Conversations with Kids

Conversations with your kids - do you journal them? Do you scrap those treasured conversations for a memorable keepsake? The years of discovery, probably through age 6 must be some of my favorite memories of time spent with our children. They are so full of questions, learning, maybe not quite pronouncing a word correctly, and sometimes they ask profound questions. Many times the phrase "from the mouths of babes comes truth" is all to apparent as they share their most honest thoughts in an open way. For our son I have journal snippets of conversations, things he said. I was not scrapping back then, but somewhere I have those treasured words in a journal. Our daughter is more fortunate in that I began scrapbooking when she was young. I started a digital 8x8 mini album a long time ago to record our talks. The album is called "Conversations With Abby", and I expect I have at least two more years of capturing amusing and profound conversations on paper. This will be a treasure of an album, and I hope you will consider starting one for your children if you have not already done so.

This week I scrapped one of those overheard conversations between our son (shared above), when he was age 5, and our neighbor girl. It was one of those moments when as a parent, you overhear a conversation, and your heart leaps for joy. It is a moment when you realize that as you teach and sometimes wonder if they get it, that they really do. It was an awesome conversation, not intended for my ears, but one I was thrilled to share.

In the NOW time, I experienced another one of those conversations this week (April 1), this time with our five year old daughter. Here is how the story goes:
Bedtime…
Abby asked me if her friends knew who God was. I replied, “I am sure some do, but some probably don’t, but you can tell them.” “I’m scared.”
“Scared of what?”, I asked. “Telling my friends about God.”
“That’s okay,” I said, “you can pray about it and ask God to help you.”

Two story books later and it was time for prayers. Abby told me she wanted to pray alone instead of with me, and asked me to leave. I asked her what she wanted to pray about, and she said she wanted to pray to God about telling her friends about Him.

Next day… (4-2-08)
I pick up Abby and another friend from afternoon pre-school. It was sunny and the car was warm, so I had the windows cracked. The girls both wanted their windows down as far as they would go. With the wind blowing and their hairs going wild they were having a great ol’ time laughing and feeling the wind – as only 5 year olds can do. Abby’s friend held her hand by the window and said, “Thank you, Lord, for the wind!”
Abby, with a sound of shock in her voice said, “Lord? You mean you know God?”
“Well, yeah!” said her friend, in a “well of course I do!” tone. (LOL)
Abby was all excited and she replied, “My whole family knows God, too! Me, dad, mom and Kyle - isn’t it great!” And then both girls returned to being silly and enjoying the wind in their faces.
Of course I just kept driving with a smile on my face, taking in the conversation, the tone of their voices, and laughing with them at their silliness in the wind. Now, the perfect photo would be these two girls in the back seat of the car with the wind blowing their long hairs all over the place. Still trying to figure out how to capture that - since I am driving. I think I may need a friend to drive with me someday and take over the wheel!

Hey, remember a short while ago I was excited to share that Scrapbooks, Etc. had printed a thumbnail of one of my layouts in their most recent issue? Well, today I discovered in their e-mail newsletter that my layout, "Flirt with Red" is front and center of their newsletter - knock me down with a feather!!! Thanks to my Fiskateer friend Melita for pointing it out, because honestly, I have so much on my plate right now I would not likely have opened the newsletter.

What am I doing, you may wonder? Of course it is scrap related. My parents celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 8 days. I JUST started a digital presentation for the celebration party - but not a boring presentation. It is a digital, beautiful scrapbook. I was absolutely blown away by the appreciation collaboration kit that FaithSisters bestowed on their creative team. When I made the last minute decision to do a digital album I had to start opening the zipped files that I had not even peeked at yet, and was blown away. To keep my project from getting out of hand I chose a small portion of digital elements to be used in the album. 12 pages down and probably 50 more to go. So I better stop blogging and get into my Photoshop! I can't wait to share the album when I am done. Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to walk with me on my journey. Scrap those conversations along the way that make you smile, or scratch your head. (LOL)

Cancer Sucks

Spring break is over...ah yes...back to the trenches for all of us tomorrow! I had a great 4 days off. I scrapped LOTS and cannot wait to share my projects. My family took a great day trip on Friday. Many new pictures to scrap for sure! In fact, I was going to share some of my favorite break accomplishments and photos, but instead... my friend Susie just sent a request to help promote a fundraiser - and it is to fight cancer. It is just one of those things..you have to get it posted right away.

Cancer robs. It robbed DH of his dad when he was 4 - he has only one slight memory of his father, who died at age 32 of a brain tumor. My best friend has battled it - and she is a beautiful survivor, but as a co-worker during this time in her life I could see the sickness and general yuck cancer can afflict. I have seen people lose their loved ones, I see friends suffering from various forms. Cancer sucks...so when Susie asked me to post...I immediately felt the need to do so. Please check it out!



Scrapbook Raffle to help the fight against Cancer

 

To enter go to: http://www.active.com/donate/tntgla/give2thebucket and donate $5. For each $5 you donate you will be entered once. Donate $20 and your name will be entered 4 times, it’s that easy and all the money goes toward a good cause. All donations must be made between March 31 and April 9th. Winner will be chosen on April 9th 8:00 pm Pacific Time. Winner will be contacted by email or go to http://www.active.com/donate/tntgla/give2thebucket after 9:00 pm on April 9th and the winner will be posted on the website. Anyone can enter and your donation is greatly appreciated. 

2 Scarlet Lime Scrapbooking kits: February and March main kits

Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist 6 colors: Periwinkle, Cherub Pink, Sea Glass, Patina, Graphite, and Pink Ink

Maya Road Chipboard: Microchips Motif Buttons Neutrals, Fresh Chipboard Hearts and Bird Coaster Album

Bohemia Embossed Chipboard “Bliss” Shapes

Me & My Big Ideas – Glitter Chipboard-Dark Pink

Teresa Collins New Scrapbooking paper lines of Damask, Journal-it, Bella Girl, and Boardwalk

Making Memories 9x9 Coral Mini Album

7 Gypsies Seal Stamp

4 mini composition books (3.5” x 4.25”)

Thickers: Roller Rink and Platforms

Foo-a-la Savannah Glitter Chip Alphabet

Heidi Swapp Chipboard Kits: 3 Rectangles Grass-White, Jet-White, Icee-jet & 1 Circles Pink-Brown

Queen & Co Felt Fusion: Football-brown, Basketball-orange, Vehicles-red, Vine-black, Eggs-pink, Vine-green, Soccer-black, and Fish-blue

Queen & Co Felt Board – Bold Black and Pure Purple

The Craft Collection Adhesive Roller refill

Glitz Frosting – Yellow & Red Bazzill Cardstock Strips- Chablis, Rio, and North Sea

And just for donating you get 1 Team in Training t-shirt & Scrapstrong bracelet.

Lovin' Life!

