Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Garland of Praise

A Crafter's Walk Through Proverbs 31: Garland of Praise

A journey has begun of walking through Proverbs 31 and creating projects that bring its truths and values into our homes, hearts and lives.

Last time we looked at Proverbs 31:10 and in this issue, we move on to the next two verses.

Proverbs 31:11-12, “Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” (NIV)

What thoughts do these words conjure up in your mind? I see that a virtuous woman is trustworthy, edifying, one who builds up and brings good to her husband. What better way to take these words to heart than to put them in action and practice them!

This project creates a garland of praise – ultimately to God for your husband. We’ll think through the nine parts of the Fruit of the Spirit and how our husbands bring those qualities into our lives and homes. This may be easier for some and more difficult for others – but I notice these verses to not say he (the husband) is the one filled with virtue – she (the virtuous wife) is. It is our responsibility as women of God to bring good to our husbands. And, it may be that this exercise is a sacrifice of praise to God. Listen to what He lays on your heart.

I also realize that some who read this may not be married. Would you consider crating this for your Dad if he set a good example of marriage for you? Or, perhaps you could create this as a way of praying for a future spouse. If you seek God with a pure heart asking Him how you can apply this – I believe He will guide you in His will.

Let’s get creative!

Supplies:
Heart Template
Cardstock or sturdy weight paper in color(s) of your choice
Scissors
Black fine-tip marker or pen
Coordinating ribbon
Nine two-inch clothespins
Ten teabags and four cups of water
An encouraging heart!

Instructions:

* Place ten teabags (I used English Breakfast) in four cups water. Bring to a boil. Let boil five minutes. Remove from heat and remove tea bags. Place clothespins in tea and let steep for one hour. Drain tea and place clothespins on a wire cooling rack. Let dry overnight.


* Cut nine hearts from heavyweight paper using pattern.
* Write one part of the Fruit of the Spirit on the top of each heart. Galatians 5:22-23a, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
* Make a border on each heart using a dot dash pattern.
* Write a sentence or two expressing how your husband models this trait. Example: for “Joy” I wrote, “Thank you for being positive and cheerful. I appreciate that you do not complain!”
* Tie ribbon across a window, mirror, headboard or other place your husband will see this often!
* Clip hearts on to ribbon spacing across the length of the garland.
* Share these blessings with your husband and be thankful for him!

As usual, if you try this project, please send me a link to your photo! Also, I'd love to hear feedback on the instructions if there is a need for clarification! Thanks!

21 comments:

Angela - Life w/ Two Busy Boys said...

I will definitely be doing this craft. Thank you for sharing!!

Anonymous said...

This is great! Perfect timing too...I leave for CA (from PA) Thursday to visit a friend and what a great way to bless my husband while I'm gone!

I am making the "worth" picture for a friend getting married...giving it to her with a copy of the "Excellent Wife." Thank you for using your gifts to encourage and bring glory to God!

*carrie* said...

That turned out really neat, Monica.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! love, me

Susan P. said...

I love this idea and it ties in perfectly with the bible study Miss Bonnie and I doing right now!

Katy said...

I love this Monica!!!! Just beautiful and a wonderful idea!!! :)

~katie~ said...

How encouraging for your hubby ~ this takes the leaving a little note out for him to a whole new level. :-) I love that the clothespins are soaked in fragrant tea!! Thanks for sharing!

Wendi said...

Cute idea!

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

Oh Monica! I just love this project! I am going to do this one for sure!

Liisa said...

I love this and will be making one for my hubby to hang on our head board.

Happy Birthday!

Blessings,
Liisa

Frances said...

Your finished craft is lovely - you are definitely blessed with beautiful handwriting, which makes a big difference in projects like this one.

Carrie told us it was your birthday, so: happy birthday, Monica! May you look back with gratitude and forward with hope.

GeonHui's Bakery said...

Happy Birthday!

Megan said...

I didn't realize it was your birthday! Happy, happy!

Joy @ SAH Missionary said...

Monica,
This is SO cute! And, it is something that I actually have all the materials for. I'm going to make one this coming week.
Thanks for being you!
Blessings,
Joy

Mary Ann said...

Cute! I'm interested in what you will be doing next as you craft your way through Proverbs 31.

Happy Birthday! Hope it has been as special as you are!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Monica! Hope your day was filled with sunshine, the smell of spring flowers, happy children, and the perfect sweet treat.
Angie

Anonymous said...

Great project, Monica!
It looks so good on our family heirloom bed headboard.
Great encouragement to David, too.

Hope you've had a very Happy Birthday!!

I know you're looking forward to your Mom's visit! Wish I could be there too.

Love you, Grandma

Linda said...

I LOVE this!

You should write a book on this.. the whole idea is fantastic! :)

Greetings from the netherlands!

SenoraSabrosita said...

Love your blog and especially this great little crafting project. Since I have horrible penmanship I chose to make a heart template on my computer and then printed them out on scrap book paper I had on hand. My husband was very touched by my sentiments. Thanks for sharing this idea.

Unknown said...

I'm going to try to do this at some point this next week! Thanks for the idea and encouragement!!

Anonymous said...

A great idea that I will certainly use to compliment and praise my husband of 35 years. Thank you for sharing!

Athena

Mrs Miller said...

Love this! Made one today and it's so cute....dear husband hasn't seen it yet, I can't wait ☺ (I took photos, but I don't see how to send them to you?)