For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.  Psalm 18:28

Have a blessed Sunday!

Welcome our new Shop of the Week UptownVintage. UptownVintage carries a fun, eclectic, beautifully photographed selection of vintage items.  Items include enamelware, pottery, jewelry, home decor, toys and games and moreNo time to visit an antique shop today?  Browse UptownVintage on Etsy.


1940s Antique Blue Enamel Teapot Tea Kettle Cobalt by Uptown Vintage





Please note that the only way to be featured as the CAST Shop of the Week is to tag your shop items "castteam" on Etsy and to not hide your teams in your Etsy profile. You will also have to have at least 12 items to feature. Those are the ways that I find great CAST shops to feature each week. 

CAST Members: If you have a minute or two, please feel free to favorite ♥ this shop or promote it on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or other social media.  Thanks!

by Sue of SueRunyonDesigns
Today is the day.  Welcome Matthew!  Congratulations Julia, Mike, Zach and Pat.




https://www.etsy.com/listing/91454889/forest-woodlands-its-a-boy-baby-shower?ref=usr_faveitems

https://www.etsy.com/listing/125120376/baby-sweater-pattern-chunky-one-piece?ref=usr_faveitems







https://www.etsy.com/listing/85276686/blessed-baby-bodysuit?ref=usr_faveitems





https://www.etsy.com/listing/100333938/mustache-baby-burp-cloth-baby-boy-or?ref=usr_faveitems


https://www.etsy.com/listing/62101804/easter-cross-original-aceo-stylized-in?ref=usr_faveitems



God Bless♥

Sue Anderson
I resolve things everyday of my life, but what does it mean in the context the bible sets forth for me to Resolve.
A few of the translations I looked through used the words"stand fast", "to settle" or from the dictionary to make a "firm decision".
I love the word to settle, or to settle in my mind something that I'm making a decision on, and of course by this it is the settling in my mind that I believe in the Triune God.
The work of the Father, the work of the Son and the Work of the Holy Spirit, do I believe it, have I settled it in my mind that this is the truth.
A resounding "yes" is what I will stand firm on.
I am firm in my belief that there is a God, I am settled in my mind that He sent His Son to die for my sins, and sent the Holy Spirit to indwell in me.
Science can not prove it wrong, Scholars have failed to prove anything other than the Bible is Truth, there is no refuting it's validity.
There isn't anything that can sway me from this truth, the evidence is all around me that, even though He is unseen, He is present in everything from the largest to the most miniscule, the seen and the unseen bears His mark and by that statement I am not untouched by His hand.
His Handiwork is all around us, just look at the flowers of the field, or the abundance of a harvest, the water that feeds them, the air that they breathe, the sun that shines on them in order that they might grow and bring forth fruit that they may be enjoyed.
He breathes life into me that I might daily give Him praise and share with the world the goodness of His mighty name, I will not be weary, but will continually glorify His name.

1 Cor 16:13-14 (NKJV) Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.


How are you Resolved today?

Blessings, Julia
JT Designs 
www.juliatellier.etsy.com

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly."  Psalm 84:11 (New American Standard Bible)



Religious Art Tags Grace Meets Us Where We Are



Happy Sunday!

Let me introduce you to Barbara of InFlowerIn her profile Barbara states that she never meet a dandelion she didn't love--a woman after my own heart. Be sure to browse all through her shop and I know you will be enchanted with her whimsical offerings in a shop populated with delightful characters.  Barbara does the most charming cards with a combination of her pressed flowers and calligraphy and scripture verses. Mothers Day is just around the corner . . .

MOOSE Notecard





Please note that the only way to be featured as the CAST Shop of the Week is to tag your shop items "castteam" on Etsy and to not hide your teams in your Etsy profile. You will also have to have at least 12 items to feature. Those are the ways that I find great CAST shops to feature each week. 

CAST Members: If you have a minute or two, please feel free to favorite ♥ this shop or promote it on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or other social media.  Thanks!

by Sue of SueRunyonDesigns
It is our pleasure to introduce Gwen Jones of Gwen's Homemade Gifts as this week's Featured Artist. Gwen concocts a variety of charming gift items, including bath salts and lip balms, at her home in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

For one week (through the next Saturday), Gwen is offering one (1) free lip balm to any CAST team member who orders a minimum of $15 from her Etsy shop. Please identify yourself as a CAST member in the order message (notes to seller).



