Shabby Chic

I have a new blog I love. I'll post the link tomorrow. Right now it is almost 12am & I need to get some sleep. Thanks for stopping by, I really appreciate it.

Recipe:

Bashful Blue CS

Holiday Treasures DSP (r)

Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon

SAB Ribbon Bundle (r)

Fresh Flowers (greeting)

Basic Black Ink

Lace (other)

Button (other)

A Special Note of Thanks

I made this for a friend who is such a caring and giving person that I wanted to make a card to say how much that means to me.



Recipe:

Pacific Point CS
Close to Cocoa CS
Whisper White CS
Yo Yo Yellow CS
Good Morning Sunshine DSP
Cheep Talk Stamps
Yo Yo Yellow Corduroy Buttons
Photo Corner Punch
Stampin Write Markers - Close to Cocoa, Old Olive
Pacific Point Ink

Dry Embossing

My challenge was to use dry embossing on a project. I don't have the Big Shot yet where I could have used embossing plates, so I used Stampin Up's Dots Classy Brass Template on the Whisper White. Love this color combo! Hope you like it. Thanks for stopping by.

Recipe:
Great Friend Stamps (avail. 4-1)
DSP Walk in the Park (avail. 4-1)
Baja Breeze CS
Whisper White CS
Corduroy Buttons Baja Breeze (avail. 4-1)
Taffeta Ribbon Basic Gray
Basic Gray Ink
Cameo Coral Ink
Baja Breeze Ink

Learning

At Lent Wednesday night we talked about the discipline of poverty.

Psalm 102 describes it as: A prayer of an afflicted man. When he is faint and pours out his lament before the lord.

When we think of poverty, we think of those people in need of finances. But there is so much more.

Pastor took a verse from Psalm & broke it down for us. Check this out.

(v. 2) "Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress." This is a state of need.
(v. 3) "For my days vanish like smoke: my bones burn like glowing embers."
This describes feeling pain.
(v. 4) "My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food."
This describes emotional pain. I remember a time when I was so upset before going into the hospital for surgery, that I couldn't eat.
(v. 9) "For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears."
Filled with sorrow.

As Pastor says, these are a set of conditions that set the context for the prayer of the heart - a prayer rooted in deep human need for God.

Is it no wonder that I am starting to feel better?

The Gospel text reminds us that physical poverty will be present always, but spiritual poverty is something to be sought after - a poverty that finds the need fulfilled in Christ.

(v. 13) "You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is a time to show favor to her, the appointed time has come.
In Chirst, God acts to provide us the strength we cry out for.

There is another message in these verses that I have left out, but is included in Pastor's conclusion -

We are called to work to lessen the pain of physical poverty in our world, even as we are called to embrace for ourselves the discipline of spiritual poverty through which Christ is magnified in our lives.

It was possible for me to remember these words as Pastor provides us with an outline of the service on paper.

Daily Reflection

I slept the day away, literally. But, when I woke, I have been busy. Ran the dishwasher, fixed a pot of chili, and just finished putting my card stock scraps in cello bags. I got the idea from Arla. I am saving a ton of space. I used to put each color in a hanging folder. I also watched the KU game. I'm sorry they lost. So, tonight I give thanks for the energy I have.

Challenge

Lisa made this cute little card for me as a thank you for bringing several of my challenges to the meeting last month. If you look closely at the Rose Red background, you will see that she used one of our new textured dies. These will work with our Big Shot and any other die cutting machine you might have.

Daily Reflection

I have some great news to share today. My church was needing to get rid of some wooden tables to meet current fire standards & I have been looking for one for a long time, but they are just so expensive. Anyway, Lisa & Chuck provided the truck & muscle & one of the tables has a new home! I have it set up in my work room & it is going to help so much. This is just one of my many blessings lately.

If the weather is bad where you are, I hope that you stay safe & warm.

Thank You

Thank you for stopping by today! This is another card by Staci. She used the Crayon Resist Technique. Her style is so clean & perfect, I love it.