Today is the day.... I am turning 45! Wow, five more years and it is half a century of living! But I don't mind getting older. In fact, I find I am lovin' life more and more as each day passes. I am happy, content, joyful - truly at peace with who I am as a person - a wife, mother, and daughter of the most high King!

Memory Makers is also celebrating a birthday today! So while I have the day off, determined to learn how to use my not so brand new KNK element die-cut machine, I am checking out the Memory Makers blog often for updates and more chances to win a prize.

The layout I shared above was created for this week's scripture challenge at FaithSisters on the word "listen". I was thrilled to find that photo of our son on my digital camera when I downloaded Easter photos. The beauty of digital cameras is I can let my budding photographers have the camera - rule is - "strap around the neck" - and I let them take any pictures they want. Our son took some cool architectural photos at church on Sunday morning. The photo in "Listen" was amongst a myriad of blurry photos - taken by our five year old. I love the angle, the composition - and the reflective mood of our son doing what, I am not sure.

On Good Friday we had some tough questions to answer as parents. "What does the Easter bunny got to do with Easter? "Why do we call it Easter when it is not in the Bible?" I love that Kyle is learning and asking questions. I relayed a bit of history of early Christianity and missionaries converting the Pagans - and thus tying in some of the Pagan rituals into Christianity so as to be more readily accepted. THus, I believe, the bunny is symbolic of fertility in a Pagan celebration of Spring. The history of the word Easter led to some on-line research. But without the research my husband and I both decided that from now on we would try to refer to Easter as Resurrection Day. A much longer greeting than "Happy Easter" - but definitely more true to our Christian celebration. So anyhow, the verse on listening jumped out at me as we try to "raise our child in the way that he should go".

So how am I celebrating this day? I took the day off, slept in, finished a bible study, enjoyed a mocha latte at the coffee house and chatted with friends whom my husband had called to surprise me there. I am relaxing -and refuse to do more than empty and fill the dishwasher re: housework today. Our daughter is singing in the chair beside me and I am remembering 5 years ago this day that I was enjoying her as my best birthday present ever.


I loved using Scenic Route for this layout and had fun creating this simple page, remembering the happy phone calls I made to announce the news that our daughter had arrived from Korea. I don't think any birthday will be as memorable as my 40th.

So what are you celebrating today? Your children, a great relationship, a cancer-free check up after your last chemo treatment? Maybe it is the little things - like the pleasure of listening to the song birds as they begin their spring courtship trills and whistles. Whatever it is - just remember to celebrate the life you have been given and celebrate the special person that you are!

Bad or Good?

Our son is 10 yrs. old, and Good Friday has been on his mind this week. He wants to know why Christians call this day good? Afterall, Jesus was brutally killed on the cross this day. If a young believer is questioning this day, it makes me wonder what non-Christians around the world think. Here we are, "celebrating" the death of our Lord and Savior.

The first "good", or Holy Friday was obviously not a joyous occasion for our Lord. He knew he must die for our sins, but our lack of realizing who he was hurt him greatly. His suffering was immense, his sorrow great - yet he did not let the cup pass from him. By his death, and RESURRECTION, Jesus claimed victory over death so that all believers may have eternal life. This is the GOOD news of Good Friday. Our lives here on earth are so temporary, fleeting really – compared to living eternally, forever with our Father in heaven.

Good can come out of bad. I have experienced this firsthand with the events of 9-11-01, a tragedy that affected and changed our world forever. How did good come from this? For my own family we were struggling at that time with the desire to adopt, without the financial means to do so. Because of 9-11 the Federal Reserve dropped interest rates. Mortgage rates dropped so much so that we were able to refinance our home and maintain almost the same house payment, taking out funds for the majority of the adoption costs. Good came out of the bad – we are now blessed with a beautiful little girl.

I am so glad that I have a relationship with Jesus, the One who loves me enough to have died for me. Giving up my old life to begin a life that brings glory to His holy name was difficult. I certainly had my relapses, but through the years, as I continued my journey and continued to grow I find the journey becomes easier. Not easy in the sense of lacking trials, or hurt, or loss - God does not promise a Christian life filled with happiness. But there is joy and peace...which extends beyond happiness, beyond sadness.

Journaling:
I remember so well the time of my rebirth in Christ. I was ready for deep spiritual renewal. "Crucified In Christ" by Phillips, Craig and Dean was a hit on the radio, and it made a huge impact each time I listened, reaffirming my desire to die to my old self, and live for Him.

Here are some thoughts from Jesus2020 - are you seeking the kind of joy that can get your through trying times?

God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins.
Jesus is the Son of God. He lived a sinless life and then died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. “God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.”

Jesus rose from the dead and now He lives in heaven with God His Father. He offers us the gift of eternal life -- of living forever with Him in heaven if we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me."

God reaches out in love to you and wants you to be His child. "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on His name." You can choose to ask Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and come in to your life as your Lord and Savior.

If you want to accept Christ as Savior and turn from your sins, you can ask Him to be your Savior and Lord by praying a prayer like this:
"Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I ask you in to my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior. I want to serve you always."

To learn more visit Jesus2020.

Digital Elements in "Crucified":
Red Patterned Paper: Kjoi Studios Love Collaboration Kit
Cardboard frame by Kara Jones at Kjoi
Newsprint flourish by Krystal Hartley at FaithSisters.com
Torn paper by Sande Krieger
Journal spot and stitching by Elash from Trevor’s Treasure Kit from TreasuresToScrap
Chipboard Heart by Valjs downloaded from DigiShopTalk
Crown by Sal, Sailor and Lulu Designs from Shabby Lane downloaded from DigiShopTalk
Fonts: Clarissa, Army Chalk, Jayne Print, Swiss 721 Cn Bt

Courage

Giving courage to one another. It is how we grow as individuals. Children are given courage to try new things…from the tentative first steps into toddlerhood, to the first attempt at pedaling a bicycle, and even to try out for sports, the arts and other activities during the school years. Sometimes we are fortunate to have an older sibling who is able to encourage, teach and offer a hand of guidance and protection. This is the relationship I often witness between our two children, with five years between them. I see our daughter wanting to be like her older brother, there is not a whole lot about her that is “girly girl”. During these moments I see “the look” in our son’s eyes as his little sister follows his lead, looks to him for teaching, and takes his hand to walk through a crowd of strangers to the play equipment at a community concert in the park. He is proud of his position as the older brother, and takes his role seriously.

Our Father in Heaven is proud of us as well. When we look to Him for teaching, when we seek instructions on how we are to live in His holy word, when we take His hand to be in relationship. Nothing gives the Lord more joy than when we trust in Him for courage during times of trouble.
Jesus was an encourager to the disciples. As he saw their fear when He walked on water he said to them, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." As Paul was judged before the Sadducees and the others Pharisees, the Lord came to Paul in the night and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." As a storm threatened the life of men on board the ship with Paul as he sailed to Rome, God sent an angel to Paul who said, “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” Paul thus reassured his fellow shipmates, “So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.”

