Author: helenarayos2014

Razzle Dazzle Peacock!

“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.” 1 John 3:1 NLT

I just think Ellie’s first painting is a masterpiece. My cousin Jennifer says it looks like you can see a peacock in the center of the painting. Can you spot it? It’s funny because Ellie had just turned three when she painted this and really had no agenda. I just laid out some paint and she went after it!

Honestly, as her mom no matter what Ellie paints I choose to find beauty in it. After the painting was finished I knew we had to give it a name to make it complete. We took a poll on social media to get some ideas on her paintings future name. My cousin Jennifer voted for Razzle Dazzle Peacock. Brillant! I loved it as soon as it popped up on my facebook comments. Suddenly Ellie’s painting held so much more value to me once named. Looking at this now named masterpiece I am reminded of how much Jesus must love each of us. I’m reminded of how much Jesus values each of us. Why? Jesus calls each of us by name. What does He call us?

He calls us…

His child!

“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:!2

When I was in Junior High my mom met my soon to be stepdad! I was fixing to enter high school and honestly I immediately loved Mike. He was an absolute pain in the butt and so annoying and stubborn. He was so stubborn. But as a dad he loved me. I remember right before they were going to get married Mike set my sisters and I down. He said “I can never be your biological dad but I will never treat you any different then I treat my own kids.” He always did treat us like we were his own. It was never “this is my step daughter.” He always introduced me as his daughter. I remember some ladies at my church being very confused when they found out that Mike was not my biological dad. Mike was just that good at playing dad. That moment. That conversation with my step dad still brings tears to my eyes. It was life changing for me.

When we choose to invite Jesus into our hearts, we are immediately called His child. It’s so corny but He has our picture on His fridge in heaven. C’mon you know in heaven there has to be a fridge with tons of food with zero calories and your picture on it! He never calls us His step child. He doesn’t determine how much love He shows by the way we behave. He loves us despite our flaws and we are His children no matter what.

Forgiven!

“Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” Romans 3:24 NLT

I love to daydream. I often find myself daydreaming about heaven and what I think it might be like. I’m sure my dreams are nothing compared to what heaven will be. I do know heaven is a perfect place. However, I still enjoy dreaming about it. I often dream about a big white board in heaven. It will be the whitest and cleanest whiteboard you have ever seen. I mean more white and clean then when you get a freshly new white board. Anyway that white board will be key. Why? Your name will be on it but your sins will be wiped clean.

“I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.” Isaiah 43:25 NLT

I know that we will be held accountable in heaven for our mistakes on earth but I honestly don’t know what that will look like. I know what that looks like for unbelievers but I do not know what it looks like for those of us who have chosen to believe in Him. However, I do know that because Jesus says that he no longer thinks of our sins again then we shouldn’t either. We spend a lot of time holding grudges against ourselves for mistakes that we have made. We spend a lot of time writing all our past sins down on an imaginary whiteboard in our mind. Yet, Jesus if we have asked Him has forgiven us of all of them. That imaginary whiteboard in heaven will show no signs of your sins.

His Chosen!

“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NLT

We had been praying for a year. In our spirit we felt that we were called somewhere else, but no doors were open. A year we prayed and told God that we trusted Him for His will to be done in our life. We continued to stay faithful to Him where we were. Suddenly without warning a door opened. Unsure we once again prayed. Lord, is this you or is this us? The decision was difficult to make. Honestly we were scared. We were unsure. What if it’s not God? What if it ruins Ellie? However, we had more peace about saying yes then saying no so we took a leap of faith. We do not regret our choice as we have seen God do some big things already. God chose our family to come to Washington Illinois for a specific purpose. But before He chose us as a family he chose us individually because He knew each of us would play a specific role in the calling He placed on our family. Jesus has chosen you for a specific purpose. Are you allowing Him to use you for that purpose? Maybe your scared? Maybe you feel unworthy? Maybe you are just not hopeful to where He is calling you? Jesus doesn’t make mistakes. He won’t get you where He called you and then say “oops my bad wrong person.” There is hope in all of His plans even if you cannot see His plan at first.

“ For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

Razzle Dazzle Peacock sits in my office in Ellie’s corner. Her painting serves as a constant reminder that God calls me by name. He calls me His child who is forgiven and chosen for a specific purpose. He calls you by name. Among so many other names Jesus calls you His child, forgiven by Him and chosen for a purpose. Most importantly, when Jesus looks at you He sees a masterpiece! You are loved! You hold so much value because of who calls out to you!

