 Choose your favorite tea that comes in individually wrapped tea bags. Then, pick out decorative spring napkins from the Dollar Tree and simply insert them, with tea bags, in clear cd sleeves.  Pick a favorite basket and line it with matching tissue paper or cloth.  You can also use a card holder to display your colorful tea, with napkins, in a floral style arrangement and place it on a sturdy prop sitting in a tall flower planter. I have this holder sitting up a bit higher than in the first picture posted. Play around with it and have fun!  You can mix and match the tea gifts with other cute giveaways. These Bring Your Peeps gifts are sweet invites courtesy of Free Chapel. Also, the tea gifts are perfect for older children and adults. The hot tea melts the marshmallow in your mouth just right!  Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy these small gift ideas.
Most of all, I hope you know how much you are loved by God, not just during this Holy week, but year round. Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." spoken by Jesus. Christina Stay humble & be BOLD! "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105 (ASV) To check out my testimony click here To like my facebook page click here Find me on twitter @humble_bold On Pinterest at humble&BOLD by Christina
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I would like to introduce you to a special man with an inspirational story, one that you will want to be apart of as it is being written. I first heard about Joshua Smith's story six months ago from a dear co-worker, who had known him since he was a young boy. At our morning meeting, where we would share praise reports and prayer requests, Karrie asked us to pray for Josh, a Virginia Tech Mechanical Engineering Graduate, who thankfully survived a life threatening diving accident. However, he sustained a serious and devastating C-5 spinal cord injury that left him with the unwanted role of a quadriplegic.
As our group met during the weeks and months, we went before the Lord and asked for Joshua's continual healing, progress, strength, encouragement and for his family. We were excited to hear of his progress and continued to pray, especially when we heard of setbacks and frustrations, that come with new beginnings. Just last week we were updated that Josh was introducing a new invention, a ring stylus, that he designed because he realized the great need for the quadriplegic community to have a better way to use keyboards, touchscreens, buttons, etc. Our Special Events Team is thrilled to see what God is doing in Joshua's life and how his background in engineering is being used to help so many people face these challenges with a newly developed tool. When I first reached out to Josh about featuring him in this post, he responded, "I can only give all my glory to God!" Our team picture below is for Joshua to know he has our support and continued prayers for all that God has in store for his future. "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 
The following is from Josh.
My name is Josh Smith and I am a mechanical engineer. On August 23, 2014, my life changed forever when I dove into a wave and hit a sandbar causing me to instantly becoming a quadriplegic. One of the impairments of being a quadriplegic is limited or no use of our fingers. This presents a challenge when typing on the computer, using a touchscreen enabled device, or simply pressing a button on a microwave, stove, etc. That is why I designed the Sixth Digit. Currently, one of the primary ways quadriplegics type on the computer is through voice recognition software. This software can only be used when no other background noise (i.e. conversation, television, or music) is present as it interferes with the program. There are also bendable styluses that can be wrapped around a user's hand, but they are difficult to take off and on and can get in the way of other daily activities. The Sixth Digit is unique as it is stylish and sleek and gives the user freedom to perform other tasks while wearing it. It is designed to also allow the user to push their manual wheelchair without removing it. I plan to primarily use the funds to obtain a patent and to manufacture this product. Life as a quadriplegic is hard but with the Sixth Digit it can be a little easier. Visit Josh's Kickstarter page for more videos to see the amazing Sixth Digit in use! Please also stop by his helpHOPElive page to find out how you can do even more to help Josh and his family with the huge financial responsibilities that can overwhelm without the support, prayers and generosity of others. Click on Hanizap to like and share his facebook page and let others know about The Sixth Digit! You