Finding Faith

So I decided to take a different route with todays post... 

My husband has recently been deployed to Afghanistan with the U.S Army for one year. Living apart is something that is familiar to us, because of the fact we spent about 7 months a part last year. We see this deployment as a time for personal growth between the two of us, as well as strengthening our marriage. We rarely try to dwell on the fact we will be apart for a significant amount of time, and instead focus on all the positives that will come out of this journey. 

Recently my sister in law gave me a book from another military spouse who has been in my shoes many of times.  This book has already been a gift from God and a constant reminder to have a strong grasp on my faith. I cracked open the book tonight, just as I was talking to a friend about how she was having a hard time with this deployment. And there lay the words which I wish I could share with every military spouse going through a deployment. 

" The next time your heart is troubled, check your vision. Focus on God and His unchanging character. Trust in who He is and the promises He provides in scripture, rather than what is going on around you. "

Ask

"What am I most worried about today?"

"What can I praise God for instead?"

Pray

"Lord, please forgive my tendency to worry about things I can't control. Help me draw closer to You and replace my anxiety by meditating on Your Word. In Jesus' Name, Amen." 

I felt compelled to share this with not only military spouses but anyone going through a time where they might have some anxiety about something you CANNOT control. 

The book I am referring to is "Faith Deployed ... Again." by Jocelyn Green

Military spouses and family members can get this book FREE while supplies last from Christian Military Fellowship.  Follow the link, become a member and go to the "Members Only Section."

There's my spiel for the day! I'm excited to continue reading this book. Godspeed to all of the military members in Afghanistan right now, and keep their families in your thoughts and prayers! 

No Sew Ruffle Scarf

So let me start with saying, I am a bit scarf obsessed. I have so many, and I wear them all the time. So when I was thinking of a DIY tutorial to post, I immediately thought of one of my favorite accessories! What's great about this tutorial, is you more than likely have all the needed materials inside your house! 

So lets get started.. 

Supplies needed: 

• 2 t-shirts size large or XL
• 1 piece of felt in any color
• Paper cup
• Paper Plate
• Pin Back 
• Hot Glue gun or fabric glue
• Scissors 
• Sharpie or pen 

1. Use your paper plate to trace 5 circles. Repeat on both t shirts.
2. Outline a spiral on each circle. 
3. Cut our your spirals. (you should have 20 circles total)
4. Stretch out your spirals so you have nice ruffly strips

Gather all your strips together and it should look like so! Beautiful!

Now time for the felt flower pin to tie this all together!

1. Trace the top of the paper cup to form the larger circle, then trace the bottom of the cup to form the smaller circles. You will need ONE large circle and TWELVE small circles. 
2. Cut out your circles!
3. One big... Twelve small, like so. 
4. Fold each circle in half. 
5. Fold it in half again. 
6. Cut off the tip of the circle and apply hot glue to the bottom.
7. Place your folded up small circle onto the large circle. 
8. Fill the circle up until it looks like the above picture. Add hot glue to connect the edges of the circles to make it look more rounded, rather than flat. 
9. Add hot glue to the pin back and glue it to the back of your flower!

Wrap your ruffle strips around your neck... pin your flower... and work it! 

So simple and no sewing involved! I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!