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Whatever is Just

Whatever is Just

by | Nov 1, 2021 | Melinda, One Blessed Momma

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8

Practice these things and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 Am I the only one searching for peace? I may be selfish in my endeavor to work my way through the “things” in Philippians 4:8 but I also feel like God has placed this verse in front of me so many times and I can’t possibly deny He is trying to get my attention! If you missed the first two – true and honorable – you can go back and read those or pick up here with Just.

September - True

October - Honorable

November - Just

December - Pure

January - Lovely

February - Commendable

March - Excellence

April - Worthy of Praise

What is “just”?

According to Miriam Webster, just is “based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair.” 

What better place to discover what is morally right and fair than from God himself through His word? Please join me in scripture journaling this month. We will focus on scriptures about just things.

JUST: decent; equitable; ethical; even-handed; fair; good; honest; impartial; just; moral; neutral; objective; righteous; unbiased; unprejudiced; upright;

I have made a list of 30 verses that highlight our just God, 1 verse per day in November. I pray it moves you closer to God. Please come back and share how scripture journaling affects your day-to-day life. Download the plan below.

God is a just God, meaning he demands punishment for our sins, our wrongdoings. It is so easy to look at the world and wonder how Jane can do so many awful things and be successful in life? How can Joe have so many sins in his life and still be rolling in the cash? Or have a beautiful home? Or a car that runs and isn’t in the shop all the time? What is your standard of living? 

Mollie recently shared about abundant living, you can read about that here.

One thing we each need to remember as we look around and think others have it “better” than us is that we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

for all have sinned and fall 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

 

Aren’t you glad God didn’t strike you down on the spot that time you told “just a little white lie”, or swiped a piece of candy from the checkout line while shopping with mom?

Our God is also full of mercy and grace. He knew we were all going to fall short of his desire for us. He knows not a single one of us is perfect. If you are struggling to see the need for God’s forgiveness in your own life, read Romans 3, yes the whole chapter. Don’t worry it’s short smile

If you see the need for forgiveness from God, don’t worry we all need it at some point in our lives, or if you’re like me – daily, know that our all-knowing God made a plan for that. He sent His only son to die on the cross for us. Read more here. Or reach out to any of us here at OneBlessedMomma.com.

Teaching our children about God being just also requires us to teach about His mercy. I can’t imagine teaching one without the other. 

One of my favorite ways I have ever heard of doing this came from a book I read 18 years ago, as I was expecting my first child. Creative Correction by Lisa Welchel. She suggests placing papers with chores/punishments in a jar with one paper not being labeled with a punishment, but rather God’s mercy. If they pull the paper labeled with God’s mercy, be ready to discuss the forgiveness of God, the power and need of his forgiveness, and the gift we’ve received through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. 

If you have 3 minutes, I would strongly recommend listening to the song below. “Lamb of God” always convicts me and reminds me how much I need the Lamb of God and how blessed I am to receive His mercy.

Teaching ourselves to focus on what is just, truly is a blessing as we are reminded of a characteristic of God. How did focusing on our just God help you this month? Did it change your perspective at all?

Come back in December for “whatever is pure”. If you haven’t read “True” or “honorable” yet, click on a link below.

September - True

October - Honorable

November - Just

December - Pure

January - Lovely

February - Commendable

March - Excellence

April - Worthy of Praise

Download your free printable

Whatever is Just scripture list

.

Meet Melinda!

Melinda is a Christian, a wife, and a mom of 6. She has a blended family. She's a recovering perfectionist who is far from perfect, but it makes her that much more grateful for God's grace and mercy in her life.

Learn more about Melinda and her family

Keeping Spiritually Fit during Motherhood

Keeping Spiritually Fit during Motherhood

by | Oct 25, 2021 | Guest, One Blessed Momma

Motherhood is a gift from God, a sacred duty and high calling. What privilege it is to pour love, wisdom and guidance into young lives, and what joy to see them grow in wisdom, stature and favor with God and men! The endless demands and pressures of raising children press us to trust God and grow the fruit of the spirit by waiting, listening, and yielding to His grace and guidance. Only a surrendered heart in the midst of the mundane (and the draining) discovers power from God to thrive and find joy in the journey.
A woman must be vigilant to be found in God’s word, prayer, fellowship and active ministry to others if she does not want the cares of this life to steal her joy and strength.