Bath salts sea salt scented Gwen's Homemade Gifts


Introduction to you: I live in the midwest of the USA. I am a wife and mother to three grown children. I will soon be a grandmother for the first time! I am very excited about that.
How did you get your start on Etsy? I love to make homemade gifts for friends and family. More and more I was getting the question, "Do you have extras to sell?" My son-in-law suggested I start an Etsy shop, so with his help (photography) and my daughter's help (editing), here I am.




Organic lip balm gwenshomemadegifts coconut oil shea butter cocoa
<">Organic Lip Balm

 
What does a typical day look like for you? A work day for me is in my own office within the corporation office of a public school system. I am an assistant to the curriculum director so I work a lot with state reporting, testing data, spreadsheets, more data, statistics and did I mention data? It's a pleasure to come home in the evenings and create something fragrant and beautiful. I also enjoy interactions with all the new people I meet from my Etsy teams. So a typical evening will find me on the computer busy with my Etsy business.



Spa scrubbies cotton crocheted washcloth Gwen's Homemade Gifts
Cotton Spa Scrubbies

What is your favorite Bible verse?  Many years ago when I was in youth group, our leader challenged us to choose a theme verse for our life. I chose this verse and it has remained my favorite verse.  Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”

Peppermint Foot Soak Pedicure Salts GwensHomemadeGifts
 Peppermint Foot Soak
What is your favorite listing to feature? My peppermint foot soak - this is just the best foot soak ever!

Where can we find you on the Internet?
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/gwensgifts/
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/gwenshomegifts
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/GwensHomemadeGifts
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GwensHomemadeGifts

PureRoxFaith

I don't always get this parenting thing right.
Most of the time my biggest struggle is fear and the lack of 
control that comes with having teenagers and young adults.

I guess when the children are younger it can seem as if 
we have more control.
The truth is while we can manage the physical comings
and goings of our children
even as toddlers they are already working hard 
to become self sufficient and separated from us.
It is what has to happen in order for them to grow up and 
operate in this great big world we live in.

Sometimes that causes distress to the heart of the parent
who just wants to protect their baby bird 
and not see them leave
the nest.

However, there is also much satisfaction 
in the job of 
parenting.

When we, as parents, see our young children begin
to care for those around them,
or as teenagers when they get involved in ministry.
As we hear our children pray asking God to be their Savior.
Such times of joy.

Most of the time we think we are the ones 
teaching our children the things they need to know
but so often they teach us.

An incident this week was just such a case.
Chelsea had been out with a group of friends 
playing Ultimate Frisbee.
When they left she had just one girl with her in the car
and they headed on their way home.

Apparently heady with adrenaline of a great game
Chelsea was not paying enough attention and 
went through a stop sign.
She simply did not notice it existed.

Fortunately the person coming the other way was 
an off duty State Patrolman and he was able to stop.
He got out of his car and gave her a serious talking to.

Now, some might have been upset if their child was 
spoken to in this way but I was so grateful.

When Chelsea returned home she was in tears.
Simply crushed.

I knew that anything I could have said couldn't have 
made her feel worse than she already did.

So, I told 
her that I knew it would make her more careful
the next time.
I told her how much I loved her and was thankful that 
she and everyone else who could have been hurt or killed 
were o.k.

A while later I was doing dishes 
and Chelsea came to 
the kitchen.
Her eyes were just so full of pain
and regret.
I simply asked, 
"Do you need a hug?"

She was very quick to say 
she did.

As we we embraced in the kitchen
Chelsea said:
"This must be what grace feels like."

Thud.

Melt my heart.

How many times have I grieved the Spirit to only have 
Him wrap me in arms of love and forgiveness
when I come to Him in my sorrow and pain.

Oh, the repentance was there in our little girl.
I pray that I am quick to repent.

But, I was reminded that evening....
grace.....it is a beautiful thing.

We mustn't take it for granted.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just
 to forgive us our sins, 
and to cleanse us 
from all unrighteousness.

