CAST Shop of the Week: SimplieGirlieDesigns

I'd like to introduce you to Melody of SimplieGirlieDesigns. Melody's shop is well stocked with personalized embroidered and appliqued items for children.  You will find personalized, towels, hooded towels, dresses, tshirts, baby clothing and much more. Enjoy browsing this shop. 

Chevron fabric trimmed bath towel. Personalized.



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
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Friday Finds
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:16-21 (NIV)

This is my prayer for the team this week.  May you be strengthened and grown in the faith and know God's love every day.  And may this help you to serve and glorify Him always.  Amen!


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If I have not LOVE
I have a new friend at church and have had a wonderful year slowly getting to know her and her fiancĂ©. As their wedding day approaches and the preparations are being made for the parties and gatherings and then the wedding and honeymoon I was reminded of the verses I spoke at my wedding. It is the most common passage recited at weddings and called the “Love” verses in 1 Corinthians 13.
For some reason, as I read over the first 3 verses they stuck in my mind and stayed with me.
1 Cor 13:1-3 (NKJV) 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
I noticed that three times this phrase was used “if I do not have love” I also noticed the result following that phrase in each verse: I am a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal, I am nothing, It profits me nothing.
And again, three times, the Lord points out His new commandment to love in: John 13:34 (NKJV)   A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
What God revealed to me through these verses…He does not get the glory if we have not love. Thankfully the following verses tell us how to love and reminds us that: 1 Cor 13:8a Love never fails & 1 Cor 13:13b the greatest of these is Love

Let us live those love verses in 1 Corinthians 13 and be a light for all to see, be the crowning Glory of our Lord, a Sweet Smelling Aroma.



                   Lord

Light of the wOrld

                     SaVior

                       JESUS

Have a Blessed Day
Happy Thanksgiving
Julia
JT Designs
www.juliatellier.etsy.com
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Sunday Scripture - 1 Chronicles 29:11
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty.  Everything in the heavens and on the earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.  1 Chronicles 29:11 NLT

Victory by Joyful Heart Photos

Have a blessed Sunday!
Loretta / Thoughtful Gems Crafts
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CAST Shop of the Week: LaceandLuxe

I'd like to introduce you to LaceandLuxe a bridal boutique on Etsy run by a mother and daughter team.  These ladies have been in the bridal business for many years and have beautiful items in their shop. They feature bouquets and boutonnieres, ring pillows, hair accessories, vintage jewelry and much more.  Enjoy browsing this shop.

Set of 8 Wheat and mint metal leaf mint bow Boutonniere 2435



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
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Wednesday Featured Artist: Pursuation
It is our pleasure to introduce Jackie Krzenski of Pursuation as this week's Featured Artist.

Jackie creates elegant purses in a number of different styles from her home in New Mexico, as well as sewing for her two other Etsy shops EdenBrook and EdenSpring.

Special offer:
A cell phone sleeve.  Buy one get one free! – fabric of my choice.  link below -
https://www.etsy.com/listing/164301381/cell-phone-sleeve-iphone-sleeve-galaxy?ref=shop_home_active

*Please message me before purchasing!!  Let me know you are a CAST member and what colors you would prefer (if I have them) and I will be happy to set up a special listing for you!!


lace fring gypsy romantic shabby chic purse by Pursuation

Lace Fringe Romantic Purse
Introduction to you:
I am a wife and mother of 2 grown daughters, and Grandma to two of the sweetest little cutie pies on the face of the earth!!  
My husband and I have been married for almost 27 years.  We have lived most of our lives in New Mexico.  
My grandma taught me to sew when I was 13.  She was a wonderful and patient person who taught me a craft that I have used my whole life.  If you go to my shop, you will see in most of my photos a dressform (mannequin) that I use to display my purses and clothing. I have affectionately named her Mary Ruth – in honor of my late grandma.  She’s a wonderful helper – and she never complains! – much like my grandmother was!!  
I’ve tried a lot of different crafts but always come back to sewing.  I absolutely love to create something from nothing, and give it my own personal touch.  Most of my purses are not “mainstream” purses.  I have some pretty eclectic looking things – but for me, each one is a work of art.  I take a lot of time designing and making each one.  My purses allow me to be creative which I believe is a very important thing for people to experience.  And so far God has blessed me with success at something I truly enjoy doing.


cowgirl gypsy fringe purse custom order by Pursuation

Custom Cowgirl Gypsy Fringe Purse
 How did you get your start on Etsy?
I got started on Etsy because my oldest daughter found it (Etsy) while looking online for vintage toys.  She told me about it and said  “Mom! You have to check this out!”  I did, and was immediately hooked!  What a treasure trove of things – all in one place!

