Saturday, March 23, 2013

Hello! Spring Break! (Day #2)

Lots of fun things to share today! 

1. Met a friend at Dreamcakes (the best cupcake bakery EVER!) this afternoon! It was her first Dreamcakes cupcake..her FIRST! Smart girl that she is, got minis so she could try multiple flavors. Success! (Just as an fyi, if you come down to visit me I guarantee I will take you to Dreamcakes! It's really that good!)

Cupcakes were followed by a trip to the Homewood Antiques Marketplace (also her first time visiting), and a few stops at Goodwill & Salvation Army thrift store to look for potential projects! 

2. Finished a long-awaited craft project last night! The hints I gave before: "chevron" and "ruffles"? Well, they resulted in....

THE CUTEST CHRISTMAS TREE SKIRT EVER!!!


(a DIY tutorial may show up soon)

3. Stopped by Hobby Lobby to grab some supplies and may have stumbled, willingly, into the fabric section. As you can see, I couldn't resist.... I mean the Eiffel tower printed on burlap?! Too good, too good! Oh, I did manage to get said supplies, too. 



4. Started and finished these lovely yarn ball ornaments! Yay!


5. Best of all, my Wichita State Shockers beat #1 seed Gonzaga in the NCAA to advance to the Sweet 16! Oh let me say that again, SHOCKS ARE GOING TO THE SWEET 16!!!!!!! (It's probably a good thing, I was by myself watching this game. Eep! It was crazy!)

This photo may help you understand how I feel about it, if you aren't quite sure...


Happy Day! Go Shox!

Friday, March 22, 2013

Hello! Spring...Break! (Day #1)

Well, it's here. My last official Spring Break...ever! That feels weird to say...again. I guess my last spring break in undergrad was just a tease!

I have to admit, I've been a little bummed...okay and maybe a little bit bitter here at the beginning. Why? Because I haven't ever been able to go take a super fun trip to anywhere since mission trip spring break trips in high school. Five chances in my college career, and nothing. Boo. 

So while I'm dreaming of being here...


or here...



I'll actually be here in the Heart of Dixie, making an effort to find really fun things to do! (Who knows maybe Bluebell does exist?...and if I find it maybe I'll find a George or a Wade while I'm there!) 
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1. Went to lunch with some friends, and tried a new gourmet Italian restaurant called Bettola! Thanks for the suggestion Sara!

2. (Technically this game was on yesterday, but it's too important to leave out!) Watched my Shockers kick some Pittsburg butt in the NCAA tourney! Hello, top 32! Shockers & March Madness, it's a great combo! 

3. It's Spring Break. Reason enough to grab a new Essie color to play with: Play Date

4. Picked up these cuties at Target! Been drooling over them for a couple weeks now! Who can resist a great wedge for Spring/Summer?! 

5. Also stocked up on some kiwi soy candles! They were 50% off at Target! The roomie and I LOVE candles in our house! 

6. Today, I started a project that has been long awaited. Maybe one of the best crafty projects ever! Let's just say it involves grey chevron burlap and ruffles! (pictures and DIY will come soon)


Pray for the Hui

A week from today I'll be attending an event called "Secret Church" here in Birmingham at The Church at Brook Hills!! You may want to know what Secret Church is? It's an intensive time of bible study (usually about 6 hours, or more), led by David Plaitt, with brothers and sisters both nationally and around the globe. It is supposed to be a demonstration of the idea of "house churches" and "secret churches" around the globe, where the gospel is not allowed in the country and thus believers and those wanting to hear have to meet secretly.

"When we think of "church" in America, we think of going to meet at a building, singing, praying and hearing a message from a Pastor or teacher. But in many places around the world, "church" meets in a home, an apartment, even in secret. These small groups of Christ-followers often meet for many hours in study, prayer and fellowship, as it is dangerous to travel to "church" and they want to make the most of their time together.

Secret Church is our "house church," where we meet periodically for an intense time of Bible study--lasting 4-6 hours--and prayer for our persecuted brothers and sisters across the globe. This is not for the uncommitted or faint at heart...


God will use this focused time of study to enrich our knowledge of His Word as we gain understanding of the state of His Church and our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. The objective of Secret Church is for you to pass along what you learn to others, so that you can make disciples of Christ--both locally and globally."
(radical.net)

I'll be writing a separate post after the event, but right now I want to shed some light on the focus people group for #SC13. This year, we pray for the Hui. If you're like me, you may have never heard of this people group located in China. That is exactly why I've done some research. I'm hoping the benefit of learning about the Hui will better equip myself and even others to pray specifically for their needs and for their access and openness to the gospel.
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The Hui: 10 Things to Know

