wedding gift for a wine lover and am happy to report that it went off without a hitch! 

Arm yourself with a ton of glue sticks, a ton of wine corks, and a sturdy base. I had thought first to use cardboard backed with felt and before I even started cutting out the cardboard letter frame I decided that it wasn't such a good idea. I ended up using an unfinished wooden letter. The bonus: it had pre-cut mounting  hardware on the back!

I started the corks slightly hanging over the edge of the frame so that the exposed wood couldn't be seen from the front. It's also important to think about placement before getting all glue crazy...just sayin. I don't know from experience..

The project took about 2 hrs in total to complete, start to finish, and was a great way to deplete the stash of corks a bit!

Try making your own! Or shoot me a comment if you're interested in me making one for you!