How did you choose your shop name?
Choosing my shop name Pursuation was one of those moments you never forget.  I knew I wanted to make and sell purses – and I wanted a one word name that made the shopper go “Woa – that’s kind of cool – and a little funky”!  - Which is basically what my purses are.  I was thinking of all the words that have the word Purse in them.  I was rattling off words like - personality, personification (way too long), etc.  And then I thought of the Jane Austen novel “Persuasion” and the little light bulb went off!   I changed the spelling to Pursuation and knew in that moment that that name was absolutely perfect for my shop!  - By the way, I have actually had people message me that I have “misspelled” my shop name!   I guess they never actually went into my shop and looked around at what I sell!  


shabby chic romantic purse with roses by Pursuation

Shabby Chic Purse - Made to Order

What does a typical day look like for you?
Lately my typical weekday is made up of first thing in the morning putting the house in order – laundry, vacuuming, and whatever housework needs tending to.    And then I go into my work room and look at what is next on my Etsy order board.  On average, I have anywhere from 3 to 7 custom orders to fill from all of my shops combined.  I definitely stay busy!!

Weekends are reserved for family.  We either go see the kids and grandkids, or go for a ride in the mountains.  My husband and I love to go camping, hiking, and ride ATVs and motorcycles.

Native American themed gypsy fringe purse by Pursuation

Native American Themed Fringe Purse
 If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?
I think it would be either Ireland or Scotland.  I have always felt a certain pull when I either read novels or see movies that are set in either of those countries.  It makes me wonder if my ancestors are from there.  I hope to find out one day.


What is your favorite Bible verse?
Phillipians  2:13 - “For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him.”  (NLT)

That verse has held special meaning for me for many years now.   It literally set me free!  It is up to God to do His work in me!  Not for me to try to be holy or perfect or whatever I set up in my own head that I think I “should” be.  He will actually give me the desire to obey Him!!  Even in the worst of circumstances.   When I don’t feel like forgiving someone who hurt me deeply – God will be faithful and give me the desire AND the POWER to do it!!  What a relief!! It is not up to me!  It is all about trusting God to be WHO HE IS!!  And He is always always faithful.



shabby chic lacy romantic oldfashioned purse by Pursuation

Custom Shabby Cottage Chic Purse

What is your favorite item to feature? My favorite Etsy item to feature is whatever current new purse I’m working on.  Each one is unique - truly one of a kind, which is why I enjoy making them so much.

Where else can we find you on the Internet?
You can visit me on Etsy at –
http://www.Pursuation.etsy.com
and
http://www.Edenspring.etsy.com
You can also find me on Pinterest at –
http://www.pinterest.com/mamaspantry/boards/
(I’m not on Facebook)  
Thank you for your time – and I hope you will look for God’s blessings today – they are all around you! J
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Monday Devotion - Peace In the Midst
As I write this post on Sunday evening the television is 
broadcasting horrible images of tornado damage in the heartland
of the United States.

I've never actually seen a tornado in person.
I hope that I never do.
But, with technology today we can get a closer look
than ever before.

The Bible refers to many storms.

There was poor Jonah...
on his way to escape a direct command from God
when a huge storm got in the way.
Oops!
Wrong move, Jonah.
That cost him three days in the belly of a fish
AND he still had to complete the mission.

(Perhaps we should learn from this lesson)

Paul was shipwrecked in a storm
that probably should have taken his life.
But he survived to minister some more.

Jesus calmed a storm with a very simple 
instruction.....He spoke, it obeyed.

Storms.
They are a part of our reality.
Both the kind with wind and rain
and the kind that happens in our hearts 
when our marriages struggle, 
our children wander or 
we suffer a job loss.

But here is another reality.
Something we observe in the storm "stories"
we read in the Word of God.

As powerful as these storms are,
HE is more powerful.

As alone as we may feel in the midst of the storm, 
we are not alone.
He is there with us.

Storms tend to cleanse the atmosphere.
They leave behind brilliant sunshine and often times 
stunning rainbows.
One of the best known storms of our world history
occurred pretty early on.
Only Noah and his family survived that one to see
the rainbow promise.

Storms in our lives may make us doubt our ability to go on.
We may be panicked like the disciples in the boat before Jesus miraculously
appeared to them as He walked on the waves.
However, Since we know that God is unchanging we must
believe that just as He walked to the disciples in that storm
He will walk with us in our troubled times.

I'm sure we will all be in prayer for those who have lost 
so much in the tornadoes referenced at the beginning
of this post.
Also, we continue to pray that the people of the Philippines 
will be able to get the help they need both physically 
and spiritually after the typhoon that was so 
decimating. 

Even so, let us pray for those around us who are 
enduring storms of emotion or life events.