Ephesians 1:6,7
To the praise of the glory of his grace, 
wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, 
the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of his grace;


Thanks for reading.....Becky - Good Neighbors Candle Co.


Mother's Day is coming.  

How many of us take our mom's love for granted?  I know I did for so many years.  Now my mom will be 90 in June and the thought of losing her devastates me.  I want her to live to 150!

I remember a long time ago when my grandma was still here.  It was going to be Mother's Day and we were shopping for a gift for grandma.  My mom came across this lovely cameo.  It was $11 and back then in the 50's that was a lot.  The sales lady said to my mom - you only have one mom.  We bought it for grandma.
Gifts are a show of love for our moms but don't ever forget to give her big hugs also.

God lavishes us with His love and He wants us to love the same way.


https://www.etsy.com/listing/122021489/hoop-art-hand-embroidery-valentine-gift?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/124530705/necklace-bridal-pearls-eight-strands?ref=shop_home_active



https://www.etsy.com/listing/56061498/ladybug-on-leaf-pin?ref=usr_faveitems



https://www.etsy.com/listing/120560972/blue-flower-organic-lavender-sachet?ref=usr_faveitems
https://www.etsy.com/listing/96783337/coral-flower-garland-necklace-sterling?ref=shop_home_active





https://www.etsy.com/listing/111975601/small-quilled-paper-butterfly-barrette?ref=usr_faveitems


LOVE LIKE GOD WANTS US TO~WITH GRACE♥



Let me introduce you to Faith from StitchPrincessFaith has been an active CAST Team member for a while now.  She makes beautiful custom wedding dresses, bridemaids' dresses, prom dresses and other gowns. She also makes various accessories, aprons, skirts and more. She does lovely work. Enjoy browsing Faith's shop.

Sweetheart Prom Dress w/ Gathered Bodice, Sweetheart Formal Gown, Modest Prom Dress -- CUSTOM MADE in any fabric





Please note that the only way to be featured as the CAST Shop of the Week is to tag your shop items "castteam" on Etsy and to not hide your teams in your Etsy profile. You will also have to have at least 12 items to feature. Those are the ways that I find great CAST shops to feature each week. 

CAST Members: If you have a minute or two, please feel free to favorite ♥ this shop or promote it on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or other social media.  Thanks!

by Sue of SueRunyonDesigns
'No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven – the Son of Man.  Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,  that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.'
John 3:13-15 (NIV)


I live in a country (Australia) where one can find some of the most venomous snakes (and spiders) known to man.  Even living in a suburban area like mine, there are occasional stories of snake sightings in local nature reserves or parklands.  Needless to say, many in my country know about anti-venoms and how to get to hospital as quickly as possible after a snake bite.  Which leads me to this passage: I have read this passage, and the accompanying reference passage in Numbers 21, many times without really stopping to think about the wonder of what the words truly mean.  You see, the story Jesus refers to (found in Numbers 21:4-9) to make his main point, is one that goes against all modern thinking and medical knowledge.


In Numbers 21, the Israelites have again complained against God and then find themselves plagued by venomous snakes.  When Moses is asked to intercede with God on their behalf, God tells Moses that he should put up a statue of a snake, and that anyone bitten by the snakes should look at the statue to live.  How many Israelites do you think thought to themselves, "What? Look at a snake statue to be cured from a venomous snake bite? Is he crazy???"  Yet Numbers records for us that those who were bitten and did look at the snake were saved, they lived.  They were saved not because this was standard medical treatment for snake bites, but because God, in his grace, gave them this way to live.  You could say that God was really making a point that He was the one who saved them; nothing they did helped them to live, except for looking to God in trust.
 

 And so Jesus uses this story to make his point to Nicodemus in John chapter 3.  Just as those who were bitten were saved by looking at the bronze snake that Moses raised up, so will we be saved and gain eternal life by looking to Jesus' death on the cross.  Now if some Israelites thought that being saved from snake bite by looking at a statue was crazy, I know that there will be many who will think that Jesus' proclamation about eternal salvation is even crazier.
 

