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My sister-in-law recently returned home from rehab and is receiving in-home therapy. Since therapy can last for several weeks or months, our family visits her on a regular basis.

I noticed her tabletop Christmas tree hadn’t been packed away and came up with a great idea to keep it decorated for the holidays and changing seasons.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so I thought I would cover the tree with handmade valentines and Dum-Dums. When her great-grandchildren come to visit, they can select a treat. What a wonderful memory for them to cherish.

                   

Any handmade decorations will work. I used bits and pieces of craft items I already had available.

If you have someone recovering at home, and you’d like to cheer them up, this is a great project. Even a small centerpiece tree will work.

She has no idea what I have in store for future trees. And I hope to share my favorites ones with you.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

1 John 4:19 (NKJ)

We love Him because He first loved us.

 

With this latest snowstorm and winter looking like we’ve still got a long way to go, I wanted to share an interesting post, “The 5 W’s for Thriving in Winter,” from my friend Amy Harke-Moore at the blog A Rural Girl Writes.

Here is an excerpt:

“I’ve faced my own battles, too, in the past. Feeling down or even full-blown depression a couple of times in the month of January have resulted in some hard winters in the my lifetime, and though life is better these days, I’m still learning how to manage winter and all the pitfalls this time of year can bring.

But I am learning. Here is what has been helping me survive–and dare I say thrive?–this season.”

READ MORE

Enjoy!

 

My friend, Ruth, worked on a tray card project with her local auxiliary. The women made hundreds of cards and then delivered them to the Veterans Hospital.

When Ruth told me about this wonderful mission, I immediately liked the idea. It’s a great project for children, students seeking community service hours, and church groups. Not only that, but it takes little investment, just love.

Upon my request, she sent me a letter with samples and directions:

1.    Blank regular-size index cards

2.    Colored pencils, markers or crayons

3.    Both regular and foam stickers, silk flower remnants, clip art, pictures, and whatever materials you have available will work.

4.    Fold the index card in half, decorate the front, and write thank you for your service on the back. You can also print the thank you on address labels.

What a nice way to brighten a Veteran’s day! The tray cards can be made for holidays or any special occasion. And when children decorate with their own personal artwork, it makes the card even more memorable.

Please check with your high school to ensure this is an approved community service.

This is also a great idea for nursing home residents and hospital patients.

Thank you, Ruth. I’ll be contacting you soon for more ideas.

Galatians 6:9 (NKJ)

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

 

 

 

If you’re like me then you take advantage of the after-holiday sales when most items get marked down. Sometimes you can find treasures discounted as low as seventy-five or ninety percent. Now that’s a deal!

I enjoy purchasing items for future gifts or pieces that can be turned into crafts and donated for fundraising.

Last year I purchased clearance Christmas tags and created bookmarks to include in my cards. I made dozens to pass out at a children’s church program.

Once I found styrofoam bulbs discounted to mere cents, and then made paper mache snowmen, button, bead, and diamond dust coated bulbs. I even created some sport embellished material bulbs that I sealed with Mod Podge. I also decorated year-end cinnamon scented pine cones. A dear friend of mine, who sews and knits, is very crafty. She created full-size snowmen from styrofoam bulbs, each with a knitted scarf.

Pinterest is loaded with tons of ideas.

Children love to experiment and create. Designing handmade gifts helps them to remember others. Even a simple craft leaves a memorable mark on one’s heart.

If you’re snowed in this winter and the children are bored, pull out your sale items and let them go to town.

Happy New Year!

Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJ)

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.