Serve the Lord, Serve Your Neighbor, and a Finished Project

I finished this project from Lizzie Kate this week! I was so happy to use this vintage frame from my Mom that I had in my stash.

I added a little vintage lace to each side of this project to fill in some blank space. I decided to back the project with some quilt batting to give it a little more substance, and then sewed the lace down each side. Worked well.

I've been thinking and meditating as I stitch on the ways that we serve the Lord. One thought that kept coming to my mind is that we serve the Lord when we serve our neighbor.

I've been re-reading Luther's Small Catechism, and in Luther's explanation of the eighth commandment, he writes of God's gift of a good reputation:

"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way."

Wow. This is so counter cultural to what we see in the world today.

How often do we hear something and immediately put it in the worst possible light? We read something and instantly our thoughts turn negative. We see something and rather than giving the benefit of the doubt, we put a bad construction on it.

The explanation goes on to say "We should put the best meaning on everything, that is, we should explain our neighbor's actions in the best possible way."

Love bears all things.

This world needs a lot more positive thoughts and a lot more love. I'm working on this now, in light of the crazy things happening all around us.

Thinking on what is true and honorable and just  and pure and lovely and commendable and worthy of praise.

"Practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:9

Blessings and peace, cafe friends!

Garden Inspired

Good morning, cafe friends!

I've been busy in the garden these past few weeks...my garden, my mom's garden, my son in Indiana's garden. It's that time when there is a window of opportunity to get seeds sown and veggies planted and perennials established before summer's heat comes.

I made a card this morning inspired by my new annuals.

I ordered this stamp set from Concord and 9th when it was released last month, but haven't played with it until now. This is going to be a well-loved set, for sure! So easy to use!

{Today's Brew: Wildflower Fields stamp set (Concord and 9th), PTI inks and card stock}

 
I'm opting for a different color scheme in the garden this season...more peaches and oranges mixed with purples and blues. This color palette always makes a great segue from summer to autumn.

I found these sweet petunias at Walmart and loved the different colors and variations!

I like to put a few herbs in pots on my deck...easy to grab when I am cooking dinner!

My lettuce and spinach bowls are growing nicely! I also created a "Salsa Pot" by combining a tomato plant with a pepper plant and some parsley.

I am sending this card to the assisted living center where my Mom-in-Law is a resident. It's been a tough few months for them under quarantine, but we are so grateful for the care that they have given to the residents during these difficult days.

Blessings, cafe friends!

Moose Tracks Cookies

Happy Monday, cafe friends!

Last week was all about coffee creations, so it only seemed natural to serve up something to go with that latte this morning.

I have been experimenting with cake mix cookies lately. Sometimes, you just need a cookie that comes together quickly without a lot of fuss.

When I was telling Sam about the ingredients for a new cookie I wanted to try, he said "It sounds like Moose Tracks ice cream in a cookie form." Great description!

This recipe uses a chocolate cake mix, Reese's peanut butter chips, eggs, chopped walnuts, and oil. I've been using Smart Balance blend for my baking.

Moose Tracks cookies:

1 chocolate cake mix
2 eggs
1/2 c. Smart Balance blend oil
1 cup Reese's peanut butter chips
1/2 c. chopped walnuts.

Mix cake mix, eggs and oil until well blended. Gently add peanut butter chips and walnuts. Refrigerate for one hour. Preheat oven to 350 and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Roll dough into one inch balls using a tablespoon. Bake 10-12 minutes. Cool on cookie sheet for two minutes, then transfer to a wire rack or flat surface to cool.

Enjoy!

One More For The Hop!

Welcome to the cafe!

Here's a morning cup to start your day!

{Today's Brew: PTI sentiment, PTI Merry Mug die, Simple Stories papers, MFT sunshine stencil, SU enamel hearts and sequins}

Blessings on your weekend, cafe friends!

Spring Summer Coffee Lovers Hop: Coffee, Where Are You?

Welcome to the cafe!

Last year, I was using my Keurig coffee maker on a daily basis. But this winter, I got tired of it and decided to switch back to my Senseo pod maker. The only problem is that they don't sell the pods in the store and I have to order them online. No big deal. My supplier does a great job of shipping out quickly.

And then COVID happened.

Apparently, all of my mail gets sorted at the Detroit facility, which was hit hard by the pandemic. So now, they are sending a lot of packages to get sorted at other facilities. What was once a two day priority delivery can often become a TWO WEEK delivery.

I wouldn't mind so much if it wasn't for the fact that I paid $17 for priority shipping that was obviously NOT a priority for the United States Postal Service. Last I heard, my box got sent to Wisconsin, and still has not arrived...two weeks later.

I know, I know.

First world problem.

Sigh!

Today's card features one word. 'Nuff said.

{Today's Brew: Echo Park Coffee papers, stamps and enamel dots, Lawn Fawn scalloped frame die, Lawn Fawn stitched frame die}

Thanks for visiting the cafe today!

Spring Summer Coffee Lovers Hop: Bloom Mug

Welcome to the cafe!

I brewed up another card with Simple Stories Spring Farmhouse papers! Small, simple, and sweet. I love the mug. It reminds me of Rae Dunn and Mudpie pottery.

{Today's Brew: Simple Stories Spring Farmhouse collection, PTI Don't Forget To Write scallop note card die, button twine}

Have a great day, cafe friends!

Spring Summer Coffee Lovers Hop: Bloomin' Birthday!

Welcome to the cafe!

Today, I have brewed a warm cup of birthday wishes. It seems I always need birthday cards!

For this brew, I paired Simple Stories Spring Farmhouse collection with Mama Elephant's Warm Wishes cup.

{Today's Brew: Warm Wishes stamp and die (Mama Elephant), Simple Stories Spring Farmhouse papers and enamel dots, organdy ribbon, PTI kraft card stock, Lawn Fawn stitched frame die}

Thanks for visiting the cafe today!