Well Hello There!

Lent was long, but Easter is finally here!  Although there were some posts previously written that were published in the last 40 days,  I've been away from the internet that entire time.  So, how did I do?

It was tough, especially at first.  As a blogger, it is nerve-wracking to think of walking away from regular posting, but once I was away for a few days, it wasn't so bad.  I'm glad to be back.

It may take me a little while to get back up to speed, but I'm anxious to get started.  Stick around.

cindy

Ash Wednesday

I can't be with you to describe Ash Wednesday, because I am observing another tradition of Lent - sacrifice by giving up something you love.  In this case, that's my blog.  So, here is the best presentation to describe Ash Wednesday and Lent:





Have a prayerful Quadragesima (Ash Wednesday and Lent).  See you after Easter.

cindy

Salt Dough Easter Decorations

I love making Easter crafts.  It's a great sign of spring and you can show them off at Easter dinner.  I have some cute Easter/spring cookie cutters, but didn't want to make cookies because they are a bit counterproductive to my weight loss ; )  I decided to try some salt dough - it rolls out and cuts well and makes a semi-permanent decoration you can use for years to come.  The Craft Diva helped and offered to model the process.

Salt dough = 1 cup flour, 1 cup salt & 1/2 cup warm water (a little more if you need it).  I doubled the recipe for this project.

Mix and knead your dough.

Take a short break to be silly.

Cut the dough with cookie cutters.

Bake at 200 degrees for 1-2 hours or until hard.  If you live in a dry climate, you can put them in the sun.

Finished baking.  Time to paint with acrylic paints.  I used a white glitter/shimmer paint on top of the acrylic, although this is optional.  Varnish or use sealant to preserve and shine.

A prettier (and healthier) alternative to chocolate bunnies and Peeps!

Happy Easter!

cindy

Beauty for Ashes

Today begins Lent, the season that prepares Christians for the commemoration of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  We start this season with ashes to remind us that we come from dust and to dust we shall return.  Many see it as a time of sadness and mourning.  But Lent is really a time of transition, where we can renew our commitment, come home and change our lives.

The Year of the LORD’s Favor - Isaiah 61

 ¹ The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, 
   because the LORD has anointed me 
   to proclaim good news to the poor. 
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, 
   to proclaim freedom for the captives 
   and release from darkness for the prisoners,^[a] 
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor 

   and the day of vengeance of our God, 
to comfort all who mourn, 
 ³ and provide for those who grieve in Zion— 
to bestow on them a crown of beauty 
   instead of ashes, 
the oil of joy 
   instead of mourning, 
and a garment of praise 
   instead of a spirit of despair. 
They will be called oaks of righteousness, 
   a planting of the LORD 
   for the display of his splendor.

Today I received ashes, but in 40 days I hope to celebrate in the beauty of the Lord's resurrection on Easter.

cindy