How?

How is a busy mother to do this? Some women are content to coast on their past devotion, others rely solely on their husband’s leadership, but the spiritually fit woman is diligent to invest in her own relationship with God.

Some days, however, when the baby’s crying begins before my alarm goes off, I shuffle bleary-eyed up the stairs to him wondering how I will ever get the care and nourishment I need. For the woman who loves the Lord, it can be a strange season where she feels tired, lonely, and spiritually dormant. Have you ever felt this way?

Let’s address some challenges to spiritual health during motherhood and explore some solutions:

Studying Scripture:

Sleepless seasons with newborn babies make mindless scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram seem easier than reading the Bible, but caring for infants doesn’t last forever, and your spiritual health requires God’s word IN YOU! It is easy for your knowledge of scripture to grow dull during busy times, but be vigilant, for you need God’s word in your heart to battle the bouts of discouragement, depression, doubt, distractions and deceptions that rise up to rob your strength.

These are some ways to get scripture in your heart:

Listen to audio Bible through the day.

Aim to read a chapter each day. If that doesn’t happen, read one verse. Reading uniquely impacts the mind.

Post scriptures on index cards in your kitchen, or wherever you spend a lot of time.

Meditate on one verse each day.

Don’t worry about not having time to really study and understand everything you read! Hiding God’s word in your heart provides material to process as life goes on, and sometimes mysterious scriptures suddenly come alive through your experiences.
Knowing the word of God equips you to discern what is right and true. When your heart is yielded to God, His word renews your mind and guides you through life. It also gives you something to talk about with God in prayer.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12

Time in Prayer:

You can (and should!) pray anywhere, anytime, giving thanks, interceding for others, and seeking God in everything you do. However, this does not replace the need for a focused time in the secret place. When a day begins before you do, how can you achieve this? Many of my attempts to carve out quiet time to pray have been interrupted by screaming children. Anyone else break away from a holy moment to yell at their kids? Oops. Me too. If you are pressing into God, these slip-ups are great opportunities to grow.

There are several ways you can make room for prayer:

Get up early before household duties begin, and pray before you do anything else. Or pray at night before you go to bed. Pray in the shower, pray while washing dishes, cleaning, feeding or rocking the baby, or driving the car. If your children are old enough, explain to them the importance of your time alone with God, and teach them to respect it. It will benefit them too!

Helpful Tips

You may find it difficult to focus and know WHAT to pray when you are tired and even disoriented. Here are some things you may find helpful:

Pray out loud (this can keep your mind from wandering, and there is power in confessing with your mouth, not just believing in your heart. You are accountable for your words.) If this feels awkward because you are used to silent prayer, try it anyway! I think it will be worth it.
Declare God’s power and character. (Do a Bible word search starting with “God is…” and you will be amazed and awed by descriptions of our great God.)
Praise and give thanks. This is the will of God, and when you acknowledge God’s past faithfulness and provision, you set yourself up to see God’s present and future victory.
Make requests for yourself and others. Pray for a scripture you read to become a reality in your life. Confess any struggles and sins in exchange for the truth and healing of Christ
Quiet yourself and listen for truth and insight that God wants to share with you concerning your requests.
Finish with praise and declaration of who God is, and choose to pace yourself to the way of God throughout the day.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thesssalonians 4:16-18

Christian Fellowship:

Countless discouraged mothers have expressed how pointless it feels to go to church. Constant stepping out of service to feed or quiet small children and the inability to hold a basic conversation makes mothers feel isolated and defeated. Even close friendships can grow distant through child-bearing years because while hearts may stay kindred, there is little time and opportunity to connect. However, I urge you, continue to go to church! Attend gatherings and meet with friends. You are investing in long term relationships, though the quality may presently be poor. When time is short, choose content wisely. Are your words encouraging and life-giving? Talk about the Lord, give thanks for blessings, and share a lesson God has been teaching you. If you can think of nothing in your busy, tired mind, ask others, “What are you thankful for this week? What is something you are learning about God? What scripture has inspired you?” These questions can make for vibrant and encouraging fellowship, or can open a door to pray for or help each other.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:24-25