As you can see, God gives us courage so we may encourage one another. Remember that as we face earthly trials that God has promised to never leave or forsake us. He sealed this promise with blood, the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. There is no greater courage in this world than the courage of a person being persecuted and put to death for faith. As He was being put to death, rather than save himself, instead Jesus pleaded with His heavenly Father. He said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

Never forget the grace that accompanies that statement. Our Lord and Saviour showed mercy to those that killed him, and took upon himself ALL our sins, forever - that is courage beyond measure. It is with this kind of courage that we are to live our lives, strong in faith and sharing the testimony of God's saving grace.

Now, if you read all of that, I want you to know that "Give Courage" was created for my monthly inspiration challenge posted in the Kjoistudios challenge forum. To participate in this challenge all you have to do is create a layout with any number of Irish quotes listed in the challenge thread, and use the color green. You have until the end of March to participate and have a chance to earn a gift certficate to the Kjoi Prize Vault. Check back every month for a new challenge to my, and other challenges that can earn you multiple GCs to the Prize Vault.

However, if you are a true blue traditional scrapper, you have a through the end of the month to participate in a similar challenge at the Scrapbook Playground. This challenge offers the same Irish quotes, but different elements from which to choose. For each layout completed and linked in the thread, you will have your name placed in a drawing for a $10 gift certificate to the Playground store.

You can share links to your layouts in both forums and double chance of winning!

Elements for "Give Courage" layout downloaded from Kjoistudios.com:
Tristan’s Room Digital Kit by Kara Jones

Cardboard grunge frame and wings also by Kara Jones
Stitching, ric rac and rusty staple by Connie Prince, Digi Diva Designs

Be of Good Salt

Each week Faithsisters has a scripture word, brought to us by Patter. For week ten the word was “grace”. With Holy Week and Good Friday…there are so many verses that came immediately to mind in that regard. But then when I got into the bible and searched for the word grace…the verse from Colossians 4:5-7 jumped out at me. How very appropriate that God would show me this with certain trials in my life. Please take this scripture to heart and remember to “be of good salt”. Before you speak, at home, at work, in a store...remember that the words you say will reflect upon your faith. Do you wear a cross, sport a bumper sticker, wear or display anything that indicates you are a Christ follower? If so, then it becomes even more critical that your words always "be of good salt", and add only good flavor to the gospels of Christ.
As you face trials, tribulations, rejection...remember Jesus words found in Matthew, “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” Now, let me be clear – I do not see those who bring me trials or those who reject me as enemies. Rather I see them as hurt individuals who could use a whole army of prayer warriors intercessing on their behalf. Speaking to such individuals with a flavor of good salt can be undoubtedly difficult, but it is what God calls us to do. If you are facing adversity in the workplace these Words, which have been my strong hold, may offer a helpful perspective. Colossians 3:22-24 (New International Version) “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

With these words in mind I make it a point to work even harder and be even more conscience of what I utter in the presence of people in and outside the workplace. Remember it is God, and His people that we serve no matter where they are. Today I will leave you with this flavorful verse from Mark 9, verse 50: “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other."

Subconscience Scrapping

I found myself digi scrapping with products by three fab designers at FaithSisters on Sunday night: The above page uses these elements: Quick page -- Journeys with Jamie, scalloped frame - Gretchen Tripp (Faithfulness Kit), alpha by Jannylynn (New Bag kit). When I saw the quick page format awaiting three photos I immediately started scanning the many photos I took one Sunday as we hunkered down indoors while ice pelted the roads and every object left open to the sky. Then I had to come up with a title. I remembered that day, and how absolutely silent it was outdoors as I carefully trudged through snow drifts to take photos while all sane people remained indoors. Because of the slick conditions, there was not a sound of traffic, and I cannot ever recall having heard such silence before. It was like being in crystal temple, in which God Himself had touched everything and made it a thing of beauty. It was inspiring, and so few of my photos actually give justice to what I experienced (strong winds blowing did not help in producing clear photos that day).

As I pondered a title, the condition of the day spoke to me, and I came up with "Iced Silence". This morning, I looked at my layout again, and read the Irish quote below.“I believe in the sun when it's not shining, I believe in love even when I feel it not, I believe in God even when he is silent.”

I felt like I was smacked between the eyes. The title, the quote....what a message God was sending me! Have you ever been looked down upon for something you stand for? For who you are as a person, as a unique individual or as a person of faith? If you are involved in the secular world you may experience rejection fairly often if you are a person who "wears faith on a sleeve". And yes, even in the world of religion one can experience rejection as people of different religions do not see eye to eye. So often we fail to see that we are all one body in Christ - reading the Bible, yet not truly grasping and living those words. It really is no wonder that the non-believers of this world look at Christians and see hypocrisy in how they treat one another.

Many times rejection is met with silence. Because you may be different people will take a stance of avoidance. Or, will greet you with forced cordiality and then politely go on their way to busy themselves. These types of environments can leave you feeling cold, and sometimes lonely. It is an icey silence, and such coldness does not foster healthy living. But you know what? God does not promise us a life of peace and happiness. We live in a fallen world, and our journey is sure to experience turbulence. However, Deuteronomy 31:8 assures us, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
When you don’t feel love – know that God loves you always. When all you hear is icey silence – know that God is listening. In that silence listen for Him, and He will speak to your heart. As the Psalmist writes in 59:16, know that God is your strength, sing of his love in the morning and He will sustain you through the day; He will forever be your fortress and refuge in times of trouble.
Isn’t it amazing that as we may feel icey silence from others that are a part of our journey, we can feel His warmth and love in that same situation? I urge everyone who experiences rejection to bury yourself in the Word. God will have a message for you. I have done this over the past week and it is revolutionary. I have actually come to greater compassion for those who reject, and empathize with what they must be going through to come to a point to hurt others. It only makes me want to offer intercession with more fervor, and pray all the more for reconciliation, forgiveness and unity so that we may all work together in service to God with love.
When you face adversity it is natural to want to flee from it. Sometimes, this is best, and may be necessary for safety. Rejection can be overcome. It happened to Jesus when he entered Jerusalem, and yet had the ultimate victory over death. Ask God for guidance, listen for His direction. There are times when we need to meet adversity with love and compassion, and who knows…relationships can heal. With God anything is possible.

Coming up next: Be of Good Salt

P.S. Hey - check out my new "What Inspires Me" song video. We sang this on Sunday and it was so spot on for what is happening in my life right now. Music moves. God rocks. Jesus is victorious!

A Little Bit Larger Now!!