Letting go and trusting Jesus completely so that we can enjoy being fearless mothers!

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” – Proverbs 31:28-31

During a nap Ellie woke up in a panic, crying and screaming “my baby my baby I left my baby at the store!” I reassured her that her baby was safe and she was only dreaming.

However, I have that same recurring dream. You know the one? The dream where I show up at home and realize I left Ellie at the store. I think it’s recurring because deep down I worry I’m not enough for Ellie. I worry I won’t be there when she desperately needs me. I worry I will disappoint her. What if I fail her? The truth is I’m not enough. Not without Him. Without God I am no good to Ellie. Without God life does not make sense. Without God we can’t be the mom that our kids need us to be for them.

There are several types of motherly worries! Here are a few…

First time moms: First time moms spend their time worried about proper car seat hook ups, breastfeeding, sleep schedules, first day at daycare, hiccups, paci or no paci, cry it out or run to them, co sleep or in their crib. First time motherhood brings tons of choices which in return fills our hearts with much worry.

Moms of multiple kids: Moms of multiples kids agonize over how they will help their adolescent teenager through the trials of peer pressure. They stress over preparing their five year old for kindergarten. They fear that the newest baby of the family is not getting enough snuggle time.

Moms of graduates: Moms of kids who are graduating high school worry about weather or not we raised them right and properly prepared them. I personally don’t think any of us are properly prepared for life after High school.

What are some worries you have as a mommy?

If we don’t choose to stop the mom worry now it will just continue to grow more wildly out of control. To be honest. The worry makes motherhood so much more difficult. My child still has not had a hotdog because I’m too worried she will choke. We don’t have to allow the worry of motherhood to keep us from enjoying our lives as mothers. So, what do we do? I only have three years under my belt as a mother. I have a lot of learning and trusting in Jesus to do myself. However, I do know three things we can start doing today to kick start our journey to be mothers who trust completely in Jesus.

Call on Jesus!

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1(NLT)

I can’t be a perfect mom. You can’t be a perfect mom! However, we CAN be good at asking Jesus for help. Why? He is perfect! When Ellie was first born our nurse suggested she take Ellie to the nursery so I could rest. I didn’t want to but I don’t remember her giving me much of a choice. Looking back it was a good idea. I was so tired and in the midst of changing Ellie’s diaper I suddenly had to pee so bad. I knew I had to push Ellie’s crib in the bathroom with me. I was not allowed to leave her unattended nor did I want to. I thought if I can just finish changing her diaper all will be good. Well my bladder had a mind of its own and before I knew it the floor was covered in the contents from my bladder (just keeping this mom thing real for y’all) and I was sobbing. The nurse heard my sobs and came running in with the doctor probably imagining the worse. When she saw the floor she smiled a sympathetic smile. I was completely thrown off by her smile. Like, why was she so pleased that I had peed on the floor? She began reassuring me that I was not the only one who this has happened to. I offered to clean up my mess but she insisted that we all need help with our messes and we are never too old to ask. Our amazing nurse taught me a powerful lesson. As mothers, we are not too old to ask Jesus for help. We are not alone in motherhood. He wants to help. I napped for a few hours and when waking up I just had a desire to hold my baby. So I walked down the hallway to the nursery. They make you buzz in and show ID on your wrist band to prove you are the mother. When asked I told them I was there to get my daughter. When I said “daughter” I burst into tears. AGAIN I was sobbing! I had a beautiful daughter that I have so much love for. I love Ellie so much and I only want good things for her. I was just so proud to call my little girl daughter. Guess what? Jesus loves Ellie so much more than I ever could. He also calls her daughter. He will always take care of her. He is proud to call you daughter too. He is totally fine when you to call on him. In Fact He wants you to call on him. He wants to help you kick the worry and fear and be the mother He has called you to be.

Point your kids to Jesus!

“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” Proverbs 22:6

We need to Point our kids to Jesus so that they will always know in who to place their hope and trust. We can’t always be there for our kids. We cannot protect them from everything in life. We don’t always know the answer for our kids. However, we can show them how desperately we need Jesus so that they will know how desperately they need Jesus. We can show them who has all the answers. We are all in desperate need of Jesus. When it feels like we are a pro at this mom thing we need Jesus and when all the eyes in walmart are pointed at our fit throwing child we need Jesus even more. I’ve recently switched to shopping at Kroger. You probably now know why. As moms we can only do so much and the best thing we can do is trust God to help us be the best mom to fit the specific needs of our children. Always Point your children to Jesus.

