Hand Stamped By Lacey

Please pray for Kate

I've had a link in my sidebar for a little girl named Kate who has an aggressive brain tumor for awhile now. She is having a MRI scan done today at 3:00 (I think Mountain time?) because of some new symptoms. 

Her scan was supposed to be on friday, but they bumped it up to today because of the new symptoms. There is a new spot that they are worried about. 

You can read her journal here...

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate

Lord God, I lift up Kate and her family to you. Lord please be with Kate and her doctors. I pray that her new symptoms are just those of a silly virus and that they have nothing to do with her tumor. I pray that the new spot in question is miraculously gone. Lord, we know that you have the power to remove this cancer. And so we ask, we beg, that you take this cancer away from Kate. Restore her body 100% to the glory of which you created. 

I claim Psalms 139 over Kate today...

1 O LORD, you have searched (Kate) and you know (Kate). 2 You know when (she) sits and when (she) rises; you perceive (her) thoughts from afar. 3 You discern (her) going out and (her) lying down; you are familiar with all (her) ways. 4 Before a word is on (her) tongue you know it completely, O LORD. 5 You hem (Her) in--behind and before; you have laid your hand upon (her). 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 7 Where can (she) go from your Spirit? Where can (she) flee from your presence? 8 If (she) goes up to the heavens, you are there; if (she) makes (her) bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If (she) rises on the wings of the dawn, if (she) settles on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide (Kate), your right hand will hold (her) fast. 11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide (her) and the light become night around (her)," 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. 13 For you created (her) inmost being; you knit (Kate) together in (her) mother's womb. 14 I praise you because (Kate) is fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 (Kate's) frame was not hidden from you when (she) was made in the secret place. When (she) was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw (Kate's) unformed body. All the days ordained for (her) were written in your book before one of them came to be. 

Thank you, Lord God, for allowing us to come to you on Kate's behalf. Hear our prayers o' Lord and cast this disease away from Kate. We praise you because you are powerful and mighty and you have compassion for your children. Please have mercy on Kate and rid her body of this horrible disease. 

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Updated Wednesday night...

This was taken from Kate's caring pages...

"Words could not possibly express our joy and gratitude for today's scan. Stable! Never have those words sounded so sweet. We are still trying to let the news soak in. 

Kate's oncologist said the scan looked good.... there appeared no new growth from the one 2 months ago. And the enhancement and flair on the scan was actually somewhat less. We could not have been more excited!

We are grateful for the outpouring of prayers. We were in a very precarious situation knowing we could hear one of two drastically different reports today. We are rejoicing that the news was great, and we get more time with our precious daughter. Thank you Jesus." 

Spread the Love Blog Hop for Jamie

 
My heart was broken this weekend when I received an email regarding a Blog Hop that was set up to benefit a young girl named Jamie.

Here is some information that was taken from the Stamp Something for Jamie blog...

New Hampshire is a small state filled with even smaller towns. It's the kind of place where you know everyone, leave your keys in the ignition when you run in the post office and don't worry about walking home from a neighbor's house at night. I live in the same town I grew up in by choice, not by necessity and love that my 6th grade music teacher is my daughter's principal, that my cheer leading coach is her guidance counselor and that soon she'll get the chance to beat my classmate's long standing high jump record on field day.

Mont Vernon is an even smaller town than mine about 40 minutes away. It is home to a long time friend and her family as well as their neighbor, 11 year old Jaimie Cates. On the night of October 4th Jaimie and her mom and my friend and her family went to bed with no way of knowing what events were about to transpire to change their lives.

Four local teenagers armed with knives, broke into their home and brutally murdered Kim Cates and seriously injured 11 year old Jaimie. They chose the home for no other reason than its location and for no other purpose than to bring harm to the occupants. It was a senseless, random crime that shook the small town and much of the state.

After receiving a grief filled email from my friend asking for help for the family, I knew I needed to help however I could. I asked my fellow stamper, New Hampshire gal, and long time friend Denise Lynn for ideas. Together, and with the artistic talents of Ann Vento, we came up with the idea of an international blog hop and this blog to raise awareness of the crime. We are hoping to shower Jaimie with wishes of love and hope from around the world to help her recover some of what was lost.

The hop starts at 10am ET on Monday, November 2nd and will include over 60 talented stampers, donations from fabulous stamp companies and lots of love. We are asing everyone to make and send a card to Jaimie as quickly as possible. If you are unable to make a card or wish to do more, please visit our sidebar and click on the donations link.

What a tragic story! The home is supposed to be a place of refuge...it's supposed to be safe!!

I signed up the Wags 'n Whiskers Blog to participate in the blog hop. I am not on the actual hop, but if you would like to visit the hop, start here. The hop will run all week and there are a ton of prizes that will be given away at the end.

I wanted to make Jamie a card with an encouraging bible verse. I can't image the fear she is feeling and the pain of loosing her mother. Not to mention the physical pain she went through because of the attack.

I thought Angel Whispers was a good image to use. I am going to write her a personal note to go in the card as well. I want to tell her that Butterflies are a sign of new life...and every time she see's a butterfly, she should know in her heart that her mother is whispering "I love you" to her!

I took the colors from the Color Throwdown challenge this week: Elegant Eggplant, Bordering Blue, and Rich Razzlebery. These are not colors I would have put together...but I love how it turned out.

I embossed Ansley in black onto watercolor paper and colored her Twinkling H2Os...

The sentiment on the front is from a Verve set. The sentiment on the inside is from Stampin' Up! "Thoughts and Prayers" set...

I also included a bible verse...

"For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand, and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help yo.'" Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

The butterfly is from SU/Sizzix.

If you would like to send a card to Jamie or her father, the address to send them to should be in the blinkie logo above.

Please pray for Jamie and her father.

Thanks for stopping by today!

~Lacey

Day 2 of the Wags 'n Whiskers Sneak Peeks

Sooo??? What do you think so far? Did you have the chance to look at the design diva's sneak peeks yesterday? I am just amazed at what they did!

Let me tell you...I am having so much fun! I can hardly wait for tomorrow!!

Today I get to share another sneak peek with you...But instead of a card, I went with a scrapbook page instead. I mentioned yesterday that one of the ideas behind the images are actually for scrapbook layouts. I am way too behind in my scrapbooking..maybe if the images where actually of my kids, I will be able to get more pages done!!

So, here is my project today...

 
I am so happy with how this turned out. You can click on the pictures for a larger view. I used 3 challenges as a starting point...Stamp and Scrap Challenge to "use a quote", Devine Design (to use scripture) and Friday Sketcher sketch this week (when I saw the layout, it reminded me of a scrapbook page...I changed the image layout to go sideways and used a strip of photos instead of 1 image...oh, and I moved the background layer to the right).

The image I used is called Angel Whispers designed by Crissy Armstrong for Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps. It features my 7 year old daughter Ansley with our dog Princess. Princess is a 2 year old Yorkie/Silkie who is just over 5 pounds...yes, she is full grown.

