Covenant Homemaking's Giveaway

Happy Friday!  Today I thought you might be interested in this giveaway over at Covenant Homemaking.  I think the powdered dish detergent sounds neat!

To enter, simply leave a comment on Mary Jo's blog.  For more chances, you can 'like' Covenant Homemaking on Facebook, 'like' Tropical Traditions on Facebook, subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter, and subscribe to Covenant Homemaking's RSS feed. 

I'm still working on new items, but recently took time out to go watch the 'Avengers' movie with my siblings.  I thought overall it was a lot of fun, but you'll only enjoy it if you like comic book type movies.  Of course, there was language and the body count was high, but it was fun to watch the characters learn to work together. (And yes, the tatting was done in the theater - there are several mistakes, which means I must have been distracted!)

Blessings!
     ~Alana

Thoughts on our Culture's Direction

As Christians looking out upon the American culture in the year of our Lord 2012, what should our attitude be?  Should we be cast down into despair, and hide in a basket?  Should we forget about sharing the sweet gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ with others, and merely try to survive? 

No.  

As bearers of the Name of Christ, we have a duty to seek first His kingdom.  For some of us, this means serving in conspicuous ways and places; for others, it will mean washing dishes sweetly so that God will be glorified.  He is honored when we love Him by obeying His revealed will.  

As a nation, we are heading down the wrong path.  There are many side issues that cloud our minds, but the heart of the matter is that the Church in America has neglected to do her duty (loving obedience to God's revealed will) for several generations.  

This should make us mourn and repent!  It is proper to mourn for national sins, even as Daniel did.  (To read the whole story, please turn to Daniel 9.)  It is reasonable to honor God by obeying Him.  Remember how much He loves us, and how He sent His only Son, Jesus to bear our sins on the cross.  Remember Jesus' 33 years on this earth, and that He never sinned.  Remember the good news of Jesus' resurrection and ascension.  Remember, and do not be afraid; the gospel is freely offered to all people!  This is too great for me to comprehend, but it is so sweet to remember these promises.  

And as for this week's passage?  I thought that Ephesians 4:32 would be good. 

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. 

Red and Gold

 Red and gold look so classy together, so when I had some pretty, shiny thread in these colors I made these pieces!  They sort of go together, but each piece can stand on its own two feet.  :)  They are for sale in the shop, of course.  The necklace can be found here, while the earrings are over there.  

Oh, and if you are a Virginia Tech fan, you might be interested to know that the gold is almost orange - quite close enough to wear to a rally or a game.  Stay tuned because I have other team colors in the works!

Blessings!
~Alana Tatter

More than Conquerors

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
~ Romans 8:37

Confidence in Trials

"The wounded heart cannot by its own unaided power avail itself of the promise though it be evidently adapted to its need.  Instead of grasping consolation, the soul refuses to be comforted.  Nor can the most loving of ministers apply the balm; awakened consciences are usually more cunning at putting from them the reasons for hope than we are in applying them.  They think us flatterers when we bring them cheering news.  It will even happen that when a gracious word seems to strike them and to stick upon their minds,  they will with a cruel diligence and suicidal resolution tear it off lest it should work their cure.... Therefore, O Lord, doth my soul love Thee because Thou didst not only provide a salvation for me, but Thou didst also apply it to me; and at this hour Thou dost not only lay up comfort in store for me, but Thou dost actually cheer and sustain my spirit.  Thou art ... all in all.
~Matthew Henry

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
 Philippians 1:6

My First Tophatter Auction Lot

 This is going up for auction on Tophatter.com next Tuesday evening (May 8th) - 5 PM Pacific Time.  Bidding starts at $1, with $5 shipping to the US, and $7 to Canada.

 http://tophatter.com/lots/105236

Hot Pink and Black Tatted Lace Necklace with Heart Drop

Ships within 1-2 days of payment.

This unique tatted lace necklace is bright with the ever popular combination of hot pink and black, with a touch of sparkle in the glass beads. Perfect for teenage girls!

(The pink is a little brighter than the photos indicate - my camera was acting up and I didn't know how to fix it.)

The heart measures 1.5 inches across, the lace top is 3.5 inches across, and the necklace measures about 4 inches from the top of the lace strip to the bottom of the heart. The narrow ribbon ties add an additional 18 inches to each side. 

Of course, if the auction gets above $16, I'll add a free hair clip (like the one above) to the purchase, and if it goes above $30, I'll add a pair of free hot pink and black earrings, too!

Happy bidding, everyone!

Commission

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Matthew 28:18-20

Quick preview of all the different things I've been working on the last couple of weeks!