Pray for your kid!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” Philippians 4:6-7

I remember as a kid waking up many nights to my mom praying for my sisters and I. She would sit at each of our bedsides and pray… long and hard. She prayed and I pretended to sleep. I contribute a big part of where I’m at in life now to the hours she spent in praying for me. Never underestimate the power of prayer. Prayer is not what you have to do. Prayer is what you get to do! Prayer is the best thing we can do for our kids. In prayer we find the answer. In prayer we break the chains that need breaking.

This Mother’s Day break free from the guilt and worry that Motherhood so often brings and choose to rest in the knowledge that Jesus has prepared us and filled us with all that we need to be the mother our children need. Let go and let God! If we could just stop for one moment and listen, we might hear Jesus say, “I got you. I got you family. I got your child. Trust me. It’s all going to be ok.” I’m not saying open up the back door and let your child run free but I’m saying trust him to lead you as a mother without fear of tomorrow. Enjoy the gift of motherhood by letting go of the torment that fear brings you be the fearless mom Jesus made you to be. Happy mothers day!

A cupcake for you… A letter to our 2nd child!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6

I’ve been doing a lot of trusting in Jesus over the past few months. I still don’t understand. I’m still a little angry. I still cry long and hard when I’m alone. I still question God. I still question myself. My heart is still so broken. BUT… I choose to trust Him no matter what trials may come our way. I know you were here and you matter. I know Jesus loves you! This was your month. Your month to come into the world. Your month for us to bring you home. This was your month that Your big sister would have sang Jesus Loves Me to you. Your month to make us a family of four. You are so loved. While we never held you we know you were here. We celebrated your existence when we saw those two pink lines. Your short life counts. You deserve to be celebrated! The moment we found out about you we were so excited. We were told not to get excited but you were so real to us. Losing you is so painful but I’d rather cry many tears losing you then never knowing you are waiting for us in heaven. The most important thing is that Jesus knows of your life. Jesus knows how real you are to us! Jesus knows all the love we have in our hearts for you. I believe Jesus celebrated with us when we discovered you. I also believe Jesus knows our broken hearts after you left. Jesus knows and His love for you gives me such peace and hope. I miss what was suppose to be but I trust Him. I miss what should have been you in my arms but I trust His plan. My heart is broken but I know Jesus has you!. This month I miss you! This month I choose to celebrate you in the only way I know how. I choose to not only grieve you not being here with us but I choose to celebrate that we know about you. I love you and I know I will hold you one day. Until then here is an extra large cupcake for you! Happy due date month!

Colorful Bubbles! Colorful Attitudes!

“A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.”Proverbs 17:22

I recently saw this bubble activity being done at school. It looked fun so I decided to try it with Ellie at home. It was very exciting for her and it kept her entertained for a good hour. All we did was separate bubbles into four clear containers. We then put a few drops of food color into each container. We did yellow, red, green and blue.

I unfortunately spilt blue on the carpet. Nothing a little vinegar and dish soap can’t pick up. However, next time we will do this activity outside. We decided to bring in her bubble machine for an added effect.

I watched the bubbles float in the air slowly landing on the paper and leaving a colorful display. I imagined how the world must look when we bring our attitudes into the picture. Figuratively speaking our attitudes have the power to paint a beautiful picture each day or….they have the power to paint the opposite. Jesus maintained a perfect attitude. He prayed about everything and worried about nothing. Choosing to present a positive attitude does not mean you have a perfect life. It means you choose to keep your eyes and heart set on what is above.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

Victor E. Frankl is a Holocaust Survivor. Read what he had to say about attitude during his stay in a concentration camp…

“We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

Victor teaches us that we get to choose our attitude. And no one can take that choice away. We get to choose to stay positive. When life is dark and gloomy and things are not fair or right we can choose to close our eyes and see the rainbow that Jesus is forming in the storm. We have the power to see good in each day. We have the power even when life is painful and we are broken to see and know God is at work.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28

