On my heart

            As a teenager, I used to go to youth camps and youth conferences in Romania. In one of those camps I’ve met some of the  Jesus freak people. They were  not different than everybody else. Well, they were wearing jeans, converse shoes and t-shirts with verses on them, or the WWJD signs. They wore the FROG and WWJD bracelets. Not the style (have I ever mentioned I had a pretty weird fashion taste while being a teenager?) was what caught my attention, but their attitude. They were proud to be Christians. They would go out on the street and declare they follow Jesus. 

            Down deep in my heart, I wished I could have the guts to just be so bold, but being a pretty shy person didn't help at all. However, as a grown up, I start to encounter almost every day situations when people think of me as a freak, not necessarily because I walk around screaming my head off "I'm a Christian, I believe in Jesus!", but mostly because of my attitude, the decisions I make or my behavior. And I am reminded again and again that people will see if you follow Jesus. Not necessarily because of the way you dress, or because you only listen to christian music. But because your self-control is beyond their understanding, because when asked to work hard, you don't back down, because there is always a smile on your face and because you love everyone. And when asked why you do that (or why you don't want to go to that place) you can tell them you do it (or don't do it) because you love Jesus. Now, don't get me wrong, I haven't got everything mastered (I really need some help with self control) but I choose small things to remind me through the day "Vio, you still need to work on your patience!" or "Do you have great expectations from other? How about you start to be the change you want to see in the world?". I am not perfect, but even the tiniest decision I make everyday can bring praise to God. 

What helps you show Jesus to the people around you?

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this to that: a short and sweet DIY

Remember that post I wrote back in April about decorating on a budget? Well, here's a quick tutorial how I made those candles. Believe me when I say it's easy, quick and cheap(my favorite combination)! 

Now, I know the initial candle had the brown leaves stamped on it, on this tutorial I used a bicycle stamp, because I couldn't find any of my leaf stamps...:) 

You will need:

- dollar store jar candle in your fav scent (I saw them at Michaells, too);

- brown bag paper(I didn't try it, but I think tissue paper might do it as well);

- stamp and ink of your choice;

- ruller and a pen;

- a pair of scissors or a craft knife;

- glue stick or double sided scotch tape or glue gun would do it too;

- 1/8 in satin ribbon (I forgot to show it in the picture).

(Photo with all required items)

Peel off the sticker from the jar. If you have troubles doing that, using a hear gun or the hair dryer, heat the sticker - it will come off very easy. 

Cut 3x8.5in piece of paper. (I suggest to measure the height and width of candle before cutting your paper to make sure your piece of paper will be the desired height and long enough to "hug" the whole jar)    Tip: don't cut the paper too high, it can easily catch on fire when the candle is lit up (I've learned it the hard way)

Lay the just cut piece of paper on a smooth surface (your desk) and start stamping. Your imagination is the limit. I know the candles for that event were with fall leaves, on the tutorial I used a different stamp because I couldn't find my stamp leaves. :)

The next step is the trickiest. Roll the new designed paper around the candle and glue the ends together. 

Tie the ribbon around the candle and make a knot, or a cute bow, whatever you like most. I didn't have time so I made knots.

Voila!! You just made your first fancy candle! Now go make some more!!

***

Because lately I'm loving lace, I bought a small piece of lace (for $0.75) and re-made one of my candles. It turned out cuter than I expected! To make it, you' do the same steps as above, but you'd skip the stamping.(so it's faster to make!).

I hope you, my readers, have enjoyed this little tutorial! If you do make some, let me know! And if you want to take pictures, I'd be more than happy to see them on Facebook, Instagram or whatever you are using! Just leave a comment below with a link to your photo!

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