Daily Reflection

As I look back on today, I can see the depression at work. However, I did spend some time at the computer trying to deal with AT&T & just encountered problem after problem. It was so frustrating. On top of that, a friend in need called, she needed me to listen and care, but I did neither of those. When I realized what I was doing, I apologized. But, I still was results oriented as opposed to process oriented & I'm afraid that instead of helping her I hurt her more. I, more than most, knew what she was going through. Yet, I gave her the same thing people gave me. And it was the wrong thing. I pray I handle my next situation with more care.

I did go to Lent services tonight, including the supper beforehand. There has been about 20 to 30 people who attend the supper. We usually have about an hour and a half to chat, which I like. However, everyone eventually got up and left table leaving just Joe & I. Hmmm, should I be concerned? Maybe.

I would like to share our message tonight, but I left it in th car.

Happy Birthday To You

Staci shared this card with us. She used one of our new textured dies on the Pirouette Pink background paper. If you would like to know more about this, please let me know.

Daily Reflection

As I reflect on my day, one of the things I wanted to accomplish was a haircut. If it hadn't been for the power outage, I'm not sure I would have. I took my shower & headed out. I got a bite to eat, did a little reading, & headed to church for my Christ Care group. I'm struggling with the knowledge of what motivates me out of my depression. Hmmm, this will need some discussion.

Blessings,
Deloris

Wow

This card & envelope was done by Lisa. The envelope and flowers are dies used to cut with her Big Shot. All of our dies can be used on any die-cutting machine. The center of the flowers is our chunky glitter with a filigree brad in the middle! Love it.

Friends

Arla brought 2 swaps for us. This is her 2nd using paper, ribbon and stamps from Sale-a-Bration. You have a few more days to take advantage of this fabulous sale!

Daily Reflection

It has been an amazing week of learning for me! From Sunday School to Bible School to Confirmation to now, I have been taught the "circle of life." God gave us life, & he takes it away. What I was missing is that God is acutally full of sorrow when we die! Wow.

Did you know that the symbol for practicing medicine - a snake wrapped around a pole, is from the Gospel, Numbers 21? People had sinned and their punishment was to be bitten by serpents. They turned to God for mercy, and in love, God made a way for them to be forgiven and healed - by gazing on the elevated serpent.

Our country is based on God and the Gospel. There are so many ways that I don't even know about. I am just amazed that we have people who are getting the prayer taken out of the schools and their activities. I hope that we can turn this around.

Another discovery for me this week - in prayer, we ask God for help. We don't always get what we want, though. What I didn't know, is that we should also practice silence. In silence, we wait for God to answer us. This week, in moments of silence at Lent Service, God answered my prayer.

I can now see how sick I have been. Pastor says I have been brutal on my self, not even brutal, he says, but explosively brutal. That is what my depression has been like. My thought process was either black or white. There was no gray areas, which is totally opposite of life. I must have been pretty difficult to deal with. I can see now that it is difficult to be happy when you are like that.

I am blessed to belong to a church that believes that the Gospel is all about healing and forgiveness.

Praying For You

Our church secretary is struggling with a lot of pain, waiting on test results with more tests scheduled to be done next week. I wanted to make her a card, so thought this would be a good time to make extra for the card ministry. This stamp set has been very popular I am happy to say. It is $25.95.


Recipe:

Purely Pomegranate CS (r)
Pale Plum
Whisper White
Basic Gray Decorative Paper (euphoria/rhapsody & eden)
Thoughts & Prayers Stamp
Certainly Celery Ink
Punches: Three For You & Corner Rounder
Pink Bead Duo

A St Patrick's Day Wish For You

May your path bloom with
Shamrocks.
Your heart ring with song.
And your sky smile with
Sunshine.

March Swaps - Spring or Easter

I decided to use the new SAB Botanical Blooms stamp and the bright & cheerful Rainbow Sherbet DSP.
Recipe:
Gable Green CS
Apricot Appeal CS
Whisper White CS
Green Galore CS
Tempting Turquoise Text. CS
Rainbow Sherbet DSP
Botanical Blooms Stamps
Punches: Lg Oval, 1/2 & 1/8 Circles
White Signo Gel Pen
Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon

Happy St Patrick's Day To You

One of the things I enjoy about my counseling sessions with Pastor is the biblical stories. It's like a personal Bible study. I can ask my own questions. I get a wealth of information. Wish each of you could receive this, too.