It began in Junior High. My negative outlook on life. I started to believe that there was nothing good for me. I wouldn’t go to college, I wasn’t cool enough for friends, there was something REALLY wrong with me, my family was too broken and there was no hope for anything good in my future. Honestly, I had began to listen to all the lies of the enemy. The enemy had me in a serious headlock for a long time. Looking back, I regret that poor outlook I had onlife. I regret believing that God had left me out of His plan. I wish I had someone who would have set me down and encouraged me to stay focused on Jesus. I really needed someone to slap some sense into me. Im sure some tried, but I just wasn’t hearing it. I really needed to hear the scripture Jeremiah 29:11 early on in Junior high. This is a scripture I didn’t read or hear until I was in my 20s.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

I missed out on so many friendships and opportunities because of my attitude. If I could go back and live it different when it comes to my attitude I would. I would use that painful time in my life as a way to bring others to Jesus. Here’s the thing I can use it now. I can use that time in my childhood to point others to the one who brought me away from a attitude that told me I had no purpose.

Ultimately our attitude is contagious. Others see our attitude and they are either encouraged or they are brought down with us. Let’s Choose to let our attitude color the world with the hope and joy we have in Jesus.

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

The Egg! The Nail! The Cross! His Love!

“He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.” Matthew 28:6

Today in our church preschool our friends were each given an egg to open. The eggs were filled with objects that represented an important moment from the resurrection story. When it was time for Ellie to open her egg she did it with excitement. Out fell the nail that the soldiers used to nail Jesus to the cross. Immediately and with a smile Ellie held up the nail. She then told the rest of the kids “Jesus on the cross. He loves us!” I was so blessed to be in there at that moment. She is so right! Jesus died on the cross and rose again because He loves us so much. He endured such pain and suffering so that when we die we can go live with Him in heaven. Why? He loves us! He died to give us new life. Why? He loves us! The answer to the why is always that He loves us! Jesus loves you no matter your story. He loves you in all your mess. He is waiting for you to come to Him so that He can tell you that the price is paid in full. I am so thankful that I have hope because of the price that was paid for my sins on the cross. I’ve done nothing to earn it. I don’t deserve it! He gave it anyway because He loves. He loves!

Telephones, Prayer Closets, Real Conversations!

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you…” James 4:8

Ellie’s favorite thing to do right now is talk. Brings me back to my childhood. I talked so much that I received D’s in conduct. At one point I began talking really fast. I knew I had to get in all I was going to say quickly before my mom asked for a five minute break from my talking. What can I say? Ellie got this nature from me. I love it though. Jessie and I are always cracking up at the things Ellie will say or questions she will ask. Over the past few months Ellie has often said “Mom talk like me!” I couldn’t understand what she was trying to get me to say. I would repete her. I tried being excited as I talked. I even tried making my voice sound like her voice. Nothing worked. Ellie would always grow frustrated with me and sometimes cry because I couldn’t seem to figure out how to talk like she wanted. One afternoon as we sat on the couch she was asking me questions. “Mom! You like your lunch? I love Jesus! You love Jesus?” I responded to all her questions. Then, she said “now you talk like me!” It hit me guys! My kid just wanted me to ask her questions too? She wanted me to give her more than just a simple answer but she wanted me to have a conversation with her. So, I did! Our car rides are no longer silent like I enjoy, but they are filled with all three of us talking to each other, asking questions and encouraging one another. I have always been a sit quiet in the car, look out the window and day dream kind of girl. Not anymore. Ellie use to be this way too. She would get mad if we tried to talk to her. However, now Ellie wants to talk to us. She wants us to have a constant line of communication with her. she wants to really know us.

Jesus, He wants to really know you. He wants to have an open line of communication with you.

