30 Days of Thanksgiving 2011

Day 24: Thanksgiving Day! I am thankful to the Klepetko Family that does such a beautiful job at preparing the Thanksgiving meal and setting such a pretty table. I am beyond blessed. Lake McQueeney is a wonderful place for all the kids to laugh and play. Thanks Rayla-Jeanne Klepetko.


Day 23: Yesterday I was thankful for a day at home to mass produce flowers for the Black Friday Sale Donna Legender-Hofmann' house. I am having way to much fun with all this crafting. What a blessing.



Day 22: Yesterday I was Thankful that my husband wanted to go to the zoo and my Dad's Christmas money was able to buy the annual pass. We had a great time. Everyone laughing, pointing, and being amazed.


Day 21: I am thankful for sleep and I am grateful that I have such a wonderful big bed. I am holding my eyes open till these little ones are ready to be tucked in. Kay is ready the story.


Day 20: Yesterday I was thankful that my all my kids could play independently so I could sew my 1st masterpiece. I call it my masterpiece because I added all the finishing touches such as double stitching around the pocket, hand gathered ruffle and so much more. I am more of a whip stitch girl and this time I made sure the inside looked as good as the inside.

Day 19: I am Thankful for all the fun and exercise the whole family get's at SPECTRUM. We all went swimming yesterday.

Day 18: Yesterday I was thankful that Christ is giving me confidence and strength. a verse I read yesterday was:

Ezekiel 2:3-7

New International Version (NIV)

5 And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious people—they will know that a prophet has been among them. 6 And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people. 7 You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious.

Ezekiel 3:7-10

New International Version (NIV)

7 But the people of Israel are not willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, for all the Israelites are hardened and obstinate. 8 But I will make you as unyielding and hardened as they are. 9 I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people.”

Day 17: I am Thankful for ALL the ways that God is providing for us in this season. More importantly I am Thankful for the lesson of Faith it is teaching me. For in times of plenty we don't see the hand of God caring for our every need. Yet in this season friends like Tonya Swetman, strangers, and even crazy circumstances have allowed us to keep keeping on.

Day 16: I am thankful for the trusty old scream in clean. Learned this from a friend of my mom's when we lived in Florida when I was 13. I scream and you clean.

Day 15: I an thankful for the journey God has me on and the joy, peace, self control and excitement for life he has placed in my heart. I especially praise Him for the smile that meets me in the mirror and in the eyes of every person I see.

Day 14: I am thankful that Game Truck is doing well and that we will soon be seeing a return on that investment in our pockets.

Day 13: Yesterday I was Thankful for answered prayer. Selling the puppies was a double blessing.

Day 12: I am Thankful that my oldest daughter's heart breaks for a friend that feels unloved and misunderstood by her family. I pray that she always feels as loved and understood by me as she does today.

Day 11: Thankful for our freedom.

Day 10: Yesterday I was thankful for the reminder by a friend. Children are still being molested at an alarming rate and it is up to us as parents, friends and grandparents to be educated and to educate our children so they can "tell" at the earliest stage possible.

Day 9: I am thankful that I stay home with my kids. To hear all the stories they tell, squeeze in between them to mix baked goods, help with the homework, be the 1st to hear about their day, teach them how to ..., laugh with them, read to them, take them EVERYWHERE, and apologize to them.

Day 8: God's word reminded me that I am very Thankful to my neighbor's. Not a one do I share FB with. For I see them in my driveway. Smiles, waves, friends, playmates for my children, a shoulder, walking partner, and recipient of my baking.

Day 7: I am Thankful that our family has remained committed to making all of our Christmas gifts the past 11 years. It stretches me every year to come up with something new. My creative side needs this discipline.

Day 6: Thankful for all the wonderful things we got from Randy's grandma. I have many lovely clothes and a mixer that I got to use to make Randy's B-day cake.

Day 5: I am thankful for cooler weather that let's me cosy up in blankets and my favorite valor jogging suits.

Day 4 : I am thankful that the big kids can work together and help clean the house and that the twins can sleep/play quietly in their room.