 
The inspiration of this image is a trip to a Butterfly exhibit that the kids and I visited this summer. It was so amazing to walk into a garden aviary with butterflies flying everywhere! Occassionally one would let you touch it, and on rare occasions, they would land on you! There were these White Morpho Butterflies that were huge! They flew around together in groups of 2 or 3. They were almost completely white. And when they flew together, I thought they looked like angel's dancing!

You will notice that each image of Ansley features her as an angel. When she was a baby I would either call her my Princess or my Angel. Well, when we got our dog and named her Princess, it got too confusing when I would call Ansley "Princess"...so now she is my Angel (my gift from God)!!

So, there's a little background about the inspiration for the image and the name.

Onto the layout...

I knew I wanted to use Angel Whispers for the layout so I went in search of pictures and a bible verse (my favorite form of a quote for the Stamp and Scrap part of the challenge). I found this great bible verse...which was also perfect for the pictures I had on hand...

 
"Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings" Psalms 17:8 NIV

The photos were actually taken 2 years ago right before Ansley turned 5. I remember when I got the photos, my mind raced 10 years...I could almost see her as a teenager! My baby was growing up right before my eyes.

Here is the journaling for the page...

It says... 

"Ansley, you make me so proud.

I watch you grow right in front of me.

You are the apple of my eye

and I just want to hide you in the shadow of my protection.

But although I would love to protect you from everything,

I am but a human...only your mother.

So, my dear Angel,

I pray that you seek out the only shelter of true protection...

In the shadow of God's wings!"

Here's a close up of the photos. I still can't believe she was only 4 when these were taken!!

 
For a little embellishment, I created a double layered butterfly out of the backside of the Cosmo Cricket paper (this is the backside of the polkadot layer)....

 
I die cut the butterflies from the SU die. I pierced holes and handstitched some embroidery floss to create a flight path. I added some rhinestones for the body.

This page makes me very happy!! And I am still in awe of Crissy Armstrong's illustration of my daughter!!

Don't forget that tomorrow will be the official BLOG HOP and RELEASE DAY!!! Yeah!! Start the blog hop on the Wags 'n Whiskers Blog. There will be giveaways at each stop along the hop! When you are done, you will head back to the Wags 'n Whisker Blog where there will be a giveaway of the WHOLE RELEASE and there will be links to where you can purchase the stamps (after 7am EST).

But today, there are more sneak peeks on the Design Diva's blogs! Links are listed below.

Don't forget about my blog candy here.

And don't forget that today is the last day for the 20% off of your first order at Stamp and Create!! You must enter discount code WELCOME at check out to receive your discount.

Inge Groot

Kristine Moldenhauer Biseth

Danielle Kennedy

Karen Goguen

Jacqui Dennis

Tina

Jeanette Comerford

Niki Estes

Nikki Fairbairn - Co-Owner of Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps

Denise Sanchez - Guest Diva

Mina Hartley- Special Guest

Debbie Eastman- Special Guest

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

TGIF!!! And Damask Scripture Balls

Let me tell you how glad I am that it's friday!! As I posted earlier in the week, Ansley and I weren't feeling well. Ansley still has a cough, but no fever, no more throwing up, so she only missed one day of school. I have been going to bed early every night, so I am starting to feel a little revived!

However...yesterday happened!! Oh my goodness...I was just having one of those days when everything could go wrong. I received some bad news, which took over my whole mood. All day nothing went my way. Then finally, it was time to prepare dinner. I had partially defrosted chicken in the refrigerator, but it still was pretty hard in the afternoon so I left it on the counter to finish defrosting. Well, apparently it's just too hot, or too humid and the chicken was spoiled by the time I was ready to make it (it was only out for a few hours). So, in my bad mood, I just shoved it down the garbage disposal...and it clogged up the sink! I got the punger out which ened up making it worse. Poored draino down it which make it worse. At one point I turned the disposal back on to see if it would help clear it out...and it spewed rotten chicken water all over the kitchen!!

$250 for a plumber later...it's fixed!!

So, I was hoping for a better day today. While packing Ansley's backpack, we found some homework that was due today. So Scott helped her do it and we drove to the bus stop...just to get in while they were ready to leave. The other parents held the bus for us (and 2 other girls that were walking) and off they go. I get home to find her homework ON THE COUNTER!!! Are you kidding me?! Now I get to make a trip to the school this morning!!

Therefore, I am glad this week is almost over...I am ready to put it behind me. Do you ever have any of those days?!

On to today's post. I am glad I have something to share (since I haven't been feeling well this week, I haven't created anything new). These are the scripture balls I made for Ansley's 1st grade teacher for her daughter's wedding...

I am so happy with how these turned out. I made a total of 17 of these, but not all of them fit on the table.

I used SU Basic Black for the card bases.The white is just plain CS I got at Walmart. The scriptures where printed on the computer. The Damask stamp was in the $1 section of Michaels awhile ago. The organza ribbons are from JoAnns.

I also printed their name and wedding date on the computer and punched it out with the new SU tag punch.

Anyway, I am really hoping today gets better, my headache goes away, and that I meet some wonderful new friends at MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) today!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

My first Divine Design (late): Job 5:9-10

He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. He bestows rain on the earth; he sends water upon the countryside. Job 5:9-10

I have been watching on the sidelines for a least a year now seeing beautiful posts by Taylor and Angel for their monthly Devine Design challenges! Well, this month, I decided it was time to play along!!

After making this project for my daughter's birthday countdown, I enjoyed see this project on the refigerator. So, I decided to hand make a calender each month for our fridge! And what a perfect place to include a bible verse as well!

I have to be honest, the bible verse and stamped image I chose was inspired by the DAILY thunderstorms we have been having for the past 2 weeks here in "sunny" South Florida!! LOL I moved away from this area over 7 years ago...and how quickly I forgot about the DAILY summer thunder storms...yes, while the rest of the world gets to enjoy Autumn...it is still considered "Summer" here!! Hot and muggy...add in daily rain storms...and you get HIGH humidity (aka Bad Hair days)!!

So, I pulled out this adorable image from High Hopes Rubber Stamps called Mary Angel. I have been wanting this image since I first saw it and I finally got it last week when my wholesale order arrived in my store! Yes, it is available in my store Stamp and Create!

I printed the calender and bible verse on the computer (yes, I am aware I made an error on September 2nd, but I didn't notice it until I was completely done with the project GRRRR)!!

I love this verse....Job went through some "stuff", yet he was still able to stand in his beliefs. This verse is a wonderful reminder (especially to me), that God does wonderful things...more than can be counted...yet He still remembers simple things...things that WE take for granted...and, yes, even get mad about (guilty)...like rain for the earth!

The image was embossed in black onto watercolor paper and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os...

I added an awesome umbrella charm, used the SU eyelet border punch, SU Bermuda Bay Dotted ribbon and CS, MME DP, some primas, pearl brads, and stickles for lost of glitter. I also added some crystal effects on the puddle...

I hope you can see it in the photo.

Anyway, Niki Estes has a great Christmas idea that she does every year. She creates a calender with matching scrapbook pages for the following year, scans them, prints multiple copies, and binds them as Christmas gifts for the Grandparents! I really want to be able to do this. However, I will have to start with another calender page...my scanner can only handle 8 1/2" x 11" and since the image is popping off the page, it won't scan completely. I plan on starting it next month!