Ya know...what a little tease that scanned magazine page was in my last post - my apologies. If you have eyes like me, you probably have a hard time making out the image on the kite layout below, so I decided I would be generous with less than 20/20 vision viewers and show a larger image of my Scrapbooks, Etc. "debut". (LOL)
The photos are rather old, seeing as how our daughter is now 5, and don't forget that half! Very important to a young lady to add on that half year to her age. Just wait until she is mine - she will want to deduct those 6 months! When I took this photo of the butterfly kite we were flying I knew right away I would want to do a tiled look to mimic the stained glass pattern of the kite itself. Rather than split my photo up, I simply cut a frame from black cardstock. It reminds me of the attic windows quilts I used to enjoy making.
Today the talented and inspiring Julie Overby has tagged my blog. I admit, a lot of times I do not have the time to carry through on a tag, and I apologize to anyone whose tag I did not pursue. Julie has made this easy on me, asking only for 7 random facts. That is doable, and here they are!
1. I pray a lot and try to stay focused on Jesus.
2. God has blessed me with a tremendous family.
3. I love circles and curves - absolute elements in my layouts.
4. Julie introduced me to Fiskateer-dom and I am number 2490!
5. I was a writer long before I scrapbooked (especially poetry)
6. Always dark chocolate
7. This is my favorite number!

Without further ado...my tag list - 7 bloggers that I hope will share 7 random facts about themselves are:
Deanna
Julie
Dahlia
Kitty (cuz we need more pickle juice!)
Suz
Mique
Jenny

FLY'in High - What a SB Etc. Surprise!!

Does this count?? I had a few goals for 2007, one of which was not attained. That goal was to be published in Scrapbooks Etc. magazine. Let's face it - for me, it is a "tough egg to crack." Seldom are there any open calls (or if there are I don't hear about them). Once in a while I will complete what I feel is a pretty awesome page, so I will submit it as a general - never to hear a peep. Oh well...at least I tried! (LOL)

2007 overall was a great publication year for me - God is and continues to be good! Still, in my PC file folder where I place all my published works (purely so I don't make the mistake of resubmitting them) - one sub-folder remains empty. Scrapbooks, Etc. I love the magazine, so of course I am not giving up and made it a goal once again for 2008.

It has been a very busy, busy weekend. I spent 3 hours with Abby at the WalMart on Saturday shopping for household basics, looking for shoes and boots for the kids without success, checking things off a list that had grown in the past two months since we began writing it out. I did not plan to spend my entire Sat. morn shopping. Jesse figured we stopped at a scrapbook store for sure -once Abby mentioned she had new stickers. But NOPE! Had to peek in the craft department hoping to find a new kid project deal (and yes, no SB deals that interested me either). We got home, made us some lunch, finished a mock up of a prayer journal due for display at church today (for a class I am teaching there soon), and finally got back to working on taxes at 4 pm. Five hours later I had everything completed, but for the data entry part into an Excel spread sheet.

This means my Sunday, which I try very hard to keep as a day of rest and fun, was spent almost entirely doing laundry. I was gone last Saturday for Fiskars demonstrator training...so laundry was REALLY behind. Finally today, after supper, I was able to RELAX and peruse the April issue of Scrapbooks, Etc., which I believe arrived a week ago. Typically I browse the table of contents and go right to the topic that interests me most. But tonight I just started at the beginning. Nonchalantly turning pages, and sipping my re-warmed coffee that I never had time to finish on Sunday morning. I yelled "WOW!!!!" and my family just looked at me blankly. Then I pointed to the magazine and a little thumbnail of a layout - it was MINE!! Woo hoo! I was stoked! Granted, this may not count as an official pub... it is simply shared in the "from the web gallery" portion of the feedback column - but none the less - I have a layout, be it ever so small, in Scrapbooks, Etc.

So hey, should my 2008 goal not come to pass officially - I am ok with that. I will take whatever the Lord wishes to give me, and accept it with gratitude and praise. I know that all things, all desires, all wants - come in His perfect timing, and He also knows what is best for me.

All I know is that on this Sunday, as I had fun giving Abby her bath, as Kyle and I had some great laughs as I cut his hair (you had to be here to understand), and as the four of us snuggled on the couch to watch a re-run episode of Mr. Ed (d0 any of you actually remember the talking horse show from the 60's-70's?) before the kid's bedtime, is that God has truly filled my life with blessings. Each and every day I am becoming more aware of His blessings, whether it be a small thumbnail on page 10, or the huge feeling of love and togetherness that fills my heart as I journey with my family along that pathway to heaven.

An Artist's Prayer

It's been a busy week -trying to get everything ready for the accountant. Tax time...I never look forward to this time of year because it takes me away from creating. After each tax season I vow to be more organized and log receipts throughout the year, but that never happens because...you guessed it - I just can't pull myself away from the creative process. I am such a left brainer...well, I am organized in many other areas...guess it is just numbers/accounting - that type of thing. So although the right side of my brain functions fine, I guess I am just happiest using my left brain! (LOL)
I want to share the inside of my leather journal, as promised in my last post. I simply covered the chipboard jacket with scraps of Fancy Pants papers I already had. I also meditated upon God's word and the gifts He has given me. I have been reading the book of Mark for my Wednesday night women's bible study. What I see happening throughout, as Jesus gets nearer to the cross, is pride. Pride in the chosen disciples as they argue who will be seated at Jesus' right hand. Pride in the pharisees as they manipulate the Law for their own purpose. Pride occurs time and time again. It seems like the characters in the Bible have blindfolds on, and cannot see Jesus for who he is. In contrast, we have the blind man, healed by the Messiah, who recognized Jesus as he walked near him. This man did not need vision to know who Jesus really was, and he had complete trust and faith in his power. The passages in Mark have caused me to take a look at my inner-self. I fear pride. I fear it will cause me to not give glory to God in all things. I fear it will trip me up as I journey here on earth with hopes to finish the race in the victory of the eternal kingdom. As I experience modest success with my scrapbooking endeavors, I want to be certain that I give God the glory in every aspect. I have more thoughts on this, but I know I would ramble until this entry became much too long. Instead, I just want to share a prayer I wrote. I printed it on cardstock adhered to the backside of my chipboard cover. Each time I make an entry in my journal for a layout sketch, idea note or written journaling - I will see this prayer. I will read it and it will remind me from whom the creative mojo comes - and to Him shall be the glory for any success I may have.

“For you created my inmost being...” Psalm 139:13a

An Artist’s Prayer
God the creator of all things,
Who designed all things,
Whose word is written for my heart...
May I always acknowledge
Your creation, and the creativity
in me that comes from You.
May I always see Your design,
and give glory to the designs that
come forth from me because of You.
May Your word speak to my heart
so that I may write words that
bear fruit and give testimony
to all that You have done for me.
May You continue to inspire me,
and I pray that I remain humble as
you use me for Your divine purpose.
Amen.

If you are a fellow believer and are experiencing success in your life, I pray that you will also recognize from Whom your blessings come. Sometimes it is difficult to remember that God is to be praised beyond all others, and most of all, instead of self. Humility is a difficult robe to wear when one experiences success, but in my desire to be more like Him, and I pray that pride never causes me to fall.