 In our modern world of independence and "me", the idea that we need to trust in someone other than ourselves for salvation (that is, if they can get past the idea of the need for salvation) is an abhorrent and outdated one.  But the Bible clearly states in many places that if we want to live, if we want to be saved from the poisonous bite of sin in our lives, we must trust in God's method of salvation.  And God chose to save us through sending Jesus to take our punishment by dying on the cross and then showing his defeat of death by his resurrection.  The idea may seem crazy, it may seem repugnant, or old-fashioned or weak, but if we want salvation from our sins and to enjoy eternity with God, looking to Jesus' death on the cross is the only way.







Yummy Crepe Breakfast - Lunch - or Dessert

Crepe Recipe: Makes about 25 crepes

5 room temperature eggs - 1 cup of flour - 1 cup of lukewarm water. Mix ingredients together with a wire whisk in a 1 quart vessel.

Oil a small cast iron skillet or a small (8") teflon coated frying pan. Wipe the oil around the pan with a paper towel. Heat the pan on medium heat. My ancient recipe says to use a whiskey glass (1 oz.) to measure the batter into the pan but you can use a ladle or spoon - remembering that you want a very small amount of batter in the pan because the crepe should be very thin. Quickly, swirl the pan to get the batter spread around on the bottom to make a round shaped crepe. It just takes a few minutes to cook side one. Turn crepe over to cook side two (this side takes even less time than side one).

As the crepes are finished, pile them one on top of the other on a plate. When you're finished making crepes, you can wrap the whole pile in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. They freeze well. Divide them up in serving sized batches to freeze.

With a couple of the crepes, heated in the microwave for about 30 seconds, slathered with Nutella, layered with sliced bananas and strawberries covering one half of the crepe, I folded over the crepe and drizzled chocolate sauce over the top.

I had them just like this (the dessert format).  But for breakfast and/or lunch, you could spread a layer of yogurt over the Nutella before you layer on the fruit.

Though dessert is my favorite way to have crepes, they are quite versatile. Savory fillings would make a lovely lunch or dinner.







by Rita of sammysgrammy

When I want to share something that will bless you, I ask myself, “What is the most important thing that God has been teaching me the past couple of weeks?” I know He teaches me so I can share with others to lift them up and to help them grow. (Romans 14:19)

My pastor has been doing a sermon series on spiritual warfare. I don’t know about you, but my family has been under serious attack.
You know the verse, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
I learned it in a new way. If anyone asked me, I would’ve said that I have no power in and of myself and that Jesus has all the power; that in fact, I am a wretch saved by grace. I would never have said that I act in my own power. Never. Ever.
But my heart was deceitful. 
When Satan started attacking my mind, feeding me lies, I rebuke him, telling him he has no power over me- to get lost. True, no? 
Nope. 
I always wondered why my heart still felt heavy and I had to continue to pray and beg for God to help me, to give me strength to keep going moment by moment, breath by breath. And my heart would slowly seem to come up for air. 
Not that that’s wrong, in general- and there is most definitely times when we do need to pray that for strength for the moment and for each breath. But when Satan is attacking? Hmmmmm....
How does the Bible say we are to rebuke him? Zechariah 3:2- “The LORD said to Satan, ‘The LORD rebuke you!” 
Duh! If God uses His Name as the authority, shouldn’t I? Use His Name, I mean, not mine. Who am I to rebuke him? 
So, I changed my previous wimpy plan. To a battle cry. 
The next time Satan attacked my thoughts, I said, “The LORD rebuke you! You have no power here.”
My heart shot to the surface for air. 
Whoa. The Power of Jesus’ Name. Incredible.
I pray this blesses you.

because Beauty is more than skin deep,
Emily



"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NKJV)


Have a blessed Sunday!

Introducing Garreth and Carla of Scentcosmetics. Garreth and Carla are a husband and wife team from N. Ireland who collaborate on their Etsy Shop. You'll enjoy taking some time to read their profile and discover how the Brazilian and Irish influence of their items came about.  If you are looking for novelty soaps such as the building blocks below or fruit or sheep or puzzle pieces along with cosmetics and other items, please take the time to browse through their shop.