may also contact Josh Smith at 721 E 4th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23224. Thanks again for taking the time to read this part of Josh's story. Something tells me it is just the beginning! Update September 30, 2015, click here to see how the Sixth Digit has now gone global! With love and encouragement, Christina Stay humble and be BOLD! Why would a victim of kidnapping ever return to the land where he was once was taken by force and then made a slave? What would cause a person to go back to a place where he endured so much suffering and hardship? Was it revenge or hidden treasure that brought him back? The answer is baffling. Revenge was not his motive, but hidden treasure could have played a role in his return. This man in particular decided to go and serve the very inhabitants of the island from which he had escaped some decades earlier. It doesn't make logical sense. Was it revenge or hidden treasure that brought him back? He must have had a message so important, so life transforming AND saving that he felt driven to deliver it to all he encountered, even to the land of his former oppressors, the Druids. That's exactly what Maewyn Succat did. We now know him as St. Patrick because of his conviction not only to forgive, but to go back and share the important truth with the people of Ireland, forever changing the spiritual landscape. Many people around the world celebrate St. Patrick's Day (the date of his death, March 17, 461 A.D.) BUT it is important to understand the great message of love that inspired this celebration and yet can so easily get overlooked by all the commercialism. There is also a treasure, more vast than a pot of gold found at the end of the rainbow, that St. Patrick indeed found. There is a treasure more vast than a pot of gold. So while we may decorate and celebrate, let us look at why this man choose to do something so radical as to lay down his own desires and wishes for what he felt was more important, the desires of God, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 AND what about that hidden treasure that makes a pot of gold look like pennies?  He found clues to the treasure in the words of Jesus here . . . "And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:31-36 and here . . . And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28: 18-20  Then there were these clues in a letter to Timothy from the Apostle Paul. 1 Timothy 6:6-19 But godliness with contentment is great gain for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. While gathered around the table celebrating, it is interesting to discuss the clues of this hidden treasure and to ponder all that St. Patrick learned.  He went and demonstrated to the people of Ireland the God of the Holy Scriptures, the true living God that was not man made but Who made man. It is widely thought that he used the shamrock to illustrate how God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit were and are three in ONE. The beauty of this is that the true God, creator of you and me, loves us and made a way for us, sinful man to be reconciled back to Him for all eternity, through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus. Each leaf of the shamrock is heart shaped and is beautifully designed to show off the love of the Trinity. The real treasure is found in Christ Jesus and sharing that news with others.  Here is another clue on how to find imperishable treasure from the lips of Jesus.
"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" Matthew 16: 25-26 Just imagine, if Maewyn never went back to Ireland. All that would have been lost! Thankfully, he did, so Happy St. Patrick's Day! With humility and boldness, Christina Stay humble & BOLD! O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8 KJV To check out my testimony click here To like my facebook page click here Find me on twitter @humble_bold On Pinterest at humble&BOLD by Christina Give a nice top of the morning to you and your friends with these lovely Irish Breakfast tea gifts for St. Patrick's Day! They are fun to assemble and affordable, so you can easily spread some Irish cheer with caffeine, which is always a nice boost.  Easy as one, two, three, so have a whale of a time! 1) Pick your favorite brand of Irish Tea. 2) Choose fun and festive napkins. 3) Insert nifty napkins and individually wrapped tea into clear cd sleeves.  This time I found my Christmas card stand to be perfect for arranging the tea samples. Once filled, It also serves as a stand out decoration.  Have fun coming up with your own style and enjoy giving them out to spread some Irish cheer.  Did you know St. Patrick was a Scotsman? Click here for more information on the history of St. Patrick.