For today's Daily Reflection, I've turned to the Daily Devotion and found the following:

An ex-slave, Patrick returned to the land where he had once been robbed of his freedom, so he might tell of the eternal freedom the Christ has won for all.

One of my concerns about posting my daily reflections is that I didn't want to push something so personal onto you. But, If I don't share, how will you know? That is my struggle & reflection for the day. I am remembering my Al Anon days when we said "take what you want & leave the rest behind."

Happy St Patrick's Day To You

An ex-slave, Patrick returned to the land where he had once been robbed of his freedom, so he might tell of the eternal freedom the Christ has won for all.

Bad Deloris

I've been bad! Friday, I spent the day & night preparing for a crop the next day. I had so much fun. Stacy & Shelly put on a wonderful event for us to enjoy. Plus, I got a lot done. And, I met a couple of wonderful ladies who asked to do a workshop. Looking forward to that! Sunday & Monday was spent getting caught up on my sleep. Tuesday I spent the day with Lisa. First, I helped her cut cs for her class on Sat. Then we made the card that I posted earlier. I must not forget that we ate at La Siesta. She loves Mexcian food & I have never eaten there, for Lisa it had been a very long time. The food was good. I reconnected with Connie, the owner, from my Princess House days. I miss her sister, Lupe. Yesterday & today I have been dealing with a nasty headache. Wish I could find a pain pill that works. Oh well, what's a little pain?
I need to photograph my scrapbook pages so I can post them for you. If you feel like sending me a little encouragement, please do!

Because Nice Matters

I have a workshop coming up in a couple of weeks. This is one of the cards I will demo. I still don't have glasses, & when I first read this verse, I thought it said "because rice matters." I love it!

Recipe:
Bashful Blue Textured CS
Certainly Celery Textured CS
Whisper White CS
SAB (Sale-a-Bration) Ribbon Bundle
SAB Polka Dot Punches Stamp
Sweet Little Sentiments (Hostess Level 1)
Punches - 5 Petal Flower, 1/2 Circle
Paper Piercer
Fresh Favorites 1 Buttons
Soft Subtles Brads
Bashful Blue Ink
Certainly Celery Ink

Red Cardinal

This is a December swap from Kathy N. Isn't it fabulous? Our theme was to use a Christmas stamp set to make a non-Christmas card. Perfect for a guy, don't you think?

Good & Bad News

I don't have anything to post today. Last night I was busy preparing and packing for a crop I am attending today as a scrapbooker. So no sleep last night! I hope to have lots to show you next week, including my scrapook pages kit! It's finally finished. I'll be scrapping with a long-time friend. We go back to my Princess House days. I'm looking forward to meeting her scrappin friends.

Yesterday was stressful & full of emotional challenges, but I made it thru. I even have a victory to report involving preparing my own tax return. I absolutely hate this kind of work. My friend, who is a tax preparer, along with her co-workers, agree with me in my thinking about my tax refund. My refund will be what I thought it should be not what KDOR says. So, my thinking that I can't prepare my own taxes has just been defeated. In addition, I hope to get the KDOR to issue me an additional credit for last year, as they disagreed with my then tax preparer. Everybody repeat after me, "way to to Deloris!"

Daily Reflection

In my Christ Care group member guide, our next lesson discusses results-oriented vs. process-oriented communication. I found myself to be in the wrong category, the results-oriented. For example, in a conversation, I will focus on solving their problem, winning an argument, or converting a person. Many times I want others to follow my advice, which is wrong. Most of the time, I don't want someone else's advise when I didn't ask for it, so I should not be doing that to others. The other part of this situation is that I am frustrated & angry afterwards. I definitely need to work at listening. To get to where I want to be, I will need to focus my attention on the moment-to-moment interaction of the relationship - on the process of caring. By working on listening more attentively & praying for them, I will have enough to keep me busy.

How's that for my daily examen?

Happy Birthday Friend

I made this for a stampin friend. It was so simple, I sort of felt bad giving it to her, but I had these Accents & Elements Die Cut Build a Flowers in her favorite color and I have really been wanting to use them. I've had them for awhile, they are now retired - one of my pet peeves is buying something and then not using it. I found the card idea on SCS & I just really liked it! The decorated envelope is also shown here.