May we always remember that none of this catches our 
Heavenly Father by surprise.
And He is way more powerful than the strongest 
of those storms.
He is at work in every situation.

Hugs,









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Scripture Sunday - Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28 NIV

Painting Print In His Hand, Christian Art
by Art by Evelyn Marie

Happy Sunday!
Melanie/Beads-N-Style
6:00 AM | Category: | 2 comments

CAST Shop of the Week: BethsBannerBoutique

Take a look at the CAST Shop of the Week, BethsBannerBoutique.  Beth's shop has a selection of holiday and birthday banners made from paper and also mini banners, garlands, confetti and gift tags.  There are so many cute items in this shop. Enjoy checking it out. 

Happy Harvest Banner/ Harvest Garland/ Harvest/ Halloween/ Fall Autumn leaves/ Photo Prop



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
8:29 AM | Category: , , , , , , , | 6 comments

Friday Finds - Lion
Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Revelation 5:1-8 (ESV)

The book of Revelation is not an easy one to read and understand!  But if you take the time to go through this book of the Bible, you will find some encouraging, wonderful and challenging passages.  These verses in chapter five never cease to amaze me in the way they describe Jesus in such contrast.  On the one hand, our Lord is "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David", who is strong, powerful and has conquered.  But then the next verse goes on to tell us that this strong lion is "a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain".  Our all-conquering Savior didn't triumph through strength and power as we know it, but through His once for all death as the sacrificial lamb and His triumphant resurrection on the third day.  Let us thank God for sending Jesus to conquer sin and death for us!







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Gelled Cranberry and Orange Salad
Because most of the U.S. is in the Holiday mood with Thanksgiving and Christmas just days away, the cooks in our midst are planning out menus. This salad is an absolute "go with" for a meal that includes a roasted turkey. It's quite simple to make but must be the day before and in stages.

Ingredients:
1 large packages of orange Jell-o
2 cups of boiling water
1 can of WHOLE cranberry sauce
1 11 oz. can of mandarin oranges - drain the liquid in a 1 cup measure - add water to make = 1 cup
1 cup of rough cut walnuts
1 cup of red seedless grapes

Method:  Empty the contents of jell-o packet into a large bowl. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Pour over jell-o. Stir well, until the jell-o crystals are all dissolved. Pour in the 1 cup of reserved mandarin orange liquid plus water and stir well. At this point, add the whole cranberry sauce while jell-o is warm so that the cranberry jell breaks down and the cranberries are released in to the jell-o. Whisk this melange together, incorporating the cranberry sauce and jell-o. Put this in the fridge to jell just until it thickens enough to suspend the fruit additions.

When it is thickened enough, add the drained mandarins, walnuts and grapes. (if grapes are large, cut in half).
At this point, if you want to use a special serving bowl, pour the entire mixture into it and return to the fridge to completely jell. When it is jelled, cover the bowl with a plate.





This dish is my absolute favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal. I am so happy when the meal is at my house, because I get to keep the leftovers. There's never enough of this salad for me.

By Rita of sammysgrammy
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Wednesday featured artist Isabel Liu of Kawaii Amigurumi
Please welcome Isabel Liu from the shop Kawaii Amigurumi to our featured artist post! Isabel is offering a coupon code (AMIWX13) for 10% off $45 purchase! 


Introduction:
I'm a freelance graphic designer and always like cute furry stuffs. I couldn't imagine myself crochet or knit, it's just not my thing. One day, I found a cute Japanese website and learned what's "amigurumi" for the first time. 

I fell in love with the little cute plush that they made. Since it was way too expensive to purchase one ($200.00USD) so I learn how to crochet and maybe one day I can make one just like that.


  How did you get your start on Etsy? A friend told me about a website that sells handmade stuffs. After a successful fund-raising event from our church, I was encouraged to open my own store by brother and sisters at church.

  How did you choose your shop name? Ah, I'm very bad at choosing names....I select Kawaii (cute) Amigurumi (crochet stuffed animal) to be my shop name to add more Japanese flavor, because "amigurumi" IS from Japan originally.

  What does a typical day look like for you? I have a full time job and pick up my sister's kids at school. I usually start crochet after. Not a lot of times but at least I can work on my orders little by little. No crochet for me on Friday and Saturday, because church activities and I need a day off to just watch TV.

  If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be? I'd like to visit Japan. Visit one of Amigurumi master.