Happy Out! Stay humble & be BOLD! Christina For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 (ESV) To check out my testimony click here To like my facebook page click here Find me on twitter @humble_bold On Pinterest at humble&BOLD by Christina Whether using items I already have or discovering great finds at yard sales, I enjoy seeing how it all comes together when decorating for St. Patrick's Day. This train table cover has been one of my favorite refurbished yard sale finds! l painted one side with chalkboard paint and have used this board for many parties. The hole in the top (originally precut for easy lifting) has been great for using different accent pieces to highlight each party theme. This large shamrock came from the Dollar Tree. Click on Irish Blessings for more sayings.  We have a long narrow porch, so I was delighted to fill the empty space with a welcoming garden table. The window frame was found at a yard sale, the table at Goodwill and the table top boards were found at Lowe's. All the decorative items where found at church/yard sales or thrift stores, except for the wood props under the candles and the hanging metal flower vase that was a gift from my lovely Aunt B.  Flowers and hanging planter found at an estate sale. Burlap and sign purchased from Hobby Lobby.  Ok, if your familiar with my posts, you know I just love giving out individually wrapped tea with decorative beverage napkins. Once I discovered that they fit perfectly into clear cd sleeves I've been happy to share this neat presentation.  When my grandmother moved years ago, I was given a book of postcards she had kept of my great grandmother's. All of the postcards are over a hundred years old and make for interesting conversational pieces and historical family reading. I have a vase with real and artificial lighted branches on which they hang in protective sleeves. I rotate them year round according to the seasons.  While listening to the sounds of Praise and Celtic music, I enjoy lit candles, the smell of herbs and the decorative look of mossy stones.  Love fresh clippings of Rosemary in water filled vases. Once they grow roots, I place them in planters and then move to the yard. Also, have fun framing decorative writings and placing the clippings around the frames.  Kitchen pantry chalkboard sign with the famous shamrock illustration that Scotsman, St. Patrick used to explain the Holy Trinity to the people of Ireland!  I also use fresh clippings of Rosemary to enhance the look of my table centerpiece as well. This Arthur Court tray was a wedding gift and is perfect for displaying tea lights, pebbles and mossy stones.  Fresh clippings and herbs are simply wonderful, easy and useful in helping to decorate for our celebratory birthday dinner party.  Here is a link where you can read about a special time capsule opening at this table.  From our family to yours, we wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day! Enjoy reading more about St. Patrick the missionary.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17 New International Version (NIV) Notice that the verse above mentioning the trinity is in Matthew, chapter 3 and verses 16 & 17. St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain that God was 3 persons in one, just as you have three hearts in one shamrock. Happy Out! Christina Stay humble & BOLD! "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105 To check out my testimony click here To like my facebook page click here Find me on twitter @humble_bold On Pinterest at humble&BOLD by Christina When planning a party and thinking about decorations, it can feel overwhelming. I like to first look over the different types of invitation styles and then select a color scheme based on the invitation chosen. For this party, we sent out an Evite with a nice shade of blue and green in the layout. When I discovered these plates and napkins in aqua blue with avocado green trim (on sale at Hobby Lobby) I began to search with excitement for all the complimentary decorations that would complete the celebratory look of the party. Found these cups for cold and hot beverages at Party City, along with tablecloths (not shown) and wrapping paper all within our color scheme. The brown craft paper was purchased at Ollies.  Had a scuffed up dry erase board in storage and decided to change it up using chalkboard paint from Hobby Lobby.  Thought the wood trim could use some color, so I painted it with Valspar's Liquid Jade, that comes in a small 8oz. container found at Lowes.  Instead of a guest book, bought a clip board at the Dollar Tree and found assorted scrapbook papers at Hobby Lobby.  Then made a guest sign in sheet that could be placed in the baby's keepsake book.  Used cut scrap paper for a decorative mat under this birdhouse.  Designed customized pendants for the party with our color scheme in mind. All you need is decorative paper, scissors, glue stick, hole puncher, twine, measuring stick and alphabet stickers.  Since most event facilities ask that you only used battery operated candles, I decided to dress our candles up with burlap, paper and twine.   The dry erase, now new chalkboard turned out really well with handmade pendants. The family pictures added the perfect touch! This big chalkboard sign seen below use to be my son's old train table top, that I painted with chalkboard paint. It already came with a hole in the top for easy lifting, so I use different accent pieces, like the colorful pinwheel to make it fun and festive. (As requested, pictures of faces were blurred and gray boxes were inserted to hide names, in order to maintain privacy.)  Love this family pic, even if the faces are blurred.    Found this frame for a low price because the glass was missing. No problem, just paint the back board with chalkboard paint and turn into a menu board.  In the pic below, the letter R snuggled too close to letter B and made letter A feel very sad. Making me feel a little O and C! I'm a big fan of recycled Scrabble tiles and tin cans paired with burlap . . . . . Knives, with 13 points, WINS! These decorative wood props where featured in another blog post. Really happy with how well they turned out.  These centerpieces brought the beautiful outdoors IN with fresh clippings of Rosemary resting in tin cans wrapped with burlap and ribbons, along with Poinsettias and vines placed in recycled green glass wrapped with burlap, paper and twine. Tea lights sit in the mason jars with moss and burlap, the tops tied with twine. Around the bases I placed some more clippings, pinecones and mossy rocks found at the Dollar Tree. All these items resided on a dinner plate charger topped with burlap, which makes it easier to clear tables after the party.  I precut the teal wrapping paper into nice square shapes to sit on top of the light green tablecloths and under the earthy centerpieces, which give the tables a nice pop of color. The color of the round tablecloths match the Poinsettia flowers just perfectly.  Thank you so much for reading and I hoped you enjoyed your visit to humbe & BOLD.