Ministry to Others:

The growth of a family inevitably transfers our time and attention to discipling our children. Truly, the ministry of the home is the most important of all. It is the first touchpoint of the kingdom of God working through your life in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. However, your husband and children are not the only people you can minister to! While your time for other people may be extremely limited right now, some other ways to reach out are by having someone over for tea during your children’s nap time, or sending a quick text, “I’m praying for you today,” “I want to encourage you with this scripture,” or “I appreciate you.” You may not have time to help with someone’s house project, make a meal for a sick family, or disciple a new Christian the way you used to, but being mindful of others throughout your busy day can be a great exercise of selfless blessing and fruitfulness.

“He who waters others will himself be watered.”
Proverbs 11:25

Gift

How have you found strength in God through busy seasons of motherhood? Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father. Motherhood is such a gift, and He wants you to thrive in Him every step of the way!

Meet our Guest Blogger:

Laurel Vargas

Laurel is a wife, mother of four and an entrepreneur. She creates unique, beautiful, nature designed leather jewelry and sells specialty home items on her website. She also just started a hospitality blog, named: At Home. You can find her @laurelicottage and www.laurelicottage.com

How to Live in Abundance

How to Live in Abundance

by | Oct 11, 2021 | Mollie, One Blessed Momma

When I say living in abundance many people probably think about mansions, sports cars and house maids.

Others will think of an abundance of dirty clothes, messy rooms and sticky fingers.

If you’re a farm girl like me, you may think of bushel baskets filled to the brim with produce or shelves lined with Mason jars filled with home-canned delights.

Paul tells us in Philippians 4 that he knows how to live with little and how to live in abundance. He has learned to be content.

“I know how to be humbled, and I know how to have an abundance;”
Philippians 4:12

What is abundance?

Now, I have never thought of myself as a rich person so I have always looked at this verse and thought, “I need to be content with what little I have.” It wasn’t until recently that my attention shifted to the latter portion of that verse and the incredibly impactful statement Paul is making. He knows how to abound.

I am reminded of the ancient proverbian’s prayer “Lord, I ask you for two things. Don’t refuse me before I die. Keep lies far away from me. Don’t make me either poor or rich, but give me only the bread I need each day. If you don’t, I might have too much. Then I might say I don’t know you. I might say, “Who is the Lord?” Or I might become poor and steal. Then I would bring shame to the name of God.” Proverbs 30:7-9

He is saying let me have enough so I won’t steal but not so much that I think I don’t need God. It can be a real struggle to live in abundance!

The gospel of Mark shares the story of the rich, young ruler and his conversation with Jesus. He had lived a “perfect” life but wasn’t willing to give up his wealth for the Lord. This powerful story really becomes a toe stomper when Jesus says it is easier for a camel to enter into the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into heaven. This begs the question; does God hate rich people?

Absolutely not! But, as humans, we struggle to not become dependent and deceptively comfortable
in our own abilities, accomplishments and circumstances. When we think we can do it all, why do we need Jesus???

God has blessed us all abundantly by sending his son to be the redemptive sacrifice for us and by giving us his written word for guidance as well as the avenue of prayer to connect with him.

He has also promised us he will provide our basic necessities; food, clothing and shelter. (Matthew 6)

Anything and everything we have is from God

Sometimes we become prideful thinking we have done all this or that, but all good and perfect gifts come from Him (James 1). We should thank and glorify God for EACH and EVERY thing!

So, how do we live in abundance?

Recogniton

First, we have to recognize that the vast majority of us are, in fact, living a very abundant life. We may not have everything we could possibly want but (most of us) have everything that we need, plus some!

Thankfulness

After that, I believe the key is being thankful for the full and blessed lives we are living. The Lord is always good and deserves to be praised, honored and thanked regardless of our personal situations in life. However, I know I take for granted SO many of the amazing blessings he gives me and my family every day!

I am reminded of the Children of Israel. As they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, God miraculously provided water, food and an easy to follow GPS system. Yet they constantly complained about everything! God had brought them out of brutal slavery and they continued to complain and cry saying they wanted to go back to Egypt because the food was better.