1. Made up of 13 million people, the Hui is the largest and most widespread group of Chinese Muslims.
2. They are the 3rd largest minority group in China.
3. Only .006% of them know Christ!
4. Being Muslim is what they know, thus that is how they define themselves. Muslim by association. Islam is their way of life. 
5. The Hui are a hospitable people. They treat each other like family. 
6. Most own restaurants and are found in cities all around China. 
7. Men wear prayer caps. Women wear head scarves. 
8. Mandarin Chinese is the spoken and written language. Arabic and Persian are  more common in their spiritual language. 
9. They are descendants of Muslim traders, soldiers and officials who came to China between the 7th & 14th centuries. 
10. It's estimated that one Hui person dies every five minutes. The problem: more Hui people are dying daily than the number of Hui who are hearing the gospel.
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How we can be praying!
  • Pray for God to call laborers to reach the Hui- from other countries as well as Chinese Christians already living among the people group. 
  • Pray that effective strategies for sharing the gospel will be identified and implemented. Pray in thanks for the work that is being done. 
  • Pray for God to break down barriers that are keeping the gospel from the Hui. 
  • Pray that Hui believers will gather and build churches that will multiply.
  • Pray for followers of Jesus to share the gospel bodly with the Hui, believing that God is faithful and is already doing a great work among the people. 
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Whether you're attending Secret Church, a SC simulcast, or not participating at all, please join me over this next year in making a conscious effort to lift up the Hui of China. May we be fully confident that the Lord is and will move in an awesome way among the people of China. 

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Latest Finds: Infant Books

I've recently come across some really good deals on books. To be more specific, books about or for infants. I'm not sure if I spy them because they are books about child development, or if it's because I just happen to be taking an Infant Development class this semester? I'm going to go with BOTH! Without further ado, here are my latest finds:

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You Raising Your Child: The Owner's Manuel from First Breath to First Grade
Michael F. Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet C. Oz, M. D. (2010)


You Raising Your Child addresses everything from infant health issues, to parenting, to emotional and intellectual development, to early education and proper nutrition. In my brain that translates into 450+ pages of fun! I'm excited to have added this resource to my collection! As for the really good deal? Well, I snagged my copy at Garden Ridge for a whopping $3.99! Score! If you're interested, you can find a copy here. 

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amazing baby
Desmond Morris (2008)


Amazing Baby takes the reader through the first two years of life. The content includes the biology and anatomy of the body, physical development event markers, information on behavior, personality development, how babies grow and much more. My favorite part of this book has got to me the photography and images. They are full page and beautiful! I snatched up a copy at Barnes & Noble for $7.98! Yay! If you're interested, you can find a copy here.

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Me Baby, You Baby
Ashley Wolff (2004)


Me Baby, You Baby is one of those books you know you're going to love before you even open it. Reading through the pages, I can just picture the day I get to read this story to my own child before nap time, or anytime for that matter. The story if full of rhyming phrases and beautiful illustrations. It follows the journey of a two mothers and their infants through their everyday world including a trip to the zoo. A good tool to encourage identification and recognition skills, rhyming, and the joy of being together. The words just kind of float like a melody as you read them. This one is a really enjoyable read! Believe it or not, I found my copy at Winn Dixie (yep, the grocery store) for $5! Whoop! If you're interested, you can find a copy here.

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I know that these are not new 2013 books, but they are new to me! Each of them cool in their own way. Enjoy! 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Pomegranate Limeade Cupcakes

Let me begin, by saying that I am, well...pretty particular about my cupcakes! I kind of expect perfection. Not in a mean sort of way, but in a I have really high standards for them kind of way. It's true. 

Quality Consistency. Exceptional Flavor. Beautifully Decorated. I am most definitely not a perfect cupcake baker by any means, but I do try really, really hard to uphold these standards! Sometimes, as a challenge, this means doing things like entering a contest and creating a recipe from scratch. That is what happened with these lovely lil' cupcakes! I created them for a competition held by a juice company a few years ago. I ended up with several votes, but not quite enough to win. No hard feelings though. Just seeing that people were interested and voting for my cupcake recipe was enough! 

These pomegranate limeade cupcakes were my first ever self-created recipe! If only people could have seen me in the kitchen experimenting until I came up with the perfect results?! Because these were my own special recipe, I've decided that they would be the most appropriate to lead off the beginning of what will be many, MANY more, cupcake postings! 



They're perfect for those who like sweet, but not super sweet. They're fruity, without being overwhelming and pretty darn delightful! 

Enjoy the new recipe, and if you decide to make them, let me know how they turn out! I'd love to hear about it!
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Pomegranate Limeade Cupcakes

Cupcakes:

2 3/4 c. flour
2 1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
2/3 c. butter, softened
1 1/4 c. sugar
1 c. POM pomegranate-cranberry juice
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
1 t. lime juice
1 c. milk

Vanilla Lime Buttercream:
1/2 c. shortening
1 stick butter, softened
1 t. vanilla
3 tsp. lime juice
4 c. powdered sugar, sifted
2-3 T. milk

*topped with a lime slice and toasted coconut


Sunday, March 17, 2013

My Story of Faith

Today, I share the most important story I can tell. This is my story of faith; my story of finding salvation in Christ and surrendering my life and my heart to him for His glory!