Anyway, I had a really great time playing along with this challenge. It feels great that I finally did it!!

Ansley received some wonderful cards for her birthday (some from my blog candy challenge and some just from friends). I am trying to get photos of all of them, then I will announce the winners of my blog candy tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Pop-up Scripture Ball

I've been very busy this week working on party favors for my daughter's surprise birthday party next weekend! I have been trying to sneak making them while she is at school.

But with the start of school this week, it's been hectic!

I do have a few projects that I have to share, but I need to take photos. I also received a wonderful RAK, but the pictures I took ended up blurry so I have to retake them. Since I have family coming over for dinner tonight, I am going to share something I made awhile ago, but never posted...

I actaully made these for the Ryan's teachers and preschool administrators at the end of the last school year...

I used the Pop-Up Ball die from Sizzix (which is available through Stampin' Up). I used SU Ridinghood Red for the base and Bella Rose DP (both retired now).

I printed up some of my favorite bible verses, printed them on the computer, then cut them up and attached them to the ball.

I added some ribbon and a large flower to the top. And added some butterflies using the another Sizzix die which is exclusive to Stampin' Up.

Here are some other angles...

 
This particular ball was created for one of the teachers who is fighting bone cancer. So these verses are about healing and not being afraid. The other teacher's received different verses.

I actually am making 20 of these (with the other verses) in a different design for Ansley's teacher from last year. She is using it for table decorations and party favors for her daughter's wedding. As soon as I have the chance, I need to take pictures of those, too!

Well, I am glad this week is over! It was hard readjusting to a busy school schedule. But I think we are getting there! The kids have a little homework to do over the weekend. Ryan starts Karate next week! He is very excited.

Speaking of Ryan, I have posted many times about how much of a handful he can be. He's not a bad child who hits or fights or anything like that. He's just VERY active, and has selective hearing (meaning...he doesn't always listen)!! I have NOT gotten him tested for ADHD yet...mainly because he CAN sit still IF he wants to and if he is interested in something. But I swear sometimes he gets a little "crazy"...like litterally bouncing off the walls!

So, at the suggestion of his preschool teacher and some friends, I am going to try to test out a diet that is recommended for ADHD and even Autistic children. We are going to start with Dairy! Crazy, I know! But apparently, some kids can not break down the casein protein in dairy well and it causes a reaction. The diet also suggests Glutten Free as well...but that is so hard to deal with...I think I will just see how dairy free works first.

It's only been 1 day, so of course there is no change yet.

Well, that's it for now. I need to finish getting ready for company.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Praying for you

Sorry I haven't been posting much. We only have 1 1/2 weeks before school starts back up for both of my kids. Since we spent so much time with the move to the new house, I want to spend as much time with the kids before school. In addition to shopping for all of the needed school supplies, clothes, and uniforms, we have been trying to enjoy a little of our new city. We've been to 2 different malls, the beach, a splash park, and today we are going to the movies. Of course, there is our daily dip in our pool (sometimes more than once)!!

Next week we have orientation for both schools. But I am hoping to do more "fun" stuff, too. Well, I guess I do have to take them to the doctor and dentist...it's much easier to do these things before school starts.

On saturday, we are going to the MONSTER Truck show!! I bet Ryan will love it! And next week we plan to: go to Butterfly World (where you walk into an atrium FILLED with butterflies that land on you, see beautiful birds including different species of hummingbirds, and feed the lorikeets), meet up with a friend at Sea World in Orlando, and probably another trip to the beach.

Not to mention I am working on a ton of "behind the scenes" things I am working on.

So, please forgive me if my posts are sporatic over the next week.

In the mean time, I have a sad card to share.

One of my husband's coworkers lost her son on saturday. He was 18 years old playing in a house with a gun present. He was accidentally shot and killed by his 16 year old best friend! So tragic! I don't even like my kids to play "guns", because it makes then "fun". Oh, this breaks my heart!!

I made this card for her...not that anything I say can make her feel any better, but just to show our sympathy.

I used "Thoughts and Prayers" by Stamping Up!...

On the inside, I used another sentiment from the set mixed with an old retired "sympathy" sentiment...

The sentiment reads...

"Praying for friends to comfort you, faith to uphold you, and loving memories to heal your heart."

The signature is a personalized stamp from SU.

I was very upset when I made this card. But the bow helped cheer me up a bit...I am really happy with how it turned out...I've never done one like that with the button in the center.

Anyway, don't forget about my blog candy here.

We are off to the movies today.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Beauty...a SU Scrapbook Page

...well, almost all Stampin' Up!

My Stamp Club is tonight. I have a couple scrapbookers in the group so I promised that I would teach them how to create their own "designer paper" using stamps. We will be using the DP we create to decorate a box for either a Mother's Day or Teacher's Appreciation gift. But I wanted to show how the custom DP can be used for a scrapbook layout.

Since it's for my Stamp Club, I used mostly SU supplies (with an exeption of 2 things). I have highlighted the SU supplies in a different color since linking so many items in typepad causes it to freeze up. But all of the SU products can be purchased online here (you also get a free Idea Book and Catalog free with any on-line purchase).

Of course, I started my layout by choosing the colors that would go well with my photos. Then I created my DP...

Click on the pictures for a larger view.

I used SU Fifth Avenue Floral, Sanded background, and the dot from Heartfelt Thanks stamps. The colors used are Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, and Creamy Caramel.

I stamped the Baja Breeze rose randomly over a 12" x 12" Whisper White cardstock first. Then I stamped the flower in Kiwi Kiss making sure it over lapped the roses just a tiny bit. Then I stamped the Chocolate Chip flower making sure to connect the clusters together and filling in some space. Next I stamped the dot from Heartfelt Thanks in Creamy Caramel filling in any spaces. Lately, I randomly inked and stamped Sanded Background stamp making sure to "stamp off" onto scrap paper first so a 2nd generation was stamped onto the CS (this is so the scratches from the background were more subtle color).

I punched the top and bottom with the SU Eyelet Border punch, cut off a tiny bit on the sides of the DP (so that I could mat it on Chocolate Chip 12"x12" CS and allow some to show), then inked up the edges with Chocolate Chip.

Here is a closer look...

It's real simple and Fifth Avenue Floral creates such a beautiful DP!

And here is my layout...

Let me tell you how much I LOVE this layout!! The pictures were taken by my friend and former neighbor Erin Teplin. She has moved her home and business to Milwaukee, WI...she does AMAZING photos...so if you are in the area, give her a call!! She took this picture as well. I have a TON of pictures from this session that I haven't been able to scrapbook yet, so you should be seeing more at some time.

Here are some details...

I used the SU Sizzix Scalloped Circle for the journaling. The journalling is actually a bible verse that I thought is good for little girls to know...

"It should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight" 1 Peter 3:4 NIV

I printed the verse on the computer on Kraft CS before die cutting. The "October" is stamped using the Full Calender stamp set and the year was printed on the computer onto Kiwi Kiss CS then punched out with the Word Window Punch. The butterfly was die cut from the SU Sizzix Beautiful Butterflies die. First I cut the butterflies out of some On Board Long Board chipboard (I love how the dies mixed with the chipboard material allow you to create your own custom chipboard). Then I cut the same butterflies out of some Parisian Breeze Specialty CS. I glued it on using the Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive glue and sanded the edges using a finger nail file (it gets in the small corners better than sanding blocks).