Organic Building block Soap. glycerin. Soap Art





Please note that the only way to be featured as the CAST Shop of the Week is to tag your shop items "castteam" on Etsy and to not hide your teams in your Etsy profile. You will also have to have at least 12 items to feature. Those are the ways that I find great CAST shops to feature each week. 

CAST Members: If you have a minute or two, please feel free to favorite ♥ this shop or promote it on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or other social media.  Thanks!

by Sue of SueRunyonDesigns
There is no greater gift a mother can give her children than to pray them to the foot of Jesus' cross. There is no greater gift a child can give a mother than to live their life for Jesus. For "I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth" (3 John 4 ).


https://www.etsy.com/listing/127504553/card-for-grandma-card-for-mothers-day?ref=usr_faveitems



https://www.etsy.com/listing/97346252/mothers-day-tea-towel-cotton-embroidered?


https://www.etsy.com/listing/128228309/handmade-military-mom-mothers-day-or?ref=usr_faveitems



https://www.etsy.com/listing/126577201/mom-gift-only-a-mom-poem-print?ref=usr_faveitems




https://www.etsy.com/listing/125697685/mothers-day-soy-candle-pink-rose-label?ref=usr_faveitems


Tell your mom that you love her.

Sue Anderson

Come with me as we take a step back in time to the beautiful era of Jane Austin novels and lovely feminine dresses that we will find in Geneece Arnold's shops Sew Many Treasures and Feminine Dress.


For the readers of this interview, Geneece is offering to honor the following coupon to be used in her Feminine Dress shop at checkout for the amount of 10% off:  CASTBNS10

Tell us a little about yourself.
I started sewing before I was 10, and at the age of 12 was introduced to quilting when a friend and her mom took me to the Quilt-in-a-Day studio in southern California. My mom taught me about clothing construction and how to read patterns, and got me started in all other types of sewing.  In my early 20s I started designing nursing tops for myself and friends who were all having babies, and that launched me into the world of pattern design!  I continued to sew for myself, my family, and my friends, until I got into historical costuming several years ago.  Now I am primarily engaged in that venture - particularly the regency era of Jane Austen's time.  I enjoy the study of period correct historical fashion as much as I enjoy creating the garments from the time period!  I also enjoy sewing modern clothing for girls,and have a number of patterns in various stages of construction.


How did you get your start on Etsy?
I was taking custom orders from my website; but it was going slowly. I decided to open an Etsy shop to see how my custom regency gowns would do, and was surprised at the positive response.  Later I decided I wanted to add modern clothing and patterns, and decided a secondshop would be better than trying to mix the two unlike styles.


How did you choose your shop name?
SewManyTreasures was taken directly from my website of the same name. FeminineDress was born because I wanted to focus on delightfully fun, modest and practical, yet feminine clothing. FeminineDress is still in it's infancy as far as development goes.  I have a sewing blog that I hope to add to over time with tutorials and pattern reviews.


What does a typical day look like for you?
I start my day with coffee, devotions, Bible memory, and prayer.  Next I check my various shops and email to see if there was any activity overnight.  Then I start getting my children up (I have 7 still at home) and we spend our day homeschooling, with all that entails.  They school alongside me as I work, or I take breaks from sewing to work with them.  My 13 year old helps me with order fulfilment and basic record keeping.  We all work together on meals and cleaning, and keeping up the homestead.  (I enjoy baking almost all our bread, and we raise our own free range eggs and grassfed beef.)  I continue to work on custom orders into the evening since my husband works the
evening shift at a local hospital.  Some days we have music lessons or other homeschool activities that take us away from home; but mostly that is what my day looks like.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?
With my children.

What is your favorite Bible verse?
Isaiah 40:31  They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles.  They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?
Any of my regency gowns; but this is my most popular:


URLs to where else we can find you on the internet
SewManyTreasures.com
http://pinterest.com/sewmanytreasure/

FeminineDress.com
@FeminineDress
http://pinterest.com/femininedress/




The winner of NellyWithWings' giveaway is Karen W!  Karen commented:
On March 21, 2013 at 2:12 PM , KarenW said..
I love all your bright colors Nelly! I love the tortilla warmers. Very pretty!



by Zuda Gay Pease