Daily Reflection

I'm really tired right now and just want to go lie down & close my eyes, but there is something weighing on my heart so I am going to do this. I'm going to ask God to help me because it really hurts and I don't know what to do next.

Most likely my actions created the situation and I can't decide which course to take. Although, I am not completely at fault.

I keep changing my mind. Do I try to mend the relationship or do as my sister says, if you don't like what this person has become, then forget about the person & move on.

Happy Birthday Quinn

For our new stampin year, Lisa would provide us a list of challenges if we accepted them, sigt unseen. I agreed, and wouldn't you know it? The toughest one for me was in that little box. It was to design my own card sketch, make the card, & bring both to the group. That very night I was sitting at my desk wondering how I was going to do this when I remembered an article in my favorite magazine Creating Keepsakes suggesting to look around you and scrap the things you see. So I'm looking around & I see an AT&T International Prepaid Calling Card and say to myself "yes, this is going to work." I'm officially a designer. Yippee!!!

My nephew turned 15 on March 2 and this card is for him. I hope you like it Quinn!

Daily Reflection

Lord, show me what has been happening to me and in me this day.

Still not feeling well. Sleeping days instead of nights. I found the energy for a shower, hand-delivered a birthday card to a friend (I will show you that this week), borrowed cs to finish my scrapbook layout, made it to the store, I bought only baked chips, paid my bills, fixed a problem I was having with my blog, worked on my layout.

Tomorrow I would like the energy to do the dishes, make a few phone calls, book a few workshops.

A Good Thing

Isn't this pretty? Lily used the Batik technique on her card. Want to learn how to do this? Let me know.

Daily Reflection

I've been sick for a few days now with a cold/sinus infection, I'm exhausted from sneezing!

I thought I would work on the question "what do I really want for myself." I can't come up with an answer, but it does remind me of a support group I was in at the VA for Vietnam Vets Wives/Significant Others. What I found we all had in common was that our focus, energies, etc. was on the Veteran in our homes, so when we were asked "what do we need" we were stunned, we became silent & thoughtful, but could not come up with an answer. I am experiencing this same feeling when I ask myself what do I want.

I'm not sure why I'm still here. I don't know how I manage to keep going & how I make it to the next day. My friend, Nancy, once told me "I've never seen anyone who tried so hard to overcome depression." I am, or have done, everything I know of, to get out of this hole. I hope that when I feel better, I will feel like doing something & and that will help me feel better.

Celebration

This was my card for the St Patrick's Day swap. I was really excited about this design! I love the contrast between the green & black. I used the stamps Polka Dot Punches from Sale-a-Bration, our Green Bead Duo for the center of the clover and layered two ribbons to form the tab on the right hand. Enjoy!

Struggling, But Almost There

It is March 1. I had told you I would have a double-page layout to show you & also that I would have kits available for sale. It is almost done! Finally. I have struggled for weeks now to find a sketch for it. Most 2-page layouts use more than 3 pictures and that's all I had, the pictures and DSP were chosen a month ago. I also wanted something worthy of my first kit. My last challenge was to add stamping to it. I think I might of mentioned this before, I can stamp a card, but I don't seem to be able to stamp a scrapbook page. Arla recently shared with me something that I think was helpful when making a card, take that same idea and turn it into a scrapbook page. Doing it at the same time is even better!
I've already decided that for the 2nd kit I want to use the Simply Scrappin Kit Sunshine Garden using the colors So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Baja Breeze & Old Olive. Be thinking about what pictures you want to use. You can go to my website to view this pretty kit.

Daily Reflection

So many people are struggling financially in these horrible economic times, I decided that today I would list 5 things that I am thankful for.

1. I have money to pay the monthly rent on my home
2. I am healthy
3. I have very good friends
4. I have my two sisters
5. I have my faith

Memories of Ireland

This card was done by Kathy. She used her photo from Ireland to highlight her St Patrick's Day card. One of my favorite techniques - stamping & embossing on DSP is used on the left side of the card. She also used her favorite stamp, a flourish, for the background.