The flowers are from the SU Pretties Kit died with SU reinkers in Kiwi Kiss and Baha Breeze. They were attached together with some Chocolate Chip Cordouroy Button/Brads. The swirl chipboard is one of the non-SU items on the layout. It is a Bazzil Chip Board that was covered with some SU Bella Rose DP. The other non-SU item is the title letters. They are actually wood pieces that a friend of mine gave me. They are self adhesive and were perfect for this layout.

Here is the other butterfly chip board.

I am just in love with these pictures of Ansley. Erin did a fantastic job capturing her inner beauty and personality. Ansley is my little angel. She has a very kind heart. She is almost always willing to share and always wants to save something for me or daddy (sometimes she will get a cookie at the store and will say that she wants to keep the last bite for daddy)! She also has a wonderful love of the Lord! I believe, at such a young age, she can see God's glory is the beauty of nature! Ansley is also a sensitive soul! She is broken hearted if she thinks she has hurt someone. She cries at movies and loves to draw pictures for her family and friends!

And she is so beautiful on the outside as well! It's amazing how much a little girl can look like her father...while still looking like a beautiful "girl". She has her daddy's eyes, too! You can just look into them and see her inner beauty.

Ansley is also a "good" girl. She almost never pushes the limit or fights with us....her brother, on the other hand, can be another story :-) But we almost never have to worry about her disobeying us on purpose (unlike her mischievious brother)!! Of course, she is only 6 years old...my story may be different when she is 16!! LOL

Here is the whole page again...

I have to run so I can finish getting ready for stamp club!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Happy Easter

"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:1-6 (NIV)

I hope you are having a wonderful Easter. I know we are. We had a wonderful visit from the Easter Bunny this morning!!

The kids had a great time hunting for eggs this morning. Ansley's face says it all!!

Here are some pictures my husband took outside before we left for church...

and

and

Aren't they adorable?

My mom was still in town this morning so she came to church with us...

I will have another post with the High Hopes Challenge. So check back in a few.

In the mean time, I will leave you with a picture of my family! Have a very blessed Easter!!

Friday Sketcher CD holder for a friend

One of my friends from my neighborhood is moving away. We live in an area full of Military (mostly Navy) so every 3 years or so, everyone moves on. Crystal was in my stamp club when I first started with Stampin' Up so I know she appreciates a hand-made card.

So, I decided to use the sketch from Friday Sketchers #44 this week for the layout...

Here is my card...

Click on the pictures for a larger view.

I didn't have much time to work on the card since I made her a set of cards, too (which I will post later). I had this image (Melinda Hugging Heart) already colored...which helped a lot with the time it took to make this card.

I made the background/designer paper using the Stampin' Up set Fifth Avenue Floral (here's a card I made with the same idea but different colors).

The inside is a CD Holder...

The sentiment if from Papertrey Ink Friends 'til the end. The top of the mat is not sewn to hold the CD...

 This is another one of my CD's that I had burned earlier when I made some for other friends using High Hopes Candi Tooth Fairy stamped in Black Stazon directly onto the CD. If I had the time to burn another CD, I would have used the same stamp as the card...but I was rushed for time so I used the angel that I already had.

On the inside of the card front, is the playlist (a list of some of my favorite Contemporary Praise and Worship songs...

Wow! While putting the categories on this post, it occured to me that I used 4 different stamp companies on this card (Whiff of Joy, High Hopes Rubber Stamps, Stampin' Up, and Papertrey Ink)...but I think they really worked together well!! That just show how versatile stamping can be!

Anyway, this was a fun sketch that I will probably use again later.

Twelve ladies went out last night for a going away dinner for Crystal at The Melting Pot. I had everyone sign the card. I think she like it!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

An Angel by Your Side

A friend of mine is going through some really hard times right now. She called me to ask me to make her some cards. She wants to send a card to her friends to let them know how much she appreciates their help during this time.

I had a bunch of cards already made up so I only had to make a few more for her. Most of those have already been shared here except one that I will share later. 

I wanted to be able to do something more for her than just make the cards. So, I made a card for her as well...with something special inside.

Click on the pictures for a larger view.

I mentioned earlier that I got some of the older High Hopes stamps along with the newest release and this is one of those stamps. This is Delia Angel. I just love this image...perfect to send to a friend. One of my friends came over today to play with my Twinkling H2Os (*waving at Terry*) so I colored this while she was here. I used the SCS Color Challenge CC207 for the inspiration (Summer Sun, Kiwi Kiss, Pumpkin Pie). I embossed the image in black onto SU Whisper White, then watercolored with H2Os.

I loved the paper I used in this card (My Mind's Eye Magnolia). It was still lying on my desk and I noticed that it has some orange, yellow, and green in it so I thought it would work for the color challenge. The card base is 5 1/4" square of Pumpkin Pie. I inked up the edges of the DP and image with Summer Sun. I found some primas that coordinated and a Basic Grey button (the orange flower really it's neon IRL).

I added stickles to the wings, the orange flower, and all around the mat and card base.

Here is the inside...

The sentiment Gentle Guide is also from High Hopes. In case it's not clear, it reads...

"Whenever life if stressful

And you need a gentle guide

Remember to take heart

There's an Angel by your side!"

The "Sending Hugs" sentiment is from PTI Friends til the End.

I punched the left side of the DP with my SU Eyelet Border punch. Then I sewed along the other 3 sides to create a pocket. Behind the pocket is another CD that I made here, here, and here...

I made this CD at the same time as the others. I am glad I have a few on hand. But again, this was stamped with Black Stazon directly onto the CD.

On the inside of the top of the card, I added the playlist...

I hope these songs will help lift her spirit during this hard time.

On a personal note...

Things have been very busy. I have a few card orders that I need to finish up. And my email has been acting up so I have spent way too much time with Bellsouth trying to get it fixed. But, so far, it's still acting up.

Also, we still haven't heard anything about my husband's job...so keep praying for us. We are hoping we will hear something next week.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

 

Daily Blessings Book

Long post today...

I created a few projects lately without using stamps. This is a challenge for me! I starting stamping and scrapbook at the same time so I have always used stamps! But I created these projects for DT call for a scrapbook store with little to no stamps.

For one of the projects, I used a Basic Grey chipboard book that I found on clearance at my local Scrapbook store. I wanted to make the book full of scriptures. Every day of the week, I can read a different scripture.

I kept the pages fairly simple and used LOTs of primas.

Here is the cover...

Click on the pictures for a larger view.

  

Before I go on, I want to explain a few things and the reason why I am sharing these today... 

Late last year, my husband was informed that his company was going through a restructure. They decided to postpone the restructure until April 1st. Well, while my husband was in Daytona all week last week, he spent some time with his boss. It looks as though the chances of us staying here in the Jacksonville area is starting to get very slim. The blessing is that he will probably be moved into another area and therefore he will still have a job. But, it means we may have to leave our town.