Numbers 11:4-6 “Some people among them began to wish for other food. Again the Israelites began to cry out. They said, “We wish we had meat to eat. We remember the fish we ate in Egypt. It didn’t cost us anything. We also remember the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we’ve lost all interest in eating. We never see anything but this manna!”

I mean, I like cucumbers as much as anyone, but really?? They wanted to give up their freedom for some veggies? As ridiculous as that sounds, I have done the same thing many times. I have bitterly complained about a situation I was in and begged for an outcome that I thought was best. Lord, forgive my short-sightedness!! My heart overflows with gratitude that HE is in control and I am not!

Use your talents

Lastly, I think it is very important how we USE our abundance. Are we hoarding? Are we unwilling to serve others whether it be with our time, money or friendship? Are we selflessly sharing our talents, great or small? Or do we bury them, fearing for our own selves? Matthew 25:14-30 teaches about this through a powerful parable. I recommend reading it if you haven’t!

As Christians, we are called to be courageous in our faith. Showing and sharing Christ’s love everywhere we go and to everyone we encounter.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, I believe in this country we are so incredibly blessed! Blessed with freedom, opportunity and relative wealth. God has been so merciful and gracious and has given to us abundantly. He calls us to be aware, be thankful and use that abundance for HIS glory. My eyes have been opened and my heart has been touched by his greatness. I encourage each of you to look for, and fearlessly use, the abundant blessings he has given you to further HIS kingdom.

Matthew 6:25-33 “I tell you, do not worry. Don’t worry about your life and what you will eat or drink. And don’t worry about your body and what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than eating? Aren’t there more important things for the body than clothes? Look at the birds of the air. They don’t plant or gather crops. They don’t put away crops in storerooms. But your Father who is in heaven feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than they are? Can you add even one hour to your life by worrying? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the wildflowers grow. They don’t work or make clothing. But here is what I tell you. Not even Solomon in all his royal robes was dressed like one of these flowers. If that is how God dresses the wild grass, won’t he dress you even better? Your faith is so small! After all, the grass is here only today. Tomorrow it is thrown into the fire. So don’t worry. Don’t say, ‘What will we eat?’ Or, ‘What will we drink?’ Or, ‘What will we wear?’ People who are ungodly run after all those things. Your Father who is in heaven knows that you need them. But put God’s kingdom first. Do what he wants you to do. Then all those things will also be given unto you. So don’t worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Download Free Printables

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Meet Mollie

 

Mollie is a lover of Jesus above all. She loves her husband and family and enjoys gardening, teaching, piano, riding, and farming. She lives in SW Colorado with her husband and five kids.

Learn more about Mollie and her family

Whatever is Honorable

Whatever is Honorable

by | Oct 4, 2021 | Melinda, One Blessed Momma

Whatever is honorable…think on these things. Practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. If you missed my last blog, I explained that Philippians 4:8 kept popping up in my life so I’ve decided to focus on the scripture for the next several months.

September - True

October - Honorable

November - Just

December - Pure

January - Lovely

February - Commendable

March - Excellence

April - Worthy of Praise

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.Philippians 4:8

I don’t know about you, but I struggle to keep my thoughts on these things: true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, worthy of praise things. Yet that is what God calls us to do through Paul’s letter to the Phillippians. I have discovered (over and over and over again) that if I’ll just do things God’s way, things turn out better. Paul shares in Romans that he struggles to always do what is right. We are not alone in this. 

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.  Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

Romans 5:17-20

God is a just God (more on that in November), he requires justice for our sins, the times we don’t do things his way. Fortunately, he is also a merciful God and sent His son to save us from ourselves. Jesus Christ was sacrificed to justify you and me. (justified = Just as If I’d never sinned laughing)

Join me in focusing on “honorable” this month. (If you didn’t focus on “true” last month feel free to go back and start there or just jump in here.)

What is “honorable”?

Merriam-Webster defines honorable as deserving of respect or high regard. 

HONORABLE: honest, moral, ethical, principled, righteous, worthy, truthful

When I think of “honorable” the first thing that comes to my mind is God our Father and creator. Is there anything more worthy of honor and praise and respect than Him?