The Early Years

As a child, I was pretty much raised in church. Sometimes, I think I was just born going to church....wait, I was! I had a great parents and grandparents that made sure I was there every Sunday. I was a kid always eager to go. I remember things like leaving my beloved teddy bear in the nursery one evening after church, and Dad having to go retrieve him. I remember making great friends in Sunday School and my mom being my first teacher for children's choir. I could go on and on about the things I remember, but there is one important moment that trumps them all. 

I became a new person at the age of seven. I vividly remember playing in my room one night and thinking to myself, "you know, I really want to ask the Lord to save me." Then and there I kneeled at my bed and prayed to the Lord asking for forgiveness and salvation. That was all it took. Sincere. Short and sweet. In the world's eyes I wasn't a horrible person, but I knew the in the eyes of the Lord I was a sinner and was lost. My soul needed him. 


For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. -Romans 6:23

For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and are
justified by his grace, as a gift, through the redemption that is
in Christ Jesus. -Romans 3:23-24

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.
-Titus 2:11

(Fast forward to today, and I am so thankful that the Lord was able to move in my life at such a young age. I am even more grateful that it is something I have and will always remember.) After this prayer in my room, I told my parents what had gone on. Not long after, we had a revival at our church and I went forward, professing my decision to follow Jesus to my church. 

A few weeks later, after going through what was then called a "new members" class and learning more about what it meant to follow Jesus and what it meant for him to pay the price for my sin, I was baptized during a sunday morning service. As a believer, after salvation, it is basically the next step. Baptism is symbolic of dying to your old self and being made new in Christ. 

A few years later, around age 9 my beloved Granddaddy passed away from leukemia. No one, no child, wants to see that happen to a grandparent or anyone for that matter. It wasn't pleasant, but I knew that Jesus loved me and because of that He would take care of me and my family, and our saddened broken hearts. It was true. He did care for us, and our hearts slowly healed and eventually rejoiced. Why? Grandaddy was making friends in Heaven and worshipping with Jesus! He had the best end of the deal. 

The Teenage Years

Moving forward, the middle school years were great for me! I was super involved in my youth group. I was busy doing things like learning how to run a sound board, learning how to adjust lighting, and singing on the student praise team. Eventually, I was also involved in student leadership. Mission trips and trips to summer camp at Windermere also began. I loved it all. I had several friends at school through, volleyball and softball and other clubs, but my best friends were those that I knew from church. 

Entering High School years was just as enjoyable for me. More of the same...mission trips on spring break and camps in the summer...the occasional weekend event throughout the semester. Some of the best youth group memories? War Games! Praise Team practices! The Trash can game! Life was great. I was still learning about God and his word weekly and was enjoying serving at any opportunity I could. 


So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love,
any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love,
being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit,
but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let
each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests
of others. -Phillipians 2:1-4

I spent the summer between high school and college working for the North American Mission Board and a student missionary in San Antonio, Texas. Our job was to engage children in apartment complexes around the city in summer Bible Clubs. Think....VBS everyday, all summer. Let's just say, I learned a lot about a lot that summer. 

The College Years

As a senior in high school I had dreams of going into a career in Fashion Merchandising. I had dreams of New York! Fast forward to to the end of the year, and plans drastically changed. I was all set to go to Kansas State. I would pursue my passion for fashion and life would be great! However, the Lord had different plans. I remember not feeling at ease with going to K-State, but didn't fully know why. I would miss my family and friends at home, obviously, but that wasn't it. 

Quickly, I was redirected to a school close to home. I thought maybe I was going to switch careers and go into something like social work. I started classes at Wichita State and 3 1/2 years later graduated with a degree in Psychology. During these years, I was blessed to get a job working at the Wichita State Child Development Center! Little did I know, that this job would shape my thoughts, my ideas, my passions, my education, and my dreams for the rest of my life. I fell in love with preschool children, and have not looked back since. Thank you, Lord for that! Also during this time, I spent what free time I had changing roles when it came to youth group. No longer was I a participant, but a leader. It was then that I began to learn what it meant and see what it looked like to invest in youth. This was also life-changing! My heart was consumed by a love for them as well. 

During college, I also took a mission trip with the International Mission Board to Ghana, West Africa. This was an interesting adventure, and too long of a story to tell here. The best result from the trip? I am now roommates with one of the girls from the trip. That's right, years after this trip to Ghana, Bri and I are roomies! (more on that in minute.)