We have been here for over 5 years and I have met some wonderful people. My neighborhood is FULL of stay-at-home moms and tons of young children. I have never lived is such a wonderful neighborhood! We have such a network of help and support that it has been such a blessing. Not to mention the Spirital Growth and healing that I have received through my church and my Life Group/Bible Study. And my all-important Stamp Club!!

Since my husband informed me of this news, I have been under a lot of stress. I am NOT very good with the unknown. The one area I struggle with is worry.

A dear friend gave me such encouraging words that meant so much to me. She reminded me of all that God promises. I am so blessed to have her in my life. The strange thing is that I have never met her in person...she is a blogging friend! 

All day yesterday I thought of what she said. And last night while I was praying, I was reminded of our move here over 5 years ago. We were living in Tampa. Ansley just had her 1st birthday. And my sister, who lived a mile away, was pregnant with a girl...we had plans of raising our girls together! We had just starting getting invloved with our church and life was good. But my husband saw an opportunity and wanted to move us to a city without any family or friends and take me away from my sister and my church. I wanted to support my husband's career, but I was scared. I remember rocking Ansley in her dark room one night, giving her a bottle before she went to bed. I remember fervently praying...asking God "Why would you move me away from my sister? Why would you move me away from my church that we just started getting involved and connected with? Why would you move me to a city where I know NO one?!"

Yet, things fell into place and we moved. 5 years later, I can look back at having MORE friends than I have EVER had in my life here. I can look back at the unbelievable growth I have received in an amazing church. I can look back at ALL of the blessings that I have received in this town I didn't want to move to!

So with the encouragement from my friend, I have been reminded that God has plans for me...He will lead us where He wants us to be...that is right for His purpose.

I was also reminded of this project that I made only weeks ago. Strangely enough, some of the verses I choose are the same thoughts that my friend reminded me of so I want to share them with you...

My friend, Crissy reminded me of these very thoughts. God had already placed them on my heart weeks ago! Little did I know that these verses were not meant for a Design Team call, but a reminder that He is in charge and is with me every step I take!

Lord God, Thank you for the gentle reminder of who you are and that you are with me all the time. Thank you for placing people in my life who are willing to allow you to speak to them for me. Thank you for holding my hand...I will not pull away...I trust you. Amen.

 

Having one of those days?

I am! I had a hard time getting going today and things weren't really going the way I planned. After having a meeting at school, I came home to try to get some things done that are taking longer than expected.

So I turned on my ipod to help pass the time. I downloaded some Christian rock songs earlier that I new would get me going when I needed them. And this song came on...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQRYi2z43oM

"I feel like I'm in surgery...still you cut deeper...Can I get up now?"

 "Be still and Know I am God!"

"But living sacrifices move"!

"Even when I'm far, you still are near."

"You win...I've been trying to do it on my own...you know what's best...it's not easy waiting on you...YOU GOT ME!!"

"I surrender my authority...I'm Yours...I'm tired of living on my own"

"Halleluia...You're God...I'm not"

How do you stay in a funk after hearing that?!

Lord God, Thank you for speaking to me when I need a slap in the head!! Thank you for this day...for the challenges that I faced...for the things I need to get done...thank you for allowing me the chance to be here to do them. Thank you for THIS wonderful day! Amen.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!!!

I hope you are having a very merry Christmas!! I am currently in Georgia enjoying the holiday with my Mom and my sister and her family.

Remember this scrapbook page? Well, here is the 2nd half that I promised...

   

This was created with High Hopes Rubber Stamps "Precious Nativity". Isn't this the most adorable nativity scene?

Edited to add close up pictures (you can click on each picture to enlarge them)...

Icovered a chipboard star with some DP, inked up the edges with SU White Craft ink and glitter and waited a little for it to dry. Then I added a vellum star that was run through a crimper then die cut with the SU Sizzix Star die (the pressure from the star die flattened out the crimping, but it left cool lines). I added some hemp twine and a beautiful ribbon I got through Taylored Expressions.

And here are both of them together...

 

Please take a moment today to thank God for the best Christmas gift EVER...the gift of His son Jesus Christ. May God bless you and keep you and your family safe this year. And may God's love fill you with the Hope the Christ our Lord!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

PS I didn't get a chance to upload the closer pictures of this page before we went out of town and I don't have them on this computer. When I get back, I will edit this post to include closer views. However, there are details on the supplies used on the link to the first layout listed above.

Merry Christmas!

~Lacey

Christmas Scrapbook page

I've been sooo busy this week. In addition to working at the preschool, I have been working on a project FOR the school. I have mentioned before that I make scrapbook pages of the school events to hang on the PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship) board in the hallway. Here are a few pages I have done and posted from last year for Western Night and Spring Fling.

Well, I didn't have any pictures of the various Christmas Programs they do in each class, so I decided to scrapbook some Nativity stamps instead of students. I am only going to show the left side of the 2-page layout today....you will get to see the other side of the layout on Christmas morning.

I used Designer Paper from SU Bella Rose set. I just love the colors in this set (Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, and Pink Pirouette). I sewed some stiching across the green and brown layers and some zig zag stiching in the upper right and bottom left corners. I added some Red/Vanilla Stripped Ribbon from SU and an awesome red and white polka dot ribbon from Taylored Expressions.

This image is Shepherds Awe from High Hopes Rubber Stamps. I embossed the image and watercolored it using SU inks and Twinkling H2Os. To create the sky, I sponged both Baja Blue and Night of Navy and inked up the edges with Chocolate Chip. I added a SU Top Note Bigz Sizzix Die in the brown polka dot SP from the Bella Rose pack to mat the image. I added some assorted primas (with stickles added to the red one), a button, and stamped a swirl around the images in Black Staz-on.

The other image is called Wee Three Kings also from High Hopes. These guys are so cute!!

To embellish the page, I added a huge velvet snowflake...

This actual photograph was taken of the snowflake on the other page...so I guess this is a sneak peek of that design...but it was a better photograph than the other snowflake and I'm too lazy right now to get up and take another picture!!

Anyway, I diecut some deep red velvet card stock that I got at a local store and ran it through my cuttlebug with the SU Snowflake die. To go with the whole "Follow the star" theme of the biblical story of the birth of Jesus, I added a velum star to the snowflake. I ran it through the swiss dots cuttlebug embossing folder first. Then through the SU Stars #2 Sizzix die. I added a button with some Linen thread.

I didn't get a good close up picture of the "journalling" in the upper right hand corner, but it reads...

An Angel of the Lord appeared and said

"I bring you good news of great joy...

Today in the town of David

a Savior has been born to you;

he is Christ the Lord...

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths

and lying in a manger". ~Luke 2:9-12

The bible verses were printed on the computer using Vellum Card Stock then cut out with a Nestability Scalloped Rectangle die.

I added a very Vanilla tag stamped with "Merry Christmas" from Holidays and Wishes from SU and die cut with a Nestability tag die. It was attached to the ribbon with some linen thread.

