Random 5 Friday

WooHoo!!! I didn't know Nancy @ A Rural Journal had revived R5F until this morning. I'm so excited to participate in this meme again. It's always such fun!!! All you have to do is share  

5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever!

So here goes...

1. I love watching the sun rise each day, even on mornings like today. It was partly cloudy and the color palette was soft and inviting.

2.  There is nothing more soothing to my soul than hearing the waves coming onshore.

3. I would live here forever but I have to admit I don't like sand.

4. We aren't allowed pets in our condo.  Here's a little secret...I have a Beta fish :-)

5. I'm hoping for some super big thunderstorms later today. I want to practice trying to catch a bolt of lightening on film.

Happy Friday, Y'all!

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Resurrection {Sunday}

Review ~ Step by Step by Candace Calvert

 

Published February 1st 2016 by Tyndale House Publishers

Three years after a tragic accident left her a widow, ER nurse Taylor Cabot is determined to move on, checking off one item after another on her survival list. Her relationship with a handsome plastic surgeon even gives her hope for the last point—“fall in love again.” At least until crisis chaplain Seth Donovan steps back into her life, reawakening unanswered questions about her husband’s death.

While in San Diego to train community volunteers, Seth hopes to learn why Taylor is backing away from the crisis team and from their friendship. But nothing prepares him for the feelings that arise when he sees Taylor again . . . and sees her moving on with another man.

When a community crisis hits home and puts lives at risk, emotions run high and buried truths are unearthed. Will hope make the survival list?

My Thoughts

 

Step by Step is my favorite Candace Calvert book to date and it’s going on my best of 2016 list! There isn’t anything I didn’t love about this book. With a solid plot line and strong characters—main and secondary—my emotions were fully invested in this story. I was only a quarter of the way in and knew I didn’t want it to end. I took my time, savoring every morsel. Thank you, Candace, for gifting me a copy of this fabulous book!  

Find out more about Medical Hope Author Candace Calvert by clicking the image below. :)

Sunday Morning {Worship & Praise}

 Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.

 

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 

Matthew 4:18-20 

~Have a blessed Sabbath~

 

Jazzing up a Napkin Holder

I love searching for items I can use in our home to make it feel more welcoming! Several months ago I came across this wooden fish shaped napkin holder in the thrift store. Even though it's pretty as is (it's made out of beautiful Koa Wood from Hawaii with detailed engraving for the fins and eyes), I wanted to give it a little pizazz for my table decor.

Keeping the project simple, I gathered up supplies of Liquitex, Mod Podge, crumpled Tissue Paper, Sand Paper, Paint Brushes and White Spray Paint.

I started out by roughing up the finish using *extra fine sand paper so that my spray paint would adhere better. After wiping off the powdery residue, I spray painted all of the napkin holder except the bottom. Gotta be able to sit it down to dry ;-)

Once dry, I applied Liquitex using my sponge brush, one side at a time and then carefully pressed each piece of tissue paper onto the surface, leaving a little bit hanging over the edges. This was kind of tricky as it wanted to keep sticking to my fingers and pull away from the surface of the holder, but I was victorious! I let it dry for about 10 minutes then applied the Mod Podge to completely seal it. I trimmed the edges when fully dry.

I'm quite pleased that the detailed etchings of the fins and eyes are still visible. The 'new' napkin holder adds a nice splash of color.

What have you re-purposed or recycled lately? 

Please feel free to share in the comments below. I am always looking for new ideas!

~Happy Crafting~

*I used extra fine sand paper so it would not scratch the wood

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