Face Lifts for Ordinary Things

I had wanted to share a leather journal case with you - been hankering to do so for the past several days. This was a WOW discovery in a bag of old portfolio cases, binders and file folders my mother had sent home with me one day. Most of the items were made of paper product or fake leather, but not this baby. One deep inhale and I could smell the leather! (Took me back to days in the saddle riding through the countryside as one with Dolly, my Arab/Quarterhorse as a child!) I opened it up to see three rings that held ruled notepaper sandwiched by chipboard. Holders for several pens, business card pocket, and a zippered compartment for essentials, like lipstick. I love to journal - so this was a treasure.
I inspected the inside to see rolled leather edges and a tag that read hand-made leather - just a beautiful piece of workmanship all around. I was in love. My father-in-law, horseman that he is, had the perfect leather conditioner and helped me give it a good rub down and brighten it's worn appearance. I contemplated how I could personalize the leather case to make it more me, and found some rub-ons by Fancy Pants that blended wonderfully with the buttery leather color. I knew that PaperCrafts had a call for creative use of rub-ons, so even though I thought it was rather simple I submitted it. I never figured they would actually want to publish it, but they do! I have grown to love this leather journal case in the short time it has been with me, so it is with a bit of sadness that I pack it off for the upcoming October issue. I am still surprised Paper Crafts wants it, and that just goes to show that you never know what editors are looking for. So SUBMIT everything, even when you don't think it is good enough.

I am in the process of covering my chipboard, so I will share that with you when I get it done, hopefully by Friday.

Another happy surprise today was having a layout I had created for Hall of Fame 2006 picked up by Scrapbooking and Beyond today. I gathered from a recent Memory Makers call that magazines are probably in the throes of filling fall issues. On another whim, I sent some never before shared layouts off with fall themes. One to this magazine...one to another. I figured I would give a few days and then resend to another. I never really expected a request in less than 24 hours, but have to say - the layout requested has remained one of my very favorites. It was my journaling piece for the HOF contest, and will be published this fall when the very journaling, in which I talk about a photo giving me a glimpse into the future, will become reality as Abby begins kindergarten this fall. I am very excited to have this particular layout picked up for publication, and it will be my first time published in Scrapbooking and Beyond.

God has been very good to me these past several days, with Memory Makers requesting three layouts for the upcoming Scrapbooking Ideal Gallery annual to be released in October. This has become an annual that I love to submit for, and the first time I have had multiple pages picked up for it. What a blessing!!

I continue to be amazed at how God uses me - He has given me a gift that allows me to share my story with you, and the readers of magazines when I have projects published. Through my stories I hope that each will show a reflection of who I am, who my family is, and how important our faith is in daily living. I pray my work continues to inspire, and encourages you to try something new, whether it be creatively or personally. May your journey be filled with Spirit and mojo!

Consider your quirks- rediscover yourself!

February must have been the month to reflect on what makes YOU unique. Do you know what it is? Kjoi studios had a quirk LO challenge in February. Which led me to lead a discussion thread at the Scrapbook Playground to ask what everyone's quirks are.

What are your quirks, do you need to ask friends and family? I had coffee with a friend of mine, former room mate, and asked her if she remembers any of my quirks even though we haven't lived together in 20 yrs. Oh yeah...she did not disappoint. Some of her accounts were hilarious, and I couldn't believe I could be so extreme. She told me I was a list maker, and on my wedding day (she and her now husband stood up for us in our wedding) I had detailed a timetable, which included "have breakfast with Tim and Lisa at 8:10 a.m., brush teeth and do hair by 9 a.m.," etc. Ok, would I really forget to brush my teeth on my wedding day? (or any day for that matter) What I would do now to have a copy of that list and scrap it!

At the Playground I realized I shared many of the same quirks as other people..and can now make an entire quirky mini album! Last night I created a 2 page digital layout on lipstick...yes, one of my quirks and I wanted to scrap it for the Kjoi challenge. Who would figure one can do a two page layout on lipstick?!!

I want to seriously encourage you to make a list of your own quirks and scrap them - whether in a single or two page LO, a simple tag album that has one written quirk per tag (no pic needed), or a mini album and include some pics if you can. This would be a great keepsake for your family and leave a legacy of the quirks that make you unique!

I plan to create a mini album of my quirks. Yesterday I made a smiley face in Photoshop and put it up on my computer monitor and took a photo. I talk to my computer all the time - and it is nice to see it smiling back at me - probably laughing that I would talk to it, since it obviously cannot speak my language. Other things I can take pictures of...the roll of toilet paper and how I like it to drape over vs. hang under, the fact that I prefer a box of tissue in every room of the house, the truth that I cannot get to sleep, no matter how tired, if there is ANY noise in the house (makes for taking naps impossible). The list goes on...and I think scrapping these quirks will allow me to take a good look at myself and ponder the unique person that God has made me. So there you go - enjoy your quirks for the journey you are on and marvel at the special person you are!

Hybrid Cards Offer Flexibility

I am very much enjoying digi scrapping, and when I combine it with traditional scrapping the results can be so incredible. I made this "journey" card for my husband to celebrate his new ministry - I knew days ago which photo I would want to use. It was amusing to me that the program cover for the commissioning celebration on Tuesday night used a very similar photo.

This card became hybrid because the color printer actually skewed my cardstock at the very end as it fed through. The bottom of the printed image was crooked. I was just going to trim things and fix it that way, and then I thought - why not find some papers to go with and make it a hybrid instead. So I mustered up some Mustard Moon and found a wonderful scrap of green textured Paper Trunk, tore some edges, cut around my framed photo, and attached my two, torn and inked pieces. I think the colors of the striped paper really add a lot more depth and warmth to this card than it would have otherwise had.

Now, looking at it again I should have printed the verse from 1 Corinthians in an oatmeal colored type vs. brown, but hey, my husband won't notice that. HOWEVER, now that I have this card designed...there is nothing stopping me from changing it up a bit for other occassions. Can you see graduation? I can - and even have a quote in my head to put in place of the scripture, in oatmeal colored type of course!
Does a hybrid card have any less meaning than one made exclusively with glue, hammer, hole punches and lots of fabulous embellishments? I don't think so. I still had to muddle through lots of digi files to find just the right papers, frame and photo anchor. Finding the butterfly by J. Schmitt in my TTS Trevor's Treasure's kit was a bonus. The green paper by DigiDiva was a 12x12 design, but I resized it to 8.5" width and pulled the bottom portion onto my letter sized document. Knowing where my card was to fold, I then cut and pasted the top portion of the patterned paper onto my card - so that the flourished design would meet in the middle, vs. have the top of the card front unadorned. I love Kara Jones cardboard grunge frame and have recently moved it to a folder of favorite embellishments. I finally put that wonderful rustic ribbon loop brad by Amy Teets into a folder of FUD (frequently used digi) - as I seem to always have a hard time finding it when I go in search for use on a page. It goes well with so many of my earthy layouts.