So, that's the first half of the Christmas layout...you will have to wait until Christmas morning for the other half!!! What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

Purpose day 6 & 7....and High Hopes Blog Hop

I don't have much time today, but I wasn't able to post day 6 & 7 of the Purpose Driven Life study and It's time for another High Hopes Blog Hop!! Go to the list of High Hopes divas on the left sidebar to find out who has the free stamps!!!

No on to the study...

Day 6 - Life is a Temporary Assignment

The bible refers many time to how short life is and therefore, we should not call earth "home"...we are just guests.

"For we were born but yesterday...our days on earth are as transient as a shadow." Job 8:9 New Living Translation

"I am but a foreigner on earth." Psalm 119:19 New Living Translation

"If you call God your Father, live your time as temporary resisdents on earth." 1 Peter 1:17 God's World Translation

"Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. 1 Peter 2:11 The Message

"Those in frequent contact with the things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all it contains will pass away." 1 Corinthians 7:31 New Living Translation

"The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever." 2 Corinthians 4:18b The Message

Rick Warren says, "In order to keep from becoming too attached to earth, God allows us to feel a significant amount of discontent and dissatisfaction in life - longings that will never be fulfilled on this side of eternity. We're not completely happy here because we're not supposed to be! Earth is not our final home; we were created for something much better."

He goes on to say, "When life gets tough, when you're overwhelmed with doubt, or when you wonder if living for Christ is worth the effort, remember that you are not home yet. At death you won't leave home - you'll go home!!

Day 6 - Thinking about my Purpose

Point to Ponder: This world is not my home.

Verse to Remember: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" 2 Corinthians 4:18 New International Version

Question to Consider: How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living righ now?

Day 7 - The Reason for Everything

Rick says "The ultimate goal of the universe is to show the glory of God."

The bible has portrayed the Glory of God as "a consuming fire, a cloud, thunder, smoke, and a brilliant light."

Rick says..."There are many ways to bring glory to God, but they can be summarized in God's five purposes for your life...."

We bring God glory (1) by worshiping him, (2) by loving other believers, (3) by becoming like Christ, (4) by serving others with our gifts, and (5) by telling others about him.

The rest of this chapter dicusses living for Christ instead of just "existing". In order to do this, you need to commit yourself to Jesus Christ by believing and receiving...

Rick says, "Believe God loves you and made you for his purposes. Believe you're not an accident. Believe you were made to last forever. Believe God has chosen you to have a relationship with Jesus, who died on the cross for you. Believe that no matter what you've done, God wants to forgive you....Receive Jesus into your life as you Lord and Savior. Receive his forgiveness for your sins. Receive his Spirit, who will give you the power to fulfill your life purpose."

Day 7 - Thinking about my Purpose

Point to Ponder: It's all for Him.

Verse to Remember: "For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory." Romans 11:36 Living Bible

Question to Consider: Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory?

This completes the first section of the study entitled "What on Earth am I here for?" The next 5 sections/weeks will discuss the 5 purposes for life. If you don't have the book yet, I suggest you get it and start reading along. I am only scratching the surface of what Rick discusses in each chapter.

For those of you who are following along, I pray that this study is blessing you and I pray that God is revealing His purposes for you. I am blessed by having you visit my blog each day and by knowing that God loves each of us more than we can fully understand!!! Thank you so much!

Thanks for stopping by!

PS Don't forget about my birthday candy and the High Hopes Blog hop!!

Blogger Award and Purpose Driven Life Day 4 and 5...

I received this wonderful award from Joy at "A Place to me Be". She lives in beautiful Hawaii!!! Ahhh...my dream...to go to Hawaii!! We were going to go for our 5th wedding anniversary, but I didn't think we should do it since I wasn't working at the time. Maybe for our 10th. Because when we go, I want to do everything!!! I don't want to be on a budget!! LOL

Joy, thank you so much! This was so sweet!!

  Here are the rules:
1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Put links to their blogs
5. Leave a message for your nominees.

Ok, so I am nominating...

Crissy Armstrong - Crissy's Art & Heart - The artist/Illustrator for High Hopes Rubber Stamps

Anna Write - Sassy & Sweet - awesome blog...you never know if there will be great photos of chickens, or cute wimsical cards!

Julia Stainton - Belle Papier - Julis has some wonderful cards and fantastic tips and product reviews as well as awesome scrapbook pages.

Susanna Boyd - Card of the Week - Susanna's blog is full of the "best" in stamping blogs

Ila - Artfully Ila - Ila is just a sweet heart! Her watercoloring and her cards are amazing!

Go check out all of these awesome ladies!!

It's only week 1 of the Purpose Driven Life and I am already behind! I'm only behind 1 day in reading, but 2 days with posting. So, onto the study...

Day 4 - Made to Last Forever

Rick Warren opens the chapter saying..."Life on earth is just the dress rehearsal before the real production." That's a great way of looking at life! We only have a short time on earth, what we do with that time is important to how we will spend eternity! The Bible says, "God has...planted eternity in the human heart." (Ecclesiastics 3:11 New Living Translation).

Rick Warren says, "Death is not your termination, but your transition into eternity, so there are eternal consequences to everything you do on earth."

That's a good point...if we didn't have eternity "planted" into us, then why would we really care about being good? If there were no consequences for our actions, why wouldn't we just live life the way we wanted? 

Day Four - Thinking about my Purpose

Point to Ponder: There is more to life than just here and now.

Verse to Remember: "This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever." 1 John 2:17 (NLT)

Question to Consider: Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?

Day 5 - Seeing Life from God's View

This chapter discusses how we view life and what God gave us. Rick Warren points out "three metaphors that teach us God's view of life: Life is a test, life is a trust, and life is a temporary assignment". The first 2 are discussed in this chapter.

The bible says that we will be tested. But God wants us to pass the test..."God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (Today's English Version).

Rick discusses how EVERYTHING can be a test; from the way we handle money to the way we handle people. The Bible says "Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 God's Word Translation.

Life on earth is also a Trust...God owns everything on earth and he has trusted them to us while we are on earth. "The world and all that is in it belong to the Lord; the earth and all who live on it are his." Psalm 24:1 Today's English Version. This includes everything from money to simple daily chores.

Day five - Thinking about my purpose

Point to Ponder: Life is a test and a trust.

Verse to Remember: "Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones." Luke 16:10a (NTL)

Question to Consider: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?

Tomorrow I will post Days 6 and 7.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

Your Word...

I've had this Wiff of Joy stamp for awhile now, but haven't had the chance to ink it up. I needed a good "teenage girl" stamp, and I thought Melinda Reading Book was great for a card for my niece (Melinda sort of looks like Laney).

I used Wiff of Joy Sketch Challenge #7...

I know I'm late with the challenge, but I really loved this sketch.

Anyway, I thought Melinda (being an Angel and all) looked like she was reading the Bible. So, I added a cross from the signature stamp from "On Eagle's Wings" from Our Daily Bread Designs.

I embossed Melinda in black, then watercolored her using Stampin' Up inks and markers. I added a pink glow around her with Pink Pirouette and highlights with a white gel pen (you can see the flash bouning off the black embossing). 

The Designer Paper is from My Mind's Eye Everyday Tango pad. I added stickles around the layers and on her wings and the flower. The sentiment was printed on the computer...