I have once again pulled daily verses to focus my mind on honorable things. I find if I start my day in prayer and with focus, my day goes better. Not to say there are no hiccups but I am better able to handle things that come my way. Please join me and let me know how you use these scriptures in your life. 

Do you already use scripture journaling? How has it helped you?

I hope you can use the verses in the plan (shared below) to focus on what is honorable. There are a mix of verses, so at the end of October, I hope you have had a chance to give honor to God. I hope you have been encouraged to be a more honorable person and to give honor to others. I hope you have been able to encourage your children to give honor and become honorable. 

Come back in November for “whatever is just”.

Download your free printable

Whatever is Honorable Philippians 4:8-9 scripture list

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Meet Melinda!

Melinda is a Christian, a wife, and a mom of 6. She has a blended family. She's a recovering perfectionist who is far from perfect, but it makes her that much more grateful for God's grace and mercy in her life.

Learn more about Melinda and her family

Positive Thinking

Positive Thinking

by | Sep 27, 2021 | Guest, One Blessed Momma

Hello There!

This is Grandma Mika here. I am Mollie Cundiff’s grandmother. What a blessing we have in Mollie.

Have you ever read the book The Power of Positive Thinking? I read it probably 60 years ago. It was really  good then and it is just as good today. It teaches something that never goes out of style. Something that will serve you well all of your life if you willl learn to do it.

 

The Bible has several scriptures which encourage “positive thinking” or a positive attitude.

Proverbs 23:7  “For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”

How is your heart? Does it get exercised with good thinking? You may think about something all day that you dread or is unpleasant. Then your husband comes home and asks “How was your day, Dear?” And you say, “It was awful…The kids were terrible all day…”

Boy, that isn’t a positive attitude is it? Why; because you have thought that way all day. I believe all behavior is based on our attitude And, maybe the kids’ behavior was a response to your attitude. The Power of Positive Thinking has to do with our attitude, good or bad.

We all have, at times, problems at home, work, or school. What makes the difference in the way we look at them is our attitude. It’s a choice.

Could it really be that we have a choice? YES!

You may know someone, let’s call her June, who is always grumpy, never smiles, and talks short to people. June drags herself around all day, complaining about “how my toe hurts,” maybe, “I’ve got to mop the floor and I know my back is really going to hurt.” And she wants everyone to know about it. Oh yes, June is only 40 years old.

Then you know someone named Doris. She helps the neighbors with their children; prepares food and takes it to the elderly; and works at the hospital three days a week. Doris had a heart attack five years ago. She is a pleasant person and smiles a lot. People love her. Doris is 78 years old.

Have you ever heard a doctor or a nurse say “she would have a better chance if she had a more positive attitude”? We have a scripture that speaks of this kind of thing.

Proverbs 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

Specialist on aging now recognize these age categories:

1. Actual age on earth.

2. Physical and biological age. This may not be the same as actual age.

3. Another age has to do with our attitude.

  • How open are we to new ideas, new ways of thinking about things.
  • How flexible are we, not in joints and muscles, but in mind and emotions.
  • How enthusiastic are we about:
  1. Our family
  2. Our home
  3. Our church
  4. The life we lead
  5. The world around us
Enthusiastic people retain their youthful attitude all their lives; while others have lost it by the time they’re 40. We are as young as we think and feel.

Maybe we need thought conditioning.

  • Picture success
  • Never think of yourself as a failure
  • When a negative thought comes into our mind, cancel it with a positive thought.

Proverbs 15:13 “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”

Romans 8:31 “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”

One definition of power is “the ability to act or produce an effect”. We have the power to produce and sustain a negative or positive attitude.

 It is a CHOICE

In our families: One of the best things you can do for your family is to teach them to think positively: “You’re a smart girl. You can pass the test.” or “You can go out there and kick that ball and make your team a success!”

But you can’t walk on water if you don’t get out of the boat.

Think Success!

Grandma Mika

88 years old

Meet Mika

Mika (otherwise known as, Sylvia Holland) is a picture perfect 1950’s housewife. Even at 88 years old she takes immaculate care of her home and family. Her and her husband of 69 years spent most of their life in the great state of Texas where they served in ministry for 60+ years. Recently, they moved to northern New Mexico to be closer to family. Her soft southern drawl and savory southern cooking along with her talents as an artist are some of  the attributes that draw people to her. But her wise insight, that comes only by years of living a christian life, are the true treasures she brings. Her joy and zest for life are contagious to all she encounters and she blesses every soul she touches through her kind smile and warm hugs.