If you like to play with photo editing software why not give hybrid card making a try. I think you might like the results, and use a favorite photo over and over to send a different message for different needs. Now, back to my card project... thanks for stopping by!

Agent of God - Trust in Him

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." Psalm 28:7
It's been nine days since my last post, and I never figured I would be sharing two layouts in a row of my husband. He is totally worthy of scrapping, but as it is for many of you -the kids take center stage on the pages of our layouts.

Tonight, however, I had to come home and create this layout, for I am very proud of my husband this evening. After five months of training, classes just about every Tuesday and lots of homework during the week, Jesse was commissioned as a Stephen Minister at our church this evening.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 reads: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
These verses were shared by the guest speaker at this evening's commissioning dinner, and an apt description of the Stephen Ministry itself. Tonight twenty men and women have answered the call and joined the ranks of other Stephen Ministers to be agents of God. They will offer a listening ear to those who are troubled, suffering, and broken in a world of brokeness. They will offer the comfort God gives us, the compassion Christ showed to many, and do it all through the omni-presence of the Holy Spirit.

Jesse is a natural as a Stephen Minister. People have always been drawn to him to share their troubles. He is a listener. He has a skill that many of us have to put effort into. Stephen Ministry is a perfect match for his gift of compassion. I know that God can take the ordinary and make them extraordinary to carry out His will and purpose. The Lord has given my husband the gift of listening, gentleness, and encouragement. I know he is equipped for his new ministry, a room full of friends, pastors, and fellow Stephen Ministers also know that he is ready. There are always anxieties in addition to the excitement of beginning a new ministry. Jesse begins meeting with his care receiver already this coming Thursday afternoon. Please keep him in prayer - that the two men are comfortable with one another, and that Jesse is relaxed and allows the Holy Spirit to take charge over their meeting. I chose Psalm 28:7 for it says that the Lord shall HELP those who trust in Him. Our family will be praying for Jesse on Thursday afternoon, please join us in lifting him up. Thank you!

Digital layout uses elements from www.kjoistudios.com, www.faithsisters.com and www.treasurestoscrap.com

Celebrating My Love

I know Valentine's Day is past, but it is never too late to create a layout about the most important person in your life, right? I was so busy making Valentine cards for my family members, and special friends going through difficult times right now, that I did not have time to scrap a layout for my sweetheart. This is something I have done annually the past couple of years. The nice thing about being "late" is that I could incorporate a bit of the Valentine my husband gave me on the 14th. The card I was given had scripture from Song of Solomon, chapter 3, verse 4: "...I found the one my heart loves." My husband's card was very moving - I love Dayspring cards. It did not go without notice that both of us thanked one another for being Godly spouses. I love how God moves in our lives.
It just so happened that the discovery challenge at www.faithsisters.com this week also encourages us to create a layout about the special someone in our life. Not surprisingly, it was also the Feb. 14 challenge at the Scrapbook Playground - a part of their montly long February crop event.
Thursday night a valentine poem came into my head. I wrote it on a post it note, in arms reach, and tucked it into my jeans pocket. Friday morning I put a load of wash in before work. Friday afternoon I wanted to start on the layout, and I realized I could not find the poem. I ran to the dryer, found the post it in my jeans pocket, and nothing was legible. Oh well... I started over.

Although some of the lines seem silly - the words ring true. The chocolate line was totally inspired by the chocolate hearts on the "Love Me Tender" quick page (digital) by Penny Lewis at www.kjoistudios.com. I SO LOVE dark chocolate! But the mention of chipboard...this is about my scrapbooking and the time it involves. I know that my passion to create, the creative team deadlines I have, bite into special alone time with my husband, and I need to work on that. Thus, the chipboard line really applies to all my supplies - but I love chipboard LOTS! (LOL) Here is my poem, second time around:
I love you more than chocolate 'cuz your love won't melt away.
I love your more than chipboard 'cuz you aim to please me everyday.
I love you more than a fuzzy sweater 'cuz you always keep me warm.
I love you more than anything 'cuz our love has weathered storms.
I love you - just 'cuz you are my love.

The rest of the digital elements for this page are credited to:
Dragons Lair - notebook paper and stop watch, and Oval Bookplate – Cactus Mango Designs downloaded from www.kjoistudios.com
Trevor's Treasures kit – red chipboard heart
Scroll Stamps - seishido biz.com

As you can tell from my short supply list - I did not add a whole lot to Penny's fabulous quick page filled with layered flowers around a frame and cool scrolls and ric rack. To add in the notebook paper, chipboard heart and bookplate I used layers to my advantage in Photoshop. I reduced the opacity of the newly introduced element, and carefully used the eraser tool to remove the portions that I wanted "tucked under". Once done I returned the opacity to 100%. This is a great trick for adding additional elements to a quick page to personalize it. If you are inclined not to download quick pages because you "want to have complete creative control" (this is how I was) - try this approach. I have learned that I can work with quick pages and still introduce my own personal style (which has to have a circle somewhere!).

Quick pages can often be downloaded as freebies by a designer wanting to introduce you to a new kit they have put together. Don't be afraid - give them a try!

REsponding to God's Call

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

Has God ever put it upon your heart to take action on a matter and you just pushed it back, not wanting to deal with the extra burden that action might put upon you? For the past year or so I have had a Moses attitude. Reluctant to follow through on His calling using a myriad of excuses as to why, or why not. Not enough time, don't know any body, how would I start such a thing?, will look into it closer to fall, etc.... all of these negative replies have been going through my head.

This past weekend I attended a women's REtreat at our newer church - Blackhawk E-Free. Our keynote speaker on Friday night was Sharon Clausen. I am sure her words struck a chord with many in attendance. Her message certainly hit home with me as I could relate to the story of Jonah and Moses and how they responded to God's call. A key point made was this, "delayed obedience is DISOBEDIENCE." How true, and I knew it. I was letting my fear of knowing only a handful of people in our new church squelch a ministry God is asking me to lead.
The signs have been pretty clear - and go back probably 7 years ago, before we adopted our daughter. I was watching a concert on prime time to raise adoption awareness. One break featured a baptist church that had a "One Church, One Child" ministry, in which the church raised the money to allow a family to adopt and give a child a loving home. I was so taken with that concept, and had wished that something like this was available for us as we were contemplating adoption. This was a seed planted.

Years later, after God had already blessed us with a beautiful little girl from Korea, I continued to share our adoption experience, answer questions, and have been privileged to be a part in four families making the decision to adopt. (sprout) Of course we know Whose hand was really at work, bringing families together through adoption.