On the inside I added some DP scraps to carry the theme...

This card actually is not the card for my niece. I haven't ordered the large square envelopes yet. So since I needed to mail my niece's card, I made one with the same design in a normal A2 size.

This is Laney's card...

I added stiching around the edges, some swirls around the image (not really happy with them), and removed the sentiment and brads so it would fit.

The inside is a money holder card...

I sewed the DP flap on to create a pocket to hold money.

Here are the 2 cards together...

The larger card on the left actually looks smaller, but it's just because it's a "tent card" (open on the bottom) so it looks shorter when standing; it's actually 5 1/2" x 5 1/2".

Now, of course, Ansley HAD to make a card as well...

Ansley copied my card and decided to add her own cross to her book!! LOL

Now onto Day 3 of The Purpose Driven Life. This chapter is called "What Drives Your Life?"

This chapter discusses some common things that drive our lives such as guilt, resentment and anger, fear, materialism, and the need for approval.

Rick Warren (the author) says "knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life"...quoting the bible, 'I know what I am planning for you...I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.'" Jeremiah 29:11 (New Century Version).

He says "Knowing your purpose focuses your life....motivates your life...and prepares you for eternity."

Day Three: Thinking about my Purpose

Point to Ponder: Living on purpose is the path to Peace.

Verse to Remember: "You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpse firm and put their trust in you." Isaiah 26:3 (Today's English Version).

Question to Consider: What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What do I want it to be?

If you are following along with this study, I hope the study blesses your life and I encourage you to get the book and read it...my little summaries don't even scratch the surface compared to reading the book.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

Purpose?

My bible study is doing the Purpose Driven Life study. I've gone through it before when the book first came out. But most of our group had not read it yet, so we are going through it as a group.

I would love for YOU to join us as well. Over the next 40 days, I will share a little of the study. Don't worry, I will still have stamping projects to share as well. Just not today....I woke up with chest pains and after working at the preschool in the morning, they hadn't gone way. I went to an urgent care clinic (because I really didn't think it was a heart attack so I didn't go to the ER). I thought it was some major heart burn or gas, but it was near my left colar bone area and my left ear hurt, too.

Anyway, the doctor said it didn't look like I was having a heart attack, but he also didn't think it was heartburn. However, it was determined that I had a slow heartbeat (he wrote "bradycardia" on my EKG). Needless to say, I will be going to my primary care doctor this week for a full work up. In the mean time, I am feeling much better. My husband met me at the doctor office and took my son off my hands and picked my daughter up at school...so I came home and took a nap. And I actually created 2 new things tonight. I will take pictures tomorrow and post them.

Onto the study...

Chapter 1 is entitled "It all starts with God"....I think that's a good way to start!

The first sentance in the first chapter says "It's not about you."!! Wow! Did you ever think that you were born for a purpose?...for something greater than the mundane, everyday tasks?!

Day One - Thinking About my Purpose

Point to Ponder: It's not about me.

Verse to Remember: "Everything got started in him and finds it's purpose in him." Colossians 1:16b (Msg)

Question to Consider: In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?

Please join me with this study.

Oh, there is some more High Hopes blog candy...go find the High Hopes Divas listed on the left to find the blog with the free stamps!!! Good luck!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

Nothing is Impossible with God

"Nothing is Impossible with God" is my verse of the day today...for many reasons. 

First, I wanted to play along with a few challenges today and decided to use this verse for the SCS"Ways to Use it" challenge from last week (WT186)...the challenge was to use a quote. What is a better vote than one that was inspired by God.

Second, to go with a Bible Verse as the quote for the challenge, I also wanted to make a card for October being the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month so this set was perfect.

Third, I decided to use the SCS Sketch Challenge (SC196) as well which worked well with the image.

But there is still one more reason that I will get to in a moment...

This set is from Our Daily Bread Designs and is called "Hope". Unfortunately, this set is something that almost everyone can use. Too many people are affected by Cancer in some way.

I embossed the ribbon in black then watercolored it. The DP is from SU Parisian Summer. The scalloped edge is Pretty in Pink, but the image mat and the card base is Pink Pirouette. I added a little sewing and a prima and a few half circle pearls (from SU Pretties Kit).

I was having a hard time getting a clear picture of the verse. The battery on my camera is low.

Anyway, I made this card today with the intention of saving it to post for another day. However, when I received my email "daily devotional" from Proverbs 31 Ministries, I HAD to post this today. The "Power Verse" at the end of the devotional is the same verse from Matthew "...but with God all things are possible". Therefore, SOMEONE needs to hear this TODAY.

If you are suffering right now and think that your situation is hopeless, please know that....NOTHING is impossible with GOD!! NOTHING....NOTHING...God CAN heal you (physically, emotionally, or Spiritually). God is there for you if you are struggling in your marriage or with a child. God is there for you if you are suffering from depression. God CAN and WILL pull you out of the pit you may be in...just ask him.

Lord God, I pray for the person who needs this today. I pray that she hears you whisper to her that You Love her and are waiting for her to turn to You. Lord God, we claim this verse today...NOTHING is impossible with You!! Thank you, Lord for speaking to us when we need to hear you to most. And thank you for the reasurance that you are in control...and you can handle ANYTHING!! In Your Son's precious name, Amen.

Thank you for stopping by! Please know that I am praying for you today.

~Lacey

Brought you up to me...on Eagles' wings

Today (September 30th) would have been my father birthday. I posted here before that my father passed away last summer from a massive heart attack. Today would have been his 67th birthday.

Today would have also been my friend Theresa Brandenburg-Fleetwood's 37th birthday. Theresa died in April after fighting cancer for 2 years. Theresa was my best friend from 6 years old until about 18 years old where are busy lives and families took away our time together.

I made this card today in honor of both my father and my friend who have gone home to Jesus.

The verse says "I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself" Exodus 19:4.

The stamp set is from Our Daily Bread. I used a brayer on the background with More Mustard on the top, So Saffron in the middle and Baja Breeze on the bottom. Then I inked up around the edges of the top with Real Rust and the bottom with Pacific Blue. I used a scrap piece of CS as a mask and created the sun rays with Craft White one "ray" at a time.

The eagle was embossed in black then watercolored, cut out, and attached with dimensionals. I stamped the swirl in black.

When I realized what day it was this morning, it of put me in a funk. Although Theresa and I had not seen each other for years before she died, she left behind two beautiful girls (I think they were 10 and 13 years old). My heart and prayers go out to her husband Kenny and her daughters. How hard it must be without your mother at such a young age. I pray that God lead them and protect them all the days of their lives. I pray that God surround them with loving, caring Christian friends as they journey into their teens; a time when young girls are easily influenced.

Here is a picture of Theresa with one of her girls right after she was born. I honestly can not tell you which one this is...(this is a picture of a photo since I didn't have a digital camera back then). I will also say that this is not the most flattering picture of Theresa. Keep in mind that "big hair" was still "in" and she just had a baby!! However, this is the most recent picture of I have her.