How to Celebrate a Birthday on a Budget

How to Celebrate a Birthday on a Budget

by | Sep 20, 2021 | Julia, One Blessed Momma

Do you celebrate birthdays?

 

I do.

Here are some questions I ask myself:

  • “Why do I celebrate birthdays?”
  • “What’s the goal?”

Ultimately, it is to let them know they are loved and cared for. That they are special and I am so glad they were born.  Also, that they are loved by their creator.

I am reminded of these bible verses I want my children to hear and know. To write them on the tablets of their hearts.

Ps. 20:4– “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”

3 John 1:2– “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”

Phil 1:6- “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Is. 46:4- “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

Jer. 29:11- “ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

2 Cor. 9:15– “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

When I continue to ask myself, “What do I want to get from this party?”

It boils down to wanting to spend quality time with family and friends, creating more happy memories together with other people who love my children.  Creating positive interactions so they know who they can rely on when they feel unloved, or alone.

How do I plan and DIY to try and save money?

 

There are many different ways to celebrate your child’s birthday.

Some people rent out a space spending hundreds of dollars, all decked out.

It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant it can just be a simple breakfast, card, and a dollar tree balloon.

To save as much money as we can, I try to look ahead, get good deals, and use coupons.

Planning

 

First, try and find a date that works best.

Second, decide on a location. This is usually done at your own home but you could have a party at the grandparents’ house, another relative or friends, or even at the park.

Third, decide on the cake. You could make a homemade cake or use a box cake.  We may need to have Melinda write a blog post on how to bake and decorate a cake. Did you know she used to do this as an occupation?! If you needed, you could freeze the cake ahead of time or even ask a friend or a relative to make it. Or as the picture suggests you could even use any sweet such as donuts in place of a cake.

Action

 

Fourth, DIY invitations: On my daughter’s 3rd birthday we hand drew it to say “Tea-Rex” because she likes tea parties and dinosaurs. On her 4th birthday, she wanted a unicorn party so I drew the outline in sharpie and had her color it in. You could also use a computer to create a photo, add text and print it out.

Fifth, DIY piñata: I collect all the cardboard from packages or from my husband’s work. I decide on the shape, tape it together, and add tissue paper. Here’s a link I used to help direct my steps.

Six, DIY food & drinks:  You only need a few basic snacks of fruit, vegetables, salty snack, and sweets which is usually the cake. When we celebrated my daughter’s “tea-rex” party I went to community aid for teacups and her unicorn party I made our own unicorn chocolate-covered strawberries and my mom made her a unicorn cake.

Seven- DIY games: Pin the horn on the unicorn was created from poster board from the dollar tree and markers.  The dollar tree dinosaur hats and dinosaur tails my Grammie made were used for an obstacle course. In part of the obstacle course, we had a dinosaur face drawn on cardboard to “feed the dino” with a bean bag.  They had to dress up as the dinosaur, complete the course, and then the next person went.   For her first birthday, we threw donuts made from cardboard and paint around a cone.

Eight- DIY thank you bags: We either used items from the pinata or this year my daughter beaded a bracelet for her guests as a thank you for coming to her party and celebrating with her.

Nine- DIY decor: Use your printer for a banner, use childhood pictures as decor, cardboard for signs, paint anything, and always remember the dollar tree has great balloon options. They also stay inflated for AT LEAST one month.

Ten- Balloon arch: The first one I bought on Amazon and now I just reuse the plastic balloon strip tape. It gives a great pop for decor. You can make it as small or long as desired.

Freebies

 

Below are two free printables.  You can print them out and attach to a gift or just send in the mail with a little note on the back letting them know how loved they are.  That they are special and thought of by you and their creator above.

Have a blessed week!

Download Free Printables

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Meet Julia!

Julia is a wife to her high-school sweetheart, a mother to two beautiful girls and a follower of Christ.   She loves crafting, teaching and is forever grateful for a God who is in control of all unknowns and thankful we can have a peace that surpasses all understanding.