Day 3 : I am thankful that I am surounded by a great cloud of witnesses, Carole Lightfoot, Tonya Swetman, Cheryl Heinrich Oechsle, Ivette Cotter, Charlie Barnes, Sean Azzaro, Amber Roo, Matthew Rohr,Ray Touw, Shannon MacLaren Touw and many more. For each of you have helped me along the way in my Faith. I pray I have done the same for you.

Heb 12:1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

Day 2 : I am thankful for God's Word. I love discovering my favorite verses among my daily reading. Hebrews 4:11-13

11Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 12For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Day 1: Today I am thankful for free fabric and the use of a friends sewing machine. I am just in love with the Snoopy and Raggedy Ann prints Patti Evans Beasley.

Christmas Crafts 2011 - Ski Mask

I just found a picture of this on the web and copied it.  I love the idea of him being able to wear it as a mask or pulling the whole thing down around his neck.  This was very easy to make.

Christmas Crafts 2011: Sock Arm Warmers

These were great fun to make.  See Pinterest tutorial.

Source: iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com via Christy on Pinterest

Christmas Crafts 2011: Vintage Childs Apron

Christmas Crafts 2011 - Fabric Flowers

This was the 1st of my flower making days. I do not have the contraption they used to cut the perfect circles so I printed circles on paper and glued Velcro to them. I can cut pretty good circles this way and my pattern stays put.

Here is the Pinterest tutorial:

Source: stampwithtami.com via Christy on Pinterest

Christmas Crafts 2011 - Wine Bottles

I have definitely had a love hate relationship with this craft. I just loved the idea of lace decoupaged on the wine bottles. I 1st was going to make lights but didn't want to have to drill a hole in the glass. So I decided that it would be fun for folks to be able to fill the bottle with what ever they like (dish soap, olive oil, plant watering can, etc. Yet this has posed another obstacle as I want the bottle to be able to be at least wiped down if it get's dirty. So my cheep project of bottles and Grandma Sterlings lace became expensive with Modge Podge and Triple Thick Brilliant gloss.

Then trying to get the lace to stay put around the bottle left an ugly seam. The roses purchased for $3.50 a yard were definitely needed.


Here is the Pinterest inspiration.

Source: urbancomfort.typepad.com via Christy on Pinterest

Christmas Crafts 2011 - Baby Maze

This was another supper easy craft for the twins. I plan on bringing these along to DRs. appointments, etc. Who wouldn't love pushing a bead around in some cossy fabric.

Here is the Pinterest tutorial:

Source: servingpinklemonade.blogspot.com via Christy on Pinterest

Christmas Crafts 2011 - Leg Warmers

I really liked making these for Petra. They were super easy. I also love how my mistakes turn into my creative repair. I sewed one of the top ribbing on the wrong way so that is what encouraged me to add the ruffle. Nothing like a little mistake to prompt inspiration.

I made a hat from this fabric last year.

Here is the tutorial from Pinterest.

http://crochetncrafts.com/sewing/sewinglegwarmers.html

Christmas Crafts 2011 - Snowmen

Painting these snowmen was one of my favorite. I just can't wait till all 5 of my kids are old enough that I can just enter into the dreamy place called artistic expression for more than a moment. Yet even with interruptions I am learning how to stay in the flow of my artistic design. I had such fun adding the shading, texture and depth of color.

These little guys were so inexpensive to buy that I would like to plan even FURTHER ahead next year and paint some BIG ones to sell. Maybe Randy and I would work together on it. The neighbor use to make these. I could easily draw the picture to be painted. Just need the wood cut.

No Pinterest to post on this one.

Christmas Crafts 2011 - Stretchies

Wow. This craft was much more difficult than I expected. Yet once I bought the fabric for $15.00 for the 2 gifts I couldn't turn back. My problem was how slippery the bathing suit material was to to keep together. I tried everything. Then after sew a few of these it just worked. Some how I figured out how to give the fabric just the right tention to keep those edges together. Kind of like riding a bike.

Then for the cute little bag these "stretchies" come in. I made them out of the legs of an old pair of Kay's jeans, a few beads and the strap came from Grandma Sterlings stash of crafting goodies.

Here is the craft as found on Pinterest.