Love, Christina This simple gift is a nice pick me up for someone going through Downton withdrawals or maybe they have a friend named Elsa, who needs to chill out, either way, this will warm and soothe them.  Pick your favorite tea from Twinings, decorative napkins and simply insert them in a clear cd sleeve. The sleeves can be ordered through PSI Media Supplies.  I recently gave these out to the members of our Event Planning Committee who all met with us for a meeting in our neighborhood. These make for a nice, unexpected thank you for coming gifts. Leaving with your guests to help keep them warm and cozy!  Love,
Christina Stay humble and be BOLD!  Growing up in the Bible Belt of the South, I don't ever remember not going to church as a child. At the age of six, in Birmingham, Alabama, I remember asking Jesus to come and live in my heart while at Briarwood Christian School. It was a very simple prayer, but with the faith of a child, I sincerely meant it. I wanted to be with this wonderful Jesus of the Bible and for Him to be with me. Looking back on my childhood and teen years, He was with me - like the time I screamed out to Him when my body got trapped under a floating pier loaded with people at the lake and I felt a supernatural peace come over me till I could find my way out from under the floating wood boards that where pushing me under every time someone, unaware, stood over where I was gasping for air between the slats. My walk with Him was real and wonderful, and I never felt alone. My walk with Him was real and wonderful, and I never felt alone. Right after accepting Christ, I remember knowing that I could always go to Him with anything and be sure that He was listening and cared. I always wanted a little brother and so I started to put in my request to the Lord. As a mother now, I often wondered what was going through my parent’s minds. I remember them just smiling and making funny facial expressions to me and each other for about seven years, as I prayed nightly for a baby brother. On Valentine’s Day of 1983, my little brother, Jimmy, was born. I was so excited that God had heard my prayers! There were many more answered prayer requests over the years to come where I felt God showing His intimate concern in my life. In June of 1988, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She told me later, that the night before her outpatient biopsy, she had a vision of wing tips fluttering in front of her, as if she were being held in the arms of amazing love. She said she felt an enormous sense of peace. Things were quite different for all of us after her diagnosis and in the years to follow. In June of 1989, on a Friday night, she went home to be with the Lord. The day before she died she was the most peaceful I had ever seen anyone. She told me she was going home and not to worry. I knew deep down she was right. Honestly, I didn’t understand, but had heard of God turning tragedies into triumphs and that gave me hope during such a difficult and painful time. She told me she was going home and not to worry. In the summer of 1992, my dad and brother and I went to Africa, for three weeks, to visit my dad’s cousin, Larry, who was serving as a missionary in Kenya. It was a mind blowing adventure and I experienced things I will never forget. Most memorable was a three hour bouncy drive on unpaved roads to a small concrete church settled in a beautiful field. All of the sudden, it became like a spectacular movie scene. Villagers came dancing over the tops of the hills already worshipping the Lord in glorious singing surrounded in sunshine. They were worshipping God before they even stepped foot inside the church building, what a refreshing difference that was from how we worshipped! I remember the curious, cute children pointing and giggling at me, because of my red hair. It was the most amazing trip, and I saw God work in many ways. Sadly, after witnessing so many wonderful things, I unexpectedly went down a treacherous path. It never felt like a conscious decision to walk away from the Lord. It happened very gradual, like a child who goes wandering around and then looks up only to realize that they have somehow gotten away from the parent they love and are filled with panic, sadness and despair. It never felt like a conscious decision to walk away from the Lord. I went from not attending church every Sunday, to just occasionally visiting and then to not going at all. I started seeing other Christians no longer as friends, but almost as enemies, that is if they dared to discuss anything that caused me to feel the least bit of conviction. Even spewed out recriminations at a dear friend who confronted me. Found a new group of friends to spend the majority of my time with and to encourage me in my new ways. We had gotten into the habit of going out to clubs every night after work. Just like the