In an attempt to lessen the rumpus and ruckus around the dinner table, I made little tent cards to use as place cards. Or I should say, Norah made them. She chose pictures of each kiddo and a fun font and color for their names. We printed them on creamy card stock and folded them so that they could stand at the top of each plate, designating each child's seat. It worked great!
The kids showed up at the table that first evening and there was no wrestling or drama. Each little person plopped down at their place and we enjoyed our pizza dinner. However ... upon clearing the table, Aaron's place card was missing. Gone. MIA. Somehow his card disappeared after only one use. It makes my head hurt sometimes!
By the end of the week, Ashley's place card had gotten wet and her name and part of her chin was smeared. Norah's was still looking okay, but Lydia's card had been folded multiple times across her face and one corner looked a bit chewed.
Hmmm ... it was a good idea, but the delivery needed some work.
Ta-dah!
New and improved ... and still in one piece ... name place blocks!
I had four wooden blocks to which I Modge-Podged their faces (or, at least, pictures of their faces!), along with their names and a few characteristics that I believe describe them well. It was a fun project and a memorable moment in which I was able to use a few words to capture some of the bits about them that I love:
Aaron
Lego Master
Big Bro
Dashing
Norah
Gymnast
Big Sis
Beauty
Ashley
Cheerleader
Middle Sis
Sweetie
Lydia
Helper
Baby Sis
Princess
As I glued the pictures and attributes to my little wooden blocks, God brought to mind the banquet table that He is preparing for His children. While the Bible doesn't come right out and say, "God is setting a ginormous table for all those who trust in Jesus and it's going to be an amazing shindig!" ... there are a few verses that compare heaven to a banquet and the picture that He paints gives me the impression that it promises to be quite a celebration.
In John 14:15-23 Jesus describes a "feast in the kingdom of God." It is a parable that He told with the purpose of compelling to His hearers to respond to His message of salvation. "Don't be one of the guests who reject my invitation ... come to the feast!"
In Isaiah 25:6-8, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah about a time in the future when He would, "prepare a feast of rich foods for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine - the best of meats and the finest of wines." He goes on to describe the dinner guests: welcomed in to God presence, free from death, joyful and unashamed. That is quite the party!
This idea of a heavenly banquet also shows up in paintings, poetry and music. It is a beautiful promise of hope and wholeness. And as I worked on my little name blocks, I thought about what God would put on my place card.
What would be on my little wooden block, inviting me to sit down and enjoy the celebration?
My name, perhaps: my married name, my maiden name or God's own name for me?
A few roles I have filled: wife, mother, daughter, writer, friend?
Several attributes ... hopefully ones I'd like to have on my block: loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, self-controlled (the fruit of the spirit)?
Any other descriptions that God would choose: servant, obedient, listener, present?
What about you?
Do you have a place at the table?
What would be on your name place?
P.S. I'm thrilled to announce that they work great and we haven't lost one yet!
As I glued the pictures and attributes to my little wooden blocks, God brought to mind the banquet table that He is preparing for His children. While the Bible doesn't come right out and say, "God is setting a ginormous table for all those who trust in Jesus and it's going to be an amazing shindig!" ... there are a few verses that compare heaven to a banquet and the picture that He paints gives me the impression that it promises to be quite a celebration.
In John 14:15-23 Jesus describes a "feast in the kingdom of God." It is a parable that He told with the purpose of compelling to His hearers to respond to His message of salvation. "Don't be one of the guests who reject my invitation ... come to the feast!"
In Isaiah 25:6-8, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah about a time in the future when He would, "prepare a feast of rich foods for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine - the best of meats and the finest of wines." He goes on to describe the dinner guests: welcomed in to God presence, free from death, joyful and unashamed. That is quite the party!
This idea of a heavenly banquet also shows up in paintings, poetry and music. It is a beautiful promise of hope and wholeness. And as I worked on my little name blocks, I thought about what God would put on my place card.
What would be on my little wooden block, inviting me to sit down and enjoy the celebration?
My name, perhaps: my married name, my maiden name or God's own name for me?
A few roles I have filled: wife, mother, daughter, writer, friend?
Several attributes ... hopefully ones I'd like to have on my block: loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, self-controlled (the fruit of the spirit)?
Any other descriptions that God would choose: servant, obedient, listener, present?
What about you?
Do you have a place at the table?
What would be on your name place?
P.S. I'm thrilled to announce that they work great and we haven't lost one yet!
Day 1: Mom in the Midst
Day 2: My Button is Lame
Day 3: Splendidly Lavish
Day 4: Keeping My Head Above Water
Day 6: Me, Myself & I
Day 7: Food For Though ~ Bacon
Day 9: I Heart You
Day 10: Who is Me? {part 1}
Day 11: Who is Me? {part 2}
Day 12: Who is Me? {part 3}
Day 13: Handmade with Care
Day 15: A Bunch of Rocks
Day 16: Not Recycled ... Redeemed
Day 17: What Do You Do?
Day 18: Washed on the Delicate Cycle
Day 19: Know Thy Limits
Day 20: One Snapshot ~ Many Stories
Day 21: Food For Thought ~ Malt-O-Meal
Day 22: Cartwheeling for Jesus
Day 23: Take a Load Off
Day 24: Listen! Do You Smell Something?
Day 25: Dinner Time!
I love those blocks. Too cute!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful and creative idea, Morgan! My girls love making placecards, but these more thoughtful and permanent ones would be really fun to make!
ReplyDeleteLove the idea! I'm going to steal it and make some for my own family, only perhaps with a different flare. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMorgan, just wanted to let you know that I loved this project so much that it's one of this week's features at Rook No. 17!
ReplyDelete