Source: thismamamakesstuff.com via Christy on Pinterest

Black Friday Market Day

Black Friday Market Day

Host:
Patti Beasley
Phone:
2108822750

When:
Friday, November 25 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Where:
2626 Pebble Way, San Antonio, Texas 78232

Come put a dent in you Christmas list with beautiful hand crafted gifts. Some examples: jewelry, men's custom neck ties, jalapeño jelly, brittle, quilts, hot/cold packs, fabric flowers, purses and many other beautiful gifts. Get something for yourself too!

Christmas Crafts 2011- Hot/Cold Packs

I made a bunch of these hot/cold packs using every grain I had in the house. I started out with just rice but when that ran out I used lentils, barley and even a few pinto beans. I scented most of the bags with lavender and a few with eucalyptus.

I was determined to NOT spend any money on this project. I used all fabric that I had on hand or was given to me. Once you get sewing it is quite tempting to want to make your crafts flashy using the latest material, but times are tough, and I believe that God will bless my thriftiness.

I really loved this craft found on Pinterest. I used the tutorial listed bellow.

I am hoping to sell a few at a craft fair for $7.00. The fair is the day after Thanksgiving.

Source: brassyapple.blogspot.com via Christy on Pinterest

Teach Your kids about Molestation

My heart is to teach parents how to teach their kids about predators. The majority of kids molested will be at the hands of a trusted family member or friend. We need to STOP teaching stranger danger. I teach my kids that NO one is beyond reproach. I put myself right in the mix. If mamma does something that hurts you or makes you uncomfortable you go right ahead and tell on me. I would rather myself be called into question so my kids know they have permission to tell on anyone.




I also teach them about all the pre-molestation tactics. Most kids won't realize they are being molested till they are being touched. By then it is to late. A molester will often groom a child for 6 months. I tell my kids to tell me

1) if someone shows them a picture of naked people (cartoon or real),

2) if anyone like a teacher or coach tries to spend one-on-one time with them,

3) if someone undresses in front of them,

4) if someone touches their own privates in front of them,



I also teach them about the "dirty pleasure" feeling. I tell them it is like being on a roller coaster you can't get off. One minute it may feel good, yet when you want off you can't. Drawn by the adrenalin rush you may even come back for more even though it made you sick to your stomach. I want my kids to know that God created those parts of their body to feel pleasure, yet when an older person awakens that part of them they are robbing them of finding that on their own. Yet their is no shame for having found pleasure in it. God made you that way.



Two key reasons kids don't tell. They are confused by how arousal triggered participation. 2nd they are shamed into thinking their parents or family won't love them.



By the way I majored in Crimes Against women and Children in College. Kind of my life's mission. Thanks for giving me a voice for what I am most passionate about.

Spiritual Gifts

Christy Klepetko

Share the Spiritual Gifts Analysis with others:

Spiritual Gifts

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Strength
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Evangelism 12
Prophecy 15
Teaching 19
Exhortation 19
Pastor/Shepherd 18
Showing Mercy 16
Serving 9
Giving 6
Administration 12

Your dominant gifts are Teaching, Exhortation



The results of your Spiritual Gifts Inventory indicate that your number one dominant gift is TEACHING! The Greek word for teacher "didaskalos" means master, teacher or doctor. As a teacher you are one who communicates knowledge, guides, makes known or relays facts. You are likely more in-depth than the average Sunday school teacher. You have the Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by making clear the truth of God's Word with accuracy.

As a teacher you live to learn and teach (or perhaps write if you teach through the written medium). You should learn to teach in two manners which may be contrary to your nature. The material must be simple so students can understand it, and it must be practical. The pastor/shepherd, the prophet, and the exhorter (those with speaking gifts) usually rely on your resources to help fulfill their responsibilities.

You love the Word, enjoy reading, may be a little shy of strangers, are creative and imaginative, and prefer teaching groups over individuals. You are generally confident, self-disciplined, and sometimes technical. You probably love charts, graphs, and lists. You would sometimes rather just do research, but "must teach" because others would not teach it the way you would. The use of a verse out of context upsets you and you question the knowledge of those who teach you. You are organized and enjoy studying. You are so concerned with accuracy that you often dwell on the trivial, giving others the feeling that you give too many details. Some may even think you are boring.

Be careful that you are not critical of people who differ with your doctrine and that you do not measure other people's spirituality by their amount of Bible knowledge. Be willing to listen as well as talk. Don't hesitate to read directions and work on developing tolerance for others' mistakes.