 What is your favorite Bible verse? 1 Corinthians 13 (entire chapter)
 
 

What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature? Amigurumi doll Momo
 URLs to where else we can find you on the internet:

I have both handmade stores and other general kawaii stores (not Etsy)
Blog: http://www.sirmaomao.com
Tumblr: http://sirmaomao.tumblr.com/
 Pinterest: http://sirmaomao.tumblr.com/
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KawaiiAmigurumiCrochet   &  https://www.facebook.com/RuruVictoriaOnlineShop
 Instagram: http://instagram.com/marlinx
 Deviantart: http://ruruvictoria.deviantart.com/
 Twitter: @sirmaomao

 Thanks Isabel for agreeing to be featured! Everyone go check out her shop and let her know what you think! 
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Put God First

Tuesday mornings I am learning drums and my husband guitar with our pastor.                                                                              

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/karladornacher?ref=l2-shopheader-nameown.

One Sunday after we had been on worship our  pastor commented that not many had worshiped. I try not to look at the people and pretend I'm all alone, therefore I didn't notice. Our pastor said we need to get back to worshiping God.

About a month ago, for three days I read in devotions and the bible Matthew 6:33  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,  then all these things will be added to you. During this time I also read on a devotion Matthew 6:34 So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its  own.                                   

Verse 33 has been rolling around in my head, emphasizing on the word Then.

Four years ago we moved to a new community.  Life got very busy.  My pottery started to sell, we wanted to make our new home ours and  we were getting used to a whole new life.
I found I was putting God on the back burner.  I had too much to do so spending time in the bible was either short, rushed or missed.

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/LilStinkerDesign?ref=l2-shopheader-name

I was getting tired and I knew I had to slow down.  I asked God for help. Seek God first , THEN, everything else will come together.

To the world this is backwards.  The world says set goals, work hard and strive, strive, strive, to make ends meet.
But God says if you search out me, worship me and put me first in your life I will help you life go better. I am your provider. I am all you need.  After all I am the great I AM.

I find that I need to ask God for help all the time.  I need to be honest with Him about how I feel.  I need to look to Him first. It does work, I put God first and life calms down.

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/thecraftyhusband?ref=l2-shopheader-name

Do you find that life is taking over your quiet time?  Share how God is helping you to put Him first. 
 
10:20 AM | Category: | 3 comments

Sunday Scripture - Proverbs 16:23-24
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.  Proverbs 16:23-24


3:00 AM | Category: | 1 comments

CASt Shop fo the Week: shabbyshores

Take a look at the CAST Shop of the Week, shabbyshores.  Shabby Shores is run by Joe and Michelle a husband and wife team. They re-purpose everyday items into pretty shabby chic and beach cottage decor.  Look for clocks, trunks, boxes, shelves, trays and much more.  They carry full size furniture pieces and a wide variety of accessories.  Enjoy! 

4 Duck Egg Blue Light Switch Covers Outlet Covers Fixture



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
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Friday Finds - The Lost Son(s)
“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Luke 15:21-24 and 28-32 (NIV)


I recently started reading Timothy Keller's The Prodigal God, a book looking at Jesus' parable of the lost son, and was fascinated to find that it focusses mostly on the older brother of this parable.  It is a parable which many of us have probably known since we were young, but one that challenges me every time I read it.  Why am I challenged?  Because, as someone who grew up always surrounded by the Christian faith, I think that I can often be like the angry older brother.


The older brother was not only disgusted with his brother for taking off with the inheritance money before their father had died (a shocking thing to do at the time), but he is further angered by his father's wholehearted forgiveness towards his brother.  The argument he puts to his father is the grown up version of  "It's not fair!" which we hear from many children.


And while the younger brother does not deserve the forgiveness he receives (and none of us do!), the older brother's behaviour is equally shocking.  His obediance and service to his father does not appear to have been done out of love and a wish to please and honour, but is referred to as "I've been slaving for you..."!  He is upset with his father because he hasn't received the good things he believes he has earned by his hard work and service.
And for me, it is tempting to take the older brother's attitude with respect to my service to God.  Having grown up in a Christian family, knowing God's word and commands from a young age, I can act as if it is possible for sinful humans to earn their way into heaven.  In fact, it is tempting for me to be just like the Pharisees of Jesus' day, living a "holy" life to earn God's approval.



"I go to church every week.  I read my Bible every day.  I help out with my church's Sunday school.  I run a Bible study group.  I volunteer for the music team at church.  I teach religious education at our local school."  These are just some of the statements you may hear (or may say yourself) when considering the "holiness" or godliness of a person.  But where the Pharisees, and sometimes we, get it wrong is that our good and godly works aren't what provide us salvation and eternal life in heaven.  In love, God saved us from our sin so that we could live holy and pleasing lives for Him - not the other way round!
But no matter which brother you find you are more similar to, we need to remind ourselves of God's grace and mercy.  While we should always seek to live lives which please our heavenly father, it is only because of Him that we can have salvation and forgiveness.



10:00 AM | Category: , , | 2 comments