song, it was a Slow Fade. At first, in those dark places I found excitement, but it wasn’t long before I found heartache, pain, loneliness, depression and despair. Decided to move to Atlanta to pursue an acting career and thought this big step would surely bring about the happiness I desired. Even with some small successes, I still couldn't sustain a non depressed state of being. After dangerous experiments with drugs, alcohol and relationships, I attempted and thankfully failed at suicide. I still couldn't sustain a non depressed state of being. I then sought the help of two mental health professionals and was placed on 60mg of Prozac. That didn’t work either, because I was unable to feel any emotions. Any mirthfulness I might have occasionally enjoyed was now in a stupor. It seemed the more I tried to find happiness it just kept escaping my grasp. I languished in my depression and longed to feel free from mental torment. Before wandering away from the Lord, I was happy, content, peaceful and full of joy, but during this prodigal, dubious walk, my reality was just the opposite. Why was that? I was living for myself, pleasing myself and yet had never been more miserable in all my life! One morning around 3 a.m., outside the Backstreet nightclub in Atlanta, I realized that I had lost a special silver earring with a flower embossment. I was walking around the parking lot, upset with the guy who I had gone partying with, who sat in my car while I searched a very unpleasant and dark area. I was in a miserable relationship with him, because I had grown co-dependent upon him for my happiness. I basically had turned him into a false god. Yet, there was no reciprocation. While searching, I felt this strange sensation and heard 2 voices, not audibly, but very strongly in my spirit. One was the voice of Jesus and the other was the voice of my mother. They both were saying at the same time, “Oh, how I want so much more for you than this” and the way I heard it, it was if their hearts were broken over my choices. I knew then that God had not left me, but I had walked away from Him. It was then that I knew I needed to repent, change and turn back to my Father. “Oh, how I want so much more for you than this” It was hard changing lifestyles overnight, but God led me to a job as a nanny in charge of four precious children, and I started visiting churches. The best part was I started talking with God again and asking for His direction, instead of leading myself. I started to then ask God for a husband who loved him as well. Funny how God works, because when I first met Scott, I felt he was the one. However, through further discussions, I came to realize that he did not regard Jesus as the Son of God, but as just a good person and teacher. I came under very strong conviction at this point to break off our engagement. I felt I was to pray and give the situation over to God and let Him deal with Scott. Click on this link, http://www.shofaroutreach.org/testimonies.html, to find out what happened. If you have never seriously looked at the words of Jesus, I encourage you to decide who this man is. He can only be one of three things . . . a liar, a lunatic or the Son of the Living Most High God, creator of you and me. I tried living life my way and I’ve tried living it His way. I can testify that His way is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father without going through Jesus. The one who died for your sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Offering eternal life to those who put their faith and trust in Him. I love Luke chapter 15, because God speaks of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. I too was lost but now am found and am so thankful that we have a God that loves us! I placed the remaining earring (pictured above) on a chain and turned it into a necklace. Every time I see it, I am reminded of what was lost, what was salvaged and transformed into something even better. Maybe you are a lost church girl or boy? You grew up knowing the Lord, but over time drifted away. Please run back to the Father! He is waiting for you with open arms. He is waiting for you with open arms. It is with love that I share this with you. I would like to thank my friends, Laura, Gianetta, Mrs. Glenos and Carla for their confrontation, taking me in, encouragement and rescue! I was in great spiritual distress, they noticed and said something about it. I will never forget to be thankful for their true love and friendship. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. - Proverbs 27:6 With Love, Christina Stay humble and be BOLD! O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8 KJV To check out our testimonies click here To like my facebook page click here Find me on twitter @humble_bold On Pinterest at humble&BOLD by Christina  |
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