If you score high in the gift of teaching and very low in the gift of shepherding, you probably won't make a good Sunday school teacher or group leader. Your tendency will be to relay knowledge and not shepherd or minister to the other needs of your students. People who use the gift of teaching in vocational service usually become teachers of teachers, professors, authors, or in-depth researchers.


HOW CAN YOU USE YOUR DOMINANT GIFT? You do not necessarily have to teach the Bible to be a help to the church ministry. Although you can help with interpretation or teaching teachers and others, you may teach in areas such as education, business, finance, or computers. You may enjoy writing and developing curriculum. You would probably serve well as a Bible institute teacher or a correspondence course instructor. Your gift also lends itself to the mission field where you could serve as a missionary/teacher. You may want to teach a basic doctrine course to newcomers or new Christians or host quarterly small group studies on different topics. You may enjoy doing research for the pastor or others who teach.

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The results of your Spiritual Gifts Inventory indicate that your second dominant gift is EXHORTATION! The Greek word "parakaleo" means to admonish, to encourage, to beseech. You are a "how to" person. You have the Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by motivating others to action by urging them to pursue a course of conduct. In a teaching position, you are able to explain how to apply God's Word. Your goal is to present material that enables the Holy Spirit to promote change in the student's life. You reach out and help Christians become more mature.

As an exhorter you are a very practical person, a good counselor, tolerant of others, serious-minded, orderly, and usually impulsive. You are expressive in a group setting; the group listens when you speak. You are comfortable working one-on-one or in groups. You are enthusiastic and talkative and enjoy encouraging others.

You are burdened to show how Scripture relates to conduct and have a desire to unify people by using practical rather than doctrinal issues. You likely place great importance on God's will and believe that His Word has the answer for every problem. You tend to make decisions logically rather than on feelings and are very orderly.

Be careful not to interrupt other people; your enthusiasm sometimes makes you guilty of this. Others may think you don't use enough Scripture in teaching because you tend to use Scripture to support what you are teaching rather than starting with Scripture.

Unlike teachers, you have the willingness to teach the same material again and again, updating and perfecting it as you do. As a counselor you usually have the ability to leave other people's problems "in the office" rather than letting them drag you down.

Beware of Satan's attack on your gift. He may cause pride in your motivational abilities. He may influence you to lose sight of people because of program emphasis. Don't become discouraged when results are not evident. Be careful not to encourage others to do the wrong things through your persuasive abilities.

HOW CAN YOU USE YOUR DOMINANT GIFT? You may use your special gift in many areas. You may want to be a leadership trainer. You could certainly serve as a counselor in church or in a counseling center. You could teach in church training or seminars or even small groups. You would make a good telephone ministry worker and would be a tremendous volunteer to follow up with new converts. You would work well as an encourager with those who are discouraged and as a counselor in a drug or alcohol program, rescue mission, poverty program, half-way house or runaway ministry or in a shelter for abused women and children. You could also use your gift in organizing or serving in a Men's or Women's Ministry.
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Building an effective team in your church depends on putting the right people in the right places. The best way to determine what place each person belongs in is by determine everyone's spiritual gifts. But, just discovering your spiritual gift is not enough.

Here's the real challenge. Many Christians are asking the question, "What is my spiritual gift?" When in reality they need to be asking, "What is a spiritual gift?" They do not understand the relationships of spiritual gifts. That is, they don't understand how a spiritual gift relates to their life, how it relates to the will of God for their life, how it relates to the lives of those around them, how it relates the local church, or how it relates to the body of Christ as a whole. To give John J. Christian an additional name and make him John J. Exhorter Christian is only doing him an injustice. Having a new name or title does not make you a more effective, more fulfilled, or a better Christian, nor does it give you any more understanding of yourself or those around you. Most contemporary material written on spiritual gifts does an adequate job in helping you recognize, discover, and define what your spiritual gifts are. Also, many do a fine job of teaching on the individual parts of the body, but few complete their teaching by assembling the body, thus showing how church members can work as complementing, effective, and efficient team. Thus, teaching a person only what their spiritual gift is without teaching them what a spiritual gift is, is like giving someone a new tool without giving them the operator's manual. They will never understand it fully nor will they be able to use it to its maximum potential. The same is true with your spiritual gifts.