I’m no saint. Spending time with Jesus does not come natural to me. I know people who spend hours with Jesus everyday. They come out of their prayer closet (I can’t even see the floor of my closet) and they are excited telling me they just had the best three hour prayer session with Jesus. I’m over here like 3 hours? Man! Is He sending you to the Mission fields of Africa or something? What could you possibly talk about for three hours? There is nothing wrong with it. Infact its great. However, my prayer time does not look like three hours. Mine is more of a several times a day come to Jesus meeting. In Highschool I remember being terrified to have a quiet time with Jesus. Everyone who got up to give their testimony always talked about what God told them in their prayer time with Him. It was never that He loved them or He was proud of them or that He would never leave them. It was always “God told me to give this relationship up.” “God told me to walk away from basketball.” “God told me to go on the mission field.” This terrified me! If I have a quiet time with Jesus what is He going to tell me to sacrifice? What mission field will He send me on? Don’t get me wrong! I do think that a quiet time with Jesus is where He ask you to surrender things or where He places a call on your life, but I also think it is where He tells you how much He love you, How proud He is of you. How during your storm He will never leave you. I also think it is the time where He wants to hear your heart. What makes you angry? Why are you disappointed? What makes you happy? What are the desires of your heart. I don’t think it is a time that should scare you but it should excite you! Jesus is eager to talk to you and He is eager to hear from you. I think we might at times over complicate quiet time with Jesus. Some of us need a specific time each day with Jesus and others need more than one specific time a day. Here are three places I have my quiet time.

3 places I find quiet time with Jesus:

1.In the shower!

It’s a perfect place. No one can hear me cry if it’s been one of those days.

2.In the car after Ellie has fallen asleep!

I love to turn on my Christian radio and drive around the block a few times until Ellie falls asleep. Then I know I have a few minutes alone in my thoughts and with Jesus. This time with Jesus refreshes me each time.

3.At Bedtime!

I sometimes say I am going to bed but secretly I’m hiding under the blankets talking to Jesus!

The other morning we were waiting on our friends to show up. I never do this but I decided to put on worship music. Most of the time I have Kidz Bop playing. Not for Ellie either. I love Kidz Bop! I spent ten minutes telling Jesus how thankful I am for where He has brought our family and what He is doing in us and through us. I also told Him how angry I felt over a recent disappointment. How sad this disappointment still made me feel. How hard it is to talk about the disappointment. Guess what? Jesus wasn’t mad that I told Him how I really felt and honestly I felt better after. I needed that 10 minutes with Jesus. I needed that unplanned moment with Jesus to tell Him what was really on my heart. In return, He told me that He loved me. He reminded me that He is working all things for His good (Romans 8:28). I left that time with Jesus better then when I showed up.

Jesus is eager to talk to us. We live in a time when at any moment we can talk to anyone who we need to. We can text, E-mail, call, facetime, snapchat and so on. We have a constant open line of communication with so many people. However, we struggle to keep an open line of communication with Jesus. With Jesus we don’t need all this technology to have a conversation with Him. It’s as simple as being frustrated and calling on Him. It’s a simple as getting that promotion and stopping to thank Him. It’s as easy as being alone in the car and choosing to talk to Jesus. It’s as easy as waking 20 minutes early to lay in your bed and have your heart open to hear from Jesus. He will meet you where you are. It makes sense to me now. It makes perfect sense to why I was so confused as I tried to figure out what Ellie was wanting from me. In that time it took me discovering that she only wanted a real conversation with me I found that Jesus wants the same thing. He wants to have a real conversation with me and with you!

Deflated Love!

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23

I walked into the kitchen this morning to Ellie’s birthday balloons deflated on the kitchen floor. I sat at the kitchen table for a moment just staring.I watched the emptiness in each balloon. For a moment everything stood still. Then I felt these words in my heart.

“ My love never runs out.”

These words took me back to my senior year in high school. It was a storm to say the least. I missed the better first half of it while on bed rest after having a major spinal surgery. Honestly, I didn’t feel I had any friends who missed me being at school. I was lonely. I was broken. I was lost. My step dad became my best friend at that time and I’m very thankful for that time I had with him. Still though there was something… someone else I was missing. After having surgery I slept a lot. I couldn’t eat, I was in pain and the pain medicine helped me forget about how sad I felt my life was. Looking back, part of the problem was that I was having a pity party. I wasn’t open to the love Jesus had for me therefore I couldn’t seem to silence the emptiness I felt on the inside. I’m so thankful He found me in the midst of my brokenness and still chose to shower me with all his grace, mercy and His love. The hardest part was me choosing to let Jesuslove me. It meant I had to stop looking for His love in all the wrong places. When I chose to look to Him and trust Him He took my deflated heart and began filling it with His love until it stood tall. It was far from easy but there came a moment when I could finally see that He had not only love for me but a purpose for my life.