"All authority in heaven and on earth has been give to me. 
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of 
the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have
commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to 
the end of the age." -Matthew 28:18-20

I also had the amazing opportunity to intern in Children's Ministry at First Baptist Mulvane! One of the greatest experiences ever!

And then an event that will forever lie in the deepest parts of my heart occurred. Long story short, things were happening at the church I attended. A group of people decided to take over and take control. Basically, they turned the church upside down. I won't go into all details, but the pastor was forced to resign, sneaky stuff was going on, and my Dad and I both lost our jobs at the church. Undoubtedly, this was one of the darkest times in my life. To be honest, spiritually and in my heart I was a train wreck. I was crushed, confused, angry and broken...mainly because I knew that the picture of God's church painted in scripture was being completely ignored. I lost trust in the leaders of my church, and was losing my trust in the church as a whole. To ruin something so extremely close to my heart, was unfathomable. I tried to hang on there and stay somewhat attached for the sake of the youth I worked with, and for the sake that it was the church I grew up in. However, I eventually had to let go. My heart couldn't handle it any longer. My parents had moved on to a new church, and I needed to as well. I needed to heal. 


"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."- 2 Corinthians 12:9-13

Insert, First Baptist Church Mulvane. I soon became a member, and as the Lord healed my heart and my hurt I was able to get involved with youth ministry again, as well as several other things. Additionally, I had the support from some really, really great leaders and friends! They know who they are! 

After College

I had a job right out of college. I wasn't happy with it at all. I began to think about and consider other options. I had never been one to even think that I would want to go to grad school. Surprise! One just random thought, or so I thought, and the Lord ran with it, so to speak. He knew what was ahead, I just didn't. I began to look at programs and soon found myself applying to the University of Alabama. Before I knew it, I had been accepted and after a string of crazy events found out that I had an assistantship that would not only pay me to work, but would cover my entire out-of-state tuition for the program. Clearly, the Lord had a hand in this. August of 2011, I packed my bags and a trailer and moved some 800 miles away from everything that resembled home. And that thing about the girl from my team in Africa...well, she just happened to live in Birmingham. Bri and I have been roomies for almost 2 years now! Crazy and such a blessing! Thank you, Lord for this! He truly does go before us and provides!


For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,
plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future
and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come pray to me,
and I will hear you. -Jeremiah 29:11-12

Currently

I've been living in Birmingham for approaching approaching 2 years now. (With the exception of this past summer, when I was so blessed to have another opportunity to intern at FBC Mulvane; this time with youth ministry!)

I am now in my last semester of Grad School and am looking forward to the future. Grad school has not been the best experience of my life, but the challenges and struggles it has brought have made me consistently lean on the truths and the life I have through Jesus. Many a night do I fall asleep, crying out to the Lord for patience, for guidance, for strength, for motivation...sometimes just laying all of my frustrations out. With my hands held open, I have had to completely and fully surrender every piece of my heart and my life to the Lord during these past few years. I've realized that while I may be in grad school in AL, God has had me here for several other important reasons. I've grown immensely in both my faith and my life. 

Just in the past several months, I've randomly met new people, and joined an amazing small group that challenges me, encourages me and provides some fun friendships! I know my time here has a purpose. I am confident in this, because at different times I'm able to see glimpses of the Lord's hand and his answers to my prayers! Additionally, I am hugely thankful for the church I attend here, and the many blessings and encouragements it has provided!

I do not know how much longer I will be in Birmingham. Truthfully, I had every intention to be here for two years of grad school and then head off to the exciting city of Dallas, TX. Truth is, those were my plans. Truth is, the Lord may have something entirely different in store, and I've come to understand and accept that. I'm living life, trying everyday to let God lead and to be willing to follow. I'm fully believe that His ways are better than mine. He is the author and creator of both me and my story. 


For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are
your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the
heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways 
than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
-Isaiah 55:8-9

At the end of each and every day I am still a self-righteous, guilty sinner who has been redeemed and renewed by the precious blood of Jesus on the cross and his overwhelming love and compassion for my soul. He's been my rock through heartbreak, trials, and celebrations. Friends and family are great supports, but the Lord is whom my soul shall seek for everything I need. In him, I am made whole. In him, I lack nothing. My goal daily is to passionately pursue the Lord, as He has done so very generously with me. 


Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places
by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us
through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great 
priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in
full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil 
conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast
the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised
is faithful. -Hebrews 10:19-23

Friday, March 15, 2013

Happy 3rd Birthday, Nestle!

My Baby Girl...My Puppy Girl, Nestle turned 3 today! Let's Celebrate!


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Here's to many more years with this love bug!

Howdy!

Hello, Friends! Welcome to Cupcakes & Crayons!
If you don't know this about me yet, you'll soon find out that
I love all things fancy & fun! The plan is to post about
projects, adventures, and everyday life. I hope you enjoy! 
Come back soon!
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-Kelly