In Loving Memory: Theresa Ann Brandenburg-Fleetwood September 30, 1971 - April 12, 2008

And although I am so happy that my father is no longer in the pain of this world, I still miss him. I praise God for taking him home to His kingdom. And I praise Him for giving my father to me...I would not have wanted another father in the world.

Here is a picture of me and my father at my wedding (when I was 7 years younger and 35 pounds lighter)...

And this is a picture that appeared on my desk about a month ago. I have no idea how it ended up in my home office, but it is a picture of my dad and I taken with I was 20 months old. It was taken in one of those photo booths (it's only about 2" tall).

  

I miss you, Daddy!

I don't know how to include a "Utube" video. Click on the link to watch...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S70gwFcSK9k

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

Do not fear

Julie Buhlerput out a call for cards for her Pastor's Daughter-in-law who was recently diagnosed with Cancer. What a horrible disease that knows no boundaries or age limits! She is 27 and a mother to two young children.

I wanted to make a card for her. Although I don't know her personally, I have friends who fought or are still fighting cancer so I understand how hard it is to deal with. The worst part is probably the fear of not knowing what the future holds.

I decided I wanted to use one of Katharina's sketches for this card. I decided to use Sketch #28 for this card.

I went out of my "comfort zone" with this card using many more embellishments than I normally would. I usually like to design cards that are simple and easy to duplicate because I sell cards and invitations and don't want the cost to get too expensive for my customers. However, since this is a special card, I added a few more elements than normal.

The cross is from SU Refuge and Strength stamped in Pink Pirouettewhich was cut out, distressed the edges, and attached with dimensionals. The white panel behind the image was cut with a nestability rectangle and stamped with some flourishes stamped in So Saffron from a clear stamp set I bought at AC Moore (I accidentally threw away the packaging with the name and company on it). The image is matted with Bravo Burgundy cut with nestability scalloped rectangle.

The card base is Pink Pirouette and the designer paper is from Parisian Summer with a little sewing added. The ribbon is SU Very Vanilla 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon. The swirl is a Sizzix die cut out of coaster material (left bare...no ink or coloring). The button is from SU.

The sentiment was printed on the computer...

"For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand, and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13.

Fear is a powerful thing. If you allow it to take hold, it can control you! When my husband travels over night on occasion, I used to stay up half the night freaked out....what if someone breaks in? What if something happens to the kids? What if something happens to me while the kids are here? Finally, I had to let it go!! I wasn't getting any sleep. Something could happen while my husband was home...why is it different that he was gone? So, I finally decided to just pray about my fear when he was away.

Only God can give you true Peace. He is the only one who can instantly take away irrational fear and replace it with total Peace. He has given me Peace with the decision not to have any more children (I wanted more, but God changed my mind...that's another story) and he's given me total Peace with my Father's death last year.

So my prayer for this young lady is that she looks to God for comfort and Peace and not to fear...for God is holding her right hand!! How awesome is that?

Please pray for this woman. I don't know her name, but God does...He will know who you are praying for. And if you would like to send a card, here is a link to where you can send it.

Thanks for stopping by! And thank you for your prayers.

PS Whiff of Joy is hosting a call for a Guest Designer...check it out here.

~Lacey

Beate's Weekend Challenge

I needed a card for a friend who is going through a rough time right now. I decided to play along with Beate's weekend sketch challenge for the layout...

I used SU Bella Rose DP for the colors and inpiration. I was out of Kiwi Kiss CS, so I substituted with River Rock.

The sentiment/scripture was printed on the computer...

This post is short today. I actually have to work!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

Church Sermon downloads

Hey, I finally checked out the download page of my church's website and they have the rest of the "One Thing" series now available (it could have been there a few weeks ago, I haven't checked lately) oops!

http://www.ocfellowship.com/wordpress/?page_id=32

They also have two at the top of the page that are recent. I was in the nursery one week (I think it's Food for the Journey) which was a combined service with "Journey Church" who were using our facilities for their services on Saturday nights. They have since moved to their own location. But I was told that this sermon could be Pastor Jeff's sermon ever!! Wow! I think I need to check it out!

I hope you find some inspiration in these sermons.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

Church Sermon this week

Here is the link to my church sermons. This past Sunday was "One Thing Part 6". I am looking forward to some stamping time next week and getting caught up on the sermons. The kids will be in another Vacation Bible School, so I am looking forward to downloading the sermons that I have missed lately and get some stamping done.

I hope this series will help you grow closer to God.

http://www.ocfellowship.com/wordpress/?page_id=32

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

One thing sermons

I have been in and out of town and will be going back out of town again this weekend. So, unfortunately, I have not been able to attend church lately. I am so glad my church puts the sermons on their website!

I forgot to post the link last week. Here is the link to their download page. The last time I posted was for part 3 of "One Thing". On the link, you can download (or listen on-line) to both Part 4 and Part 5. This coming weekend they will have a guest speaker/pastor. I will be out of town and may not have access to a computer, so you can go back to this link by tuesday or wednesday next week and the link to Part 6 should be on there as well.

http://www.ocfellowship.com/wordpress/?page_id=32

I hope you find the time to listen to these sermons. My thoughts are...if you have a ton of stamping to do, why not listen to something that will help you grow closer to God while getting some work done!

Thanks again for stopping by!

~Lacey

Sermon Link

I forgot to post a link to the sermon this week. I hope you have the chance to listen in. I missed church (again) since my anniversary was this weekend and we went out a little late to celebrate. We just wanted to sleep in a little! Bad girl, I know! LOL

Unfortunately, I will miss the next 4 Sundays as well since I have family in town this weekend, then we are going to Daytona Beach for the 4th of July weekend, then we are going to Tennessee to visit family the next 2 weekends after that! Don't you just love the summer?! I really appreciate that my church provides these downloads so that I can still hear the message even if "life" gets in my way. Of course, church is meant to be done in Fellowship with others as well so this is not my preferred way of hearing the message.

Anyway, here is the link to the sermon downloads. This past weekend was "One Thing Part 3"...

http://www.ocfellowship.com/wordpress/?page_id=32

I hope you take the time to listen.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

Sermon Download

I have been out of it this week. My daughter has soccer camp all week so I have been running her around and promised to take her to the pool after camp. So, between running errands, running her to and from soccer camp, and going to the pool 3 times this week, and gymnastics last night...I am pooped! Unfortunately, too pooped to even stamp! So, I don't have a card to share today.

However, it is time to share the download page for my church sermon. This past week was Week 2 of "one thing". It was a really great message. I hope you download and listen to it. The message was about "trust"...trusting God. Do you trust God with everything?

http://www.ocfellowship.com/wordpress/?page_id=32

Maybe I will have some energy to stamp tonight! Thanks for stopping by.

~Lacey

Sermon Download

Here is a link to my church's sermon download page. This week we started a new series called "One thing". We had a guest speaker. I was in the preschool room so I didn't get to hear it, but I heard it was awesome. I need to download it myself.

http://www.ocfellowship.com/wordpress/?page_id=32

Thanks for stopping by. I'll be back with another post...

~Lacey

Oh how He loves us...

My friend Brandi sent me this link. Make sure your sound is on...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ

Oh, how He loves us so!

~Lacey