My Favorite Country Sayings on Signs

With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)

There is a plaque at The Country House that says these beautiful words. I would post a picture but they will not let me! Here is the link; however, Matthew plaque. This company has many, many plaques with spiritual sayings on them. Here are a few of my favorites:

• "God doesn't give us what we can handle; God helps us handle what we are given." (I often need that reminder!)
• "The world sees what you do, God sees why you do it." (and the why is what's important!)
  
• "The Grace of God Abounds in His Love." (Beautiful!)
  
• "Jesus knows me, this I love." (This makes me smile every time--perfect for kid's room or hallway)
  
• "Marriage is...two hearts and two lives bound together as one, a vow before God to be faithful and true."(Great for the master bedroom, or the next one...)
  
• "I have found the one my soul loves." (I truly have!)
  
• "Never let yesterday fill up today." (great reminder about NOT worrying)
  
• "THANK GOD for what you have, TRUST GOD for what you need." (Life in a nutshell)
  
• "Give us this day our daily bread." (perfect for in the kitchen over the cabinets or doorway)
  
• "We are so Blessed." (reminder not to complain)

If you are feeling crafty, you might try making your own signs! Get some nice pine, paint it a muted "colonial" color, stencil or handpaint the words, and then rough it up a bit with sandpaper concentrating on the edges. I found stencils on Ebay, but if you are doing only one sign, I would recommend just handpainting the words.

Tiles inspired by nature

My one requirement of my husband for our new house is a dogwood tile backsplash in our kitchen. Dogwood is a spring favorite of mine. Plus, it has a Christian story behind it. I have found nature inspired tiles that are absolutely beautiful and a great price for the workmanship! Here is a link: Stillwater Art & Design I love all the tiles, but the dogwood will keep in the Christian theme that I am aiming for in our new home.

The story of the Dogwood Tree:

It is said that at the time of the crucifixion of Christ,

the Dogwood was a very large tree, big as an oak.

The Dogwood was so even-textured,firm and strong

that it was chosen as the timber for the cross.

Thus to be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressedthe tree.

Jesus sensed this. He--who noted even the sparrow's fall--

whose last compassion was for a repentant thief--similarly

forgave the repentant Dogwood Tree for its unfortunate fate.

As he was nailed upon it,he sensed the painful remorse of the tree.

In gentle pity for all the sorrow and suffering of every living thing,

he said to the tree,"Because of your share of my suffering,

never again shall the Dogwood Tree grow large enough and

strong enough to be put to such a purpose as this."
He said, "Henceforth,the Dogwood shall be slender and bent and twisted,

that it might forever remain unmolested by the tools of cruel men.

And the blossoms shall be in the form of a cross.

Two long petals and two short.

And in the center of each petal there will be nail prints,

Crown with rust and stained with red.

And in the center of the flower will be a crown--of thorns.

And all who pass and seethe Dogwood tree.Will remember me."
Author Unknown