As I walk through the halls of our new church on Sunday I see so many families brought together by adoption, and have talked to a few. Focus on the Family just happend to send me an email last fall about a new ministry called "Cry for the Orphan", with so many links to help churches get started in orphan care ministry, give families resources, and a wealth of agencies and information to process.(sprout) In November, our church moved to a new, larger building. On that first day Pastor Chris said that the new building was not about the bricks and mortar that make it up, "this building is only a tool for us to use to do God's work." (sprout)

I thought to myself, we have the room here. Room for adopted children to play and grow together, room for adoptive parents to come together and share stories, room for parents of adopted children to mentor those who are considering, or in the process of adoption. Having been through the wait, and not being a patient person, having moral support through the process is so important! There is room to educate and have workshops to help parents with adopted children learn how to deal with issues and feelings their children may have. I pray there is means to raise money, for the church to have a desire to raise a child within its community, to help families adopt and offer love and opportunities for quality life.

The verse from James is key for me. I have been given a vision for what this ministry can do:
• To come together as a support group for families in the process of adoption, or who have adopted.
• To learn from one another by sharing of experiences and backgrounds.
• To foster and encourage adoption.
• To help make a difference, one child, one family at a time.

In a cast of a thousands I feel so insignificant, so unremarkable - I have no idea how someone such as myself can begin to cast such a vision. Our keynote speaker mentioned God being sufficient for our needs, which made me smile. Earlier in the week I had just studied the word grace, and came upon the verse from 2 Corinthians, "My grace is sufficent for you, my power made perfect in your weakness." This vision for adoption ministry is not about me - it is about God and the great things He can do. I came home Friday night, typed up the vision that had been swimming in my head for the past two years, and sent it to the person who receives such ideas at our church. The wheel has been put into motion, and I have taken a step towards obedience.

I also met another adoptive mother on Saturday, and we plan to discuss the vision further. If you have such a mission in your church, please do share with me what your church is doing for adoption - whether it is mental and spiritual support, financial support, successful fundraisers...whatever. I don't know what I am doing yet, but am willing to listen and see all that God puts in my path as I strive to be more like Mary, and say, "I am the Lord's servant."

I cannot fail to mention that the photos used in the layout above were taken by my best friend's son, David, as they served on a mission trip to Liberia in November. David's photography really spoke to me and touched my heart. I created the layout as part of a challenge at the Scrapbook Playground's huge February crop event. It is powerful in its simplicity and speaks to my heart. The digital elements used in the layout were downloaded from FaithSisters.com, the papers and border by Krytal Hartley.

If you are interested in adoption or about starting a ministry in your own church please visit the link for Cry of the Orphan and others I have listed in my sidebar. I ask that you keep this vision for an adoption ministry in your prayers, as I wait upon the Lord to see what great things He has in store. Thank you.

Purity of Heart

"He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false... will receive a blessing from the Lord." - Psalm 24:4-5a

Purity of heart - this is the topic for FaithSisters.com Faith Discovery challenge this week. The Christian based site for scrapbookers has encouraged me to add another study to my week, and although I do no always get a challenge layout finished, I am growing from the verses the topic will take me to and open my heart to what God has for me to learn. The layout I am sharing today was made with a freebie download - Pure of Heart Collaboration Kit put together by the talented designers at FaithSisters. The kit is available as a freebie for one week, and will then be available in the store. Click on the link above to get yours today, and check back often for future collaboration kits.

In today's world this is so very difficult, yet God wants us to keep our hearts pure and remain focused on Him. I have always loved this photo of our daughter taken when she was two, simply playing with water that bubbles out of a rock at our neighbor's home. The clear water washing over her hand reminds me of the cleansing of our sins when we ask Jesus into our heart.

I see our son growing in faith, making good choices, and he is pretty well grounded and unaffected by things that can garner the attention of ten year old boys. He is happy with his Playstation 2 and has never expressed interest in the new Wii that was the hot ticket item for boys his age this past Christmas. He could care less what brand his blue jeans are, and to my dismay, even if they are getting a little short. When I express concern about wearing "high waters", as we called them when I was young, he really does not seem to care and says kids don't notice. It is obvious that he doesn't - he really has no sense of vanity.

This is perhaps, where a line is drawn between male and female. I notice those things. Our daughter is still young and pretty oblivious to what is popular. She is focused on two pair of shoes, and has no desire to wear something cute - like flip flops or sandals. I am the one who felt she needed a pair of jeans with applique's and sparkles, so she would have something similar to that of her friends. Her friends mention Barbie, High School Musical or Hanna Montanna and Abby is clueless. Her world revolves around Knex and deploying her Webkins as troops... the things she sees her big brother doing.

As you can see, it is I who have concerns for our children's popularity - they are not affected by such things. It probably stems back to my own childhood, and the desire to be popular. When I was in 4th grade I recall being picked on because I was not allowed to wear jeans to school, and glasses did not help my appearance. Today children are actually taught to accept differences in the classroom, and that is a good thing. I hope our daughter will always remain unaffected by trends, but being a girl, I feel avoiding the desire to be popular is going to be more difficult for her.

This is where God comes in. Our children are learning early about the importance of having Christ in their lives. If we, as parents set an example, and remain focused on God, and are careful not to raise up false idols before Him - I pray our children will do well when choosing between popularity and faith.

The Psalm shared today reminds me how to live. I am aware that when it comes to feeding my brain, garbage in - garbage out. I avoid many shows that are popular. "Desperate Housewives" is a good example, a show that cuts down the sanctity of marriage and is prime for moral degradation. Television offers very little this day and age for the Christian who's desire is to fill their minds only with wholesome thoughts, as God instructs us to do. What about a show that uplifts marriage and righteous living? I can visualize a show about wives, and husbands, whose spouses serve in the military, and how they carry on as single parents while their mate fights for freedom. I can see drama, heart, and unity as a block of "dedicated army wives" stand together and help each other out through tough times. These women would be loyal to their husbands, strong in keeping their familiy together - I could applaud such a show, but with our world in moral decline, it woudl be hard pressed for ratings.

Television is one just one vice that a person needs to be aware of in striving to live a pure life for God. Fashion, recreational choices, the friends you choose, and even participating in talk around the work place can make a heart unpure. Look around you and try to view your life through God's eyes. Would He be pleased with your choices? Is popularity getting in the way of faithfulness? If so, consider a change, ask God for cleansing, and let your heart purification begin.

Additional digital elements:
Grunge Frame by Kara Jones, staples by Majula Designs, stitching by Dawn Inskip - all downloaded from www.KjoiStudios.com
Pearl buttons by Michelle Coleman

A GOOD weekend

What a busy, productive and FUN weekend! My weekend began a day early as I took a day off to visit my parents. My mother had knee surgery on Thursday and I wanted to check up on her, take a meal, and start going through photos for a DVD production for their upcoming 50th wedding celebration. Please keep her in prayer for healing.

Saturday morning the kids and I went to Panera to meet my girlfriends. My husband was gone to the No Regrets conference - an annual, awesome Christian men's event held in nearby Brookfield. Next weekend it is my turn to attend a women's conference, so I wanted to get together with my girlfriends and catch up.