Back to the deflated balloons just hanging out. Even in this moment when my feet have barely touched the floor my heart already begins to count all my mistakes, setbacks and flaws. It’s early in the morning, but I have already began to tell myself how I’m not worthy for this call. I don’t have what it takes to make a difference. I’m so unsure of the next step. Yet, He quiets my soul with the words “My love never runs out.” I’m reminded that I’m called not because of my qualifications but because of His love for me and I know His love is enough to see me through. As the deflated balloons lay on the kitchen floor, I’m in awe knowing that Jesus knew this would be the reminder I needed today of His love for me.

Do you know how much Jesus loves you? I know! I know! You start thinking that I don’t know how many mistakes you have made. I don’t understand how bad life is for you. I don’t get the shame and emptiness you feel. Its true! I don’t know! Let me remind you, He does! Jesus knows where you are at and He still loves you. His love is not empty! His love for you stands tall. His love offers forgiveness. His love will give you peace. His love leaves you free. His love gives you a purpose. He wants to love you. Will you let Him. I hope that this serves as a simple reminder that unlike Ellie’s deflated balloons still taking up space on the kitchen floor God’s love for us will never run out.

Ellie had a truly magical birthday party with a huge unicorn balloon,

rainbow cupcakes,

a gigantic play area,

karaoke station

and friends…

lots of friends.

Its funny! When we moved here one of my biggest concerns was who we would invite to Ellie’s birthday party. Would she even have any friends? It was definitely a silly worry that kept me awake at night. Im thankful I can say I worried for nothing. We are most of the time always worried for nothing! Ellie had 12 friends show up and together they helped make Ellies birthday memorable. One of my favorite moments was watching Ellie rock out with her friends in their band.

While cleaning up I cringed at the thought of throwing away perfectly good party supplies still in good condition.

I didn’t know of a place to donate the supplies to (feel free to comment on a place you might know) and I honestly can’t imagine another unicorn party in the future. I packed the supplies up and discovered some fun and creative ways to reuse the supplies. Follow along with me to see all the fun we got into.

We set up a paint shop!

The table cloths were still in such good shape. I decided to tape the tablecloth to the wall as well as put a 2nd one on the floor. We pulled out some extra paint and a white thick poster.

Ellie had fun painting until her heart was content. It was fun to see her creativeness come to life and I really liked that we were able to get another use out of the tale cloths.

You could also use the table cloths as a backdrop for a photobooth to get fun pictures in front of. What are some creative ways that you have used plastic table cloths?

We made hair bows!

After the party we had tons of unicorn ring toppers laying around. I guess you can say the kids were more excited about eating the cupcake thean wearing the ring. I cleaned the rings and used pliers to pull of the rings leaving only the rainbow. I already had some yellow ribbon and clips on hand so with a little hot glue I was able to put together some hair clips. Ellie loved wearing her new clips and so did a few girls in my after school program.

We made a birthday party memory frame!

This was one of my favorite ways we were able to reuse the party supplies. I’m a very sentimental person. I wanted to find a way to have a keepsake of her 3rd birthday party. I went out and bought a wood frame. I cut up the tissue paper from Ellie’s presents and had her glue them to the edges of the frame. We also hot glued a unicorn party favor and rainbow topper to the frame. Now we just have to choose the perfect picture to place inside.

Ellie started asking about her birthday party in December. She cried when we told her that December was not her birthday! This makes total sense considering that I was placed on bed rest December 23rd because Of preterm labor. I guess she’ll always want to celebrate early. This year was my favorite birthday celebrations by far. It was the first one where Ellie understood that we were celebrating her and that made it extra special. It was extra special because she was able to pick her theme, cupcakes and party favors. Ellie had so much day in this party and I loved watching her get excited as the party grew closer! I’m excited for next year and to see all the unique things we will be able to do it’s her left over party supplies.

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Ellie, you are our sunshine and today you turn three! Where has the time gone? We have enjoyed every second of every moment we have had with you. We are excited every chance we get to celebrate you. We love hearing you shout “my friends” when random kids walk into Chick Fil a. You love playing with everyone and you love others so well. We love that your love language is physical touch. You always want to be close; holding our hands, sitting on our lap, laying on our chest and snuggling real close. I’m in love with the way you still wrap your tiny arms around my neck as you fall to sleep each night.

