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.