Once we got home we started getting lots of snow, unexpected. I thought that was all reserved for Sunday night. I spent Saturday doing some major cleaning and packing things for charity. The kids and I also found time to play some games and sled. I was totally wore out by early evening. At least the snow stopped - as I had a benefit concert to go to, fortunately a 1/2 mile or so away. $3000+ was raised to help build an orphanage, McKallie's Home of Future and Hope, in Malawi, Africa. I was very proud of our ten year old. As I was writing a check for the benefit he contributed $10 of his own money, money he was saving to buy a set of Indiana Jones books at the school book fair tomorrow. His gesture really warmed my heart!

Just before I left for the concert UPS must have made a late afternoon delivery. Two boxes - one from Brandon at Piggy Tales. He had sent me a hard to get a hold of barn doors board book and some paper as an appreciation gift for a project that was published using Piggy Tales product. Coincidentally, in the 2nd box was the very Paper Crafts issue that contained my Piggy Tales project! I was happy to see it received a full page on page 40 of the PaperCrafts special photography issue. The box also contained a surprising amount of scrapbook products, including a fabulous kit and paper pack by Paper Loft, products by Imaginisce, Love Elsie and more! After working so hard on Saturday it just made my day!

The concert was well attended despite the snow. There was music for everyone, from a young Christian rock band, a group of talendted musicians called Soul Purpose, who have a folk/country style program, and the talented Madison Community Gospel Choir. It was a super event and I was happy to see the place pretty full!

This past month I decided to start submitting some of my digital work to e-zines. I have a layout coming out in the Feburary issue of the new Scrapbook News and Review, and just had a layout picked up last night for the March issue of ScrapStreet. I also had a card picked up recently by Papercrafts. I was also asked, this past week, to be a member of the Creative Team for FaithSisters.com I look forward to growing in my faith as I scrap with the beautiful digi products by the Faith Sisters design team.

The Scrapbook Playground is having a month long crop event. Come check it out by clicking on the link at your right. There is a lot going on this month! Come back soon to see what I have been up to!

A Generous Spirit

Happy cold and blustery Tuesday! The Lord dumped 8" plus of beautiful snow on us last night, and although I am tired of snow - I have to admit it blankets the world with amazing beauty! It also makes me slow down while driving and drink in the gorgeous details of nature.

Our bible study group has been discussing generous living lately, and I thought it was a good topic to bring to light On My Journey. The layout above was created with the wonderful Winter Survival Kit from Homegrown Scrapbooks. My friend, Meri, and her son recently returned from a mission trip in Liberia. She has gone on a number of trips, and both her children have joined her at different times. My sister, her husband and daughter arrived back home last week after a mission trip to Haiti. These people are making an investment in God's kingdom - using their resources and time to obey the command of the Great Commission. By serving the poor and oppressed they can bring the light of Christ and His love to the poorest countries on earth.

Supporting these missionaries for the gospel in prayer and financial has been such a blessing. It allows me to participate in missions when I cannot physically go myself. I love to hear the stories, and how lives are changed.

My friend Meri is also passionate about an orphanage in Malawi, Africa - McKallie's Home of Future and Hope. You can find the link at the lower right corner of my blog to learn more, or make a direct donation. On Feb. 2 several music groups will gather and ofter their talents to God to raise money for Africa and the children. If you live near Cross Plains, WI please stop in to St. Martin's Lutheran Church for an evening of praise, thanksgiving, laughter and a soul lifting experience! Admission is simply a giving from your heart and all goes towards the orphanage.

Speaking of giving...I realized what a giving heart my uncle (who lives next door) has as he swept into our driveway with his bobcat this morning and cleared the snow. He has been doing this for so many years now. With my bad back, and my husband having very early morning work hours, and our driveway being very steep - his generosity to our family is such a blessing. I snapped a few pictures, and realize I need to scrap a page to preserve the memory of all he has done for us.

Is there someone in your life that continually shows an act of kindness? Sometimes we take these acts for granted, but perhaps they are overlooked on our scrapbook pages. I challenge you to scrap a page about an act or person who is making a difference in your life - the unsung hero, so to speak. Please share your creations with me afterwards!

Beauty and the Beast

Today was just one of those days where the beauty of nature made your jaw drop. Any time spent outdoors today just made me realize what an awesome artist God is. The plant life, from smallest weed to tallest tree, glistened with a fresh dusting of snow and warming temperatures that produced ice crystals. This morning all I really wanted to do on the way to work was to stop the car and snap photos. I did have my camera, but forgot my boots. Believe me, with all the snow we have had this year, boots are imperative to get to the places I wanted to go, and still show up resepctively dry for work.

I kept an eye on the skies today - no sun would mean the pristine beauty would remain for the day. I got home, and did something I have been meaning to do for some time. I painted a piece of cardboard black. I needed to wait a few for the bus to bring my helper home from his school day. When Kyle arrived my boots and coat were on, and he reluctantly agreed to be my assistant as we headed up the hill to take photos. We did not need to go as far as I thought we might before God gave us plantlife worthy of photographing in it's winter dressed splendor.

Can you see why I wanted a piece of black cardboard? The one thing I did learn was that I need something larger than 12x12. (LOL)
Even the scrawniest, lowest of plant life - weeds, can become a canvas for the Master Artist to wow us with His creation.


I took so many photos today. Some, although composition was very cool, were a bit blurry - and I pray that tomorrow the beauty will still be around for me. This time I shall trek out of doors with my tripod.

Did I mention I got stuck? I almost lost my boot, and it was actually pretty comical! To get the red berries I climbed down a ditch into some pretty deep snow. Because the snow was so mushy my boots sunk in almost knee high, and the snow and ice just packed in around my feet. I was pretty stuck. I couldn't really brace myself with my arms for leverage, as they would just sink down into the 18" or so of snow on the bank. I did figure, that since I was stuck, I may as well sit down and get a vantage point of the branch from underneath. Oh, was I cold and wet when I was done taking my 10 or so pictures to get that one gorgeous shot!

When I was "finally done" (Kyle's words, not mine) my strong, young men helped give me some leverage and balance so I could work my feet into breaking free from their icey stronghold.

We took a path less travelled home, because of course I wanted new photo opportunities. We met a curious friend along the way.

Now you know the Beast. (LOL)
SO hey, have snow? Here is a photo challenge for you... Watch for those pristine winter moments, take a stiff, black backdrop of some sort with you - and head outdoors with your camera and take some "blackdrop" nature photography. Sure, a nice blue sky background is always nice, but the black... I have to say - it seems rather stunning. I set my camera on different modes - automatic, portrait, and as it became dusk, the night sky setting as well.
No snow? No problem! I have done this with flowers as well. I used to use Bazzill cardstock, but I would rather lose a piece of cardboard to the elements, or what have you. I would love for you to shout out and show me your captured blackdrop photo with a link or an email. Take a little helper along with you - and instill in them a love for nature's beauty, and photography. My son may grumble a bit when he would rather be playing a computer game, but as I see him playing with the camera - I see the budding photographer in him, and it just makes me smile.