We pray you always know how close Jesus wants to be to you. He loves you so much more than we ever could and sometimes that feels impossible, but it’s true. You are so special to Jesus! You make every morning bright with your loud wake up call letting us know the light is shining on the sun. Hearing you laugh makes our heart burst. Watching you worship beside daddy fills me with hope and joy. You always remind me that we need to read your Bible at bedtime. I love hearing you talk about Jesus and how much compassion you have when a friend is crying. It’s so cute to see you stick your finger in the air telling us you have an “IDEA!” We love that you are finding your voice and expressing your feelings. I pray you always know you have a voice and we will always hear you! Jesus will ALWAYS hear you! We are so unbelievably proud of you. When Jesus led our family to Washington Illinois you handled it with so much joy and maturity. I’ve cried way more then you on this journey. While I have fallen in love with our new home you fell in love so much more quickly and that has helped me ease in to so much change. We can’t say it enough! We are so proud of you. You will always be our miracle from God. The moment we found out about you we were reminded that nothing is impossible with God. What man said was impossible God proved faithful. Happy birthday to our unicorn 🦄 loving, frozen singing, PJ Mask fighting, Ryan imitating, christian rap shouting, Jesus worshipping little girl. You are the bestest little girlfriend a mommy could ask for. We adore you. We always will. We are so thankful Jesus blessed us with you. You are our sunshine ☀️! Happy 3rd Birthday! 🎂

Broken Crayons!

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”—Romans 8:28

Recently I did an experiment with Ellie. We took all her broken crayons and we melted them down until they took on a new shape. We then let the crayon wax cool and harden. The experiment was a process. It took time, work and patience.  However, it was worth it! Through this experiment I was reminded of the work God wants to do in the hearts of all His broken people. This is a project that needs parent supervision since a hot oven is needed.

First. we started by peeling away the part of the crayon that was no longer useful. This part was hard for me. Ellie’s fingers are tiny. It took everything in me to let her do  this part herself. I wanted to jump in and help the entire time.

Preheat the oven to 250 F.

Next, we organized the crayons into a mini cupcake pan. We had fun mixing the colors. However, you can also sort the colors.

We placed the broken crayons in the oven to melt. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until wax is melted. Ellie had fun watching through the oven door.

After melting we waited as the crayons cooled and hardened into the shape of a circle.

Last, we tested out our new crayon. Be sure that the crayons are cool before allowing your child to touch them. I let the crayons sit for an hour before we tested them. Some parents and teachers have let the crayons sit over night.

Ellie really had fun with this experiment. Waiting for the new crayons to cool was the most difficult for her. However, I like that  it was a good opportunity to strengthen her patience.

Can we all just have a come to Jesus moment real quick? This experiment is about more than broken crayons.  It’s about broken people. We are all broken in some way. Jesus wants to pick us up in our brokenness, tare off all the unnecessary mess, melt us down in the fire, pull us out of our darkness so we can do amazing things for Him. God is not surprised by our brokenness. God love us so much that He wants to bring us out of our brokenness. Did you know that the Bible is filled with men and women who did some pretty  messed up things? Yet GOD still did great things in and through each of them. Check it out…

Broken Men and Women of the Bible used by God:

Noah was a drunk and God used Him to build the ark. He used him even though He knew he would mess us after the flood and get drunk. Jesus still chose to use Noah because He knew that even in all of Noah’s brokenness that he would answer the call to build the ark. He did! We are here because Jesus chose to use Noah.

David  was a murderer and adulterer but God still crowned Him King  because He chose to forgive David and bring a blessing through him.

Peter denied Christ three times yet still Jesus used Him. After denying Jesus three times, Peter went on to be filled with the holy Spirit, perform miracles and confidently preach in public. Many people came to know of the love of Jesus because Jesus chose to use a man who once denied Him.

Martha worried about everything. God used her to be a servant to Jesus and His Disciples. She served them so they could spend their time in Prayer and sharing the word.

Rehab was a prostitute who was used by God to hide the men from being punished by order of the King of Jericho.

Moses killed an Egyptian and buried him in the sand. Then He ran. However,  God still chose to use him to lead 2 million Israelites out of Egypt.

What is your story? What keeps you believing that God cannot use you? God wants to use you even in all your brokenness. God will never throw you out like a broken crayon. He wants to tare off all the junk, melt you down in the fire, mold you for His purpose and send you out to do big things for Him.  Regardless of the level of your brokenness- God can and wants to use you. The question stands, will you allow God to create something new in you?

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17