Advent Illustrated: Day 2 "Light" and What is Advent?

As I mentioned yesterday, I am a bit behind in my Advent Illustrated Challenge. I came down with a bad stomach flu and it set me back a few days. 
But, as I my Mother always says..."There's worse things!" Ooops, I meant to share my favorite, "Better late than never!" he, he!!!!

The verse for Day 2 was:

 Genesis 1:1

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." 

The focus word was "LIGHT". So....I used a photo that I took one day of the sun peaking out from some clouds. I printed it out on vellum paper and cut it into a circle to resemble our earth.  I used various stickers and illustrated the words, "God is the Light of the World", after reading this chapter, this is how I applied the word "Light"  to the bible verses. 

So you may be asking..."What is Advent?"

I wondered the same thing before beginning this challenge.

I found a wonderful explanation here:

Christianity.com

What Is Advent?                              

For many Christians unfamiliar with the liturgical year, there may be some confusion surrounding the meaning of the Advent season. Some people may know that the Advent season focuses on expectation and think that it serves as an anticipation of Christ’s birth in the season leading up to Christmas. This is part of the story, but there’s more to Advent.

he History of Advent                                 

The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” which is a translation of the Greek word parousia. Scholars believe that during the 4^th and 5^th centuries in Spain and Gaul, Advent was a season of preparation for the baptism of new Christians at the January feast of Epiphany, the celebration of God’s incarnation represented by the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus (Matthew 2:1), his baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist (John 1:29), and his first miracle at Cana (John 2:1). During this season of preparation, Christians would spend 40 days in penance, prayer, and fasting to prepare for this celebration; originally, there was little connection between Advent and Christmas.

By the 6^th century, however, Roman Christians had tied Advent to the coming of Christ. But the “coming” they had in mind was not Christ’s first coming in the manger in Bethlehem, but his second coming in the clouds as the judge of the world. It was not until the Middle Ages that the Advent season was explicitly linked to Christ’s first coming at Christmas.

Advent Today                                   

Today, the Advent season lasts for four Sundays leading up to Christmas. At that time, the new Christian year begins with the twelve-day celebration of Christmastide, which lasts from Christmas Eve until Epiphany on January 6. (Advent begins on the Sunday that falls between November 27th and December 3rd each year.) 

Advent symbolizes the present situation of the church in these “last days” (Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:2), as God’s people wait for the return of Christ in glory to consummate his eternal kingdom. The church is in a similar situation to Israel at the end of the Old Testament: in exile, waiting and hoping in prayerful expectation for the coming of the Messiah. Israel looked back to God’s past gracious actions on their behalf in leading them out of Egypt in the Exodus, and on this basis they called for God once again to act for them. In the same way, the church, during Advent, looks back upon Christ’s coming in celebration while at the same time looking forward in eager anticipation to the coming of Christ’s kingdom when he returns for his people. In this light, the Advent hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” perfectly represents the church’s cry during the Advent season:

O come, O come, Emmanuel,

Have a wonderful Monday!!!

Advent Illustrated-Day 1 Grace Day

Good evening. I am a bit behind in sharing my Advent Illustrated Challenge. It started last Sunday, Nov. 29th, which was a Grace Day. I used that to journal a verse I came upon while watching a Pastor preach on You Tube. I apologize for not remembering his name...I just sorta came upon him. But it was a good thing because I've often wondered if our pets go to heaven, most will say "No, there's no mention of it in the Bible." But I heard this verse, while this Pastor preached. He even had it printed on his sweatshirt. It was:

Psalm 36:6

"Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals."

Not sure what you believe, but for me, it gives me great comfort in knowing that I might just be reunited with my best friend, Holly, whom I lost tragically September 2013. 

and Cash, our buddy, whom we lost July 31, 2014 to cancer. 

For more information on the 

Advent Illustrated Challenge there is a Facebook group lead by the author of this book:

It is also available at Amazon.com...that's where I got my copy.

And you can read about it here: Advent Illustrated Challenge by Sara Laughed

Have a wonderful Sunday!!!

I'll be sharing Days 2 and 3 tomorrow. 

Journaling Bible: Romans 15:4

Good Tuesday afternoon to you......
I started working on this lastnight. It's been a rough 6 days and I felt I needed to remind myself the purpose of God's word and His promises.

This week's verse at Documented Faith is:

ROMANS 15:4

“And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope.” 

I love these weekly verses because as I'm reading it and I continue to read that Chapter I ask myself.."How can I apply this to my life at this very time?"  Most weeks  I'm like "Wow! This is FOR me!!!" 

I thank God for this group, it has allowed me to read God's word, pray about it, think about it, and express some creativity as I celebrate God's word! 

For this I used various stickers and my black fine point sharp. Heart Washi was from Target's $1 spot. 

 This was a free printable available at the site, I just added some pink color to it. 

Thank you for stopping by!!! 

Have a blessed week!

Journaling Bible: Hebrews 3:15

Good Sunday evening to you! As you know, for some time now I have been participating in a Bible Journaling group called Documented Faith. It is hosted by Stephanie Ackerman, each month she chooses a "theme word", this month it is Encourage. 

You can read more about the group and get each verse here: DOCUMENTED FAITH

This week's verse is 

Hebrews 3:13:

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness."

Each day is a new opportunity to Encourage someone in need. 

I kept it simple this week. I used a rubber stamp, a black sharpie and some alphabet stickers. 

Staz-On ink pad: HOBBY LOBBY, Alphabet Stickers: JOANN FABRICS $1 SPOT, Sharpie Marker and Pencil; WALMART, Swiss Pixies rubberstamp-online C.C. DESIGNS. 

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK!

Journaling Bible: Incorporating my Photo

First I'd like to Thank God for our men and women who serve or have served our beautiful Country:
the 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-ONE NATION UNDER GOD.

So yesterday, I was reading my journaling bible and thinking about what verse I wanted to create a layout for. I call my small pieces of art: "Layouts." That comes from my scrapbooking days. 
Some have asked me what bible I use, I am including that in my photos. It is an ESV Journaling Bible by Crossway. It was made specifically for writing or drawing in the margins.

When I create my "layout", I try really hard not to alter or cover up the words. You see, this is a bible that I read, so I still want to be able to read the Word and I want anyone that picks up this bible to be able to enjoy my little pieces of art and still read God's Word. 

Yesterday I took a photo and found that it went perfectly with 
Psalm 34:8
"Taste and See that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" 

I wanted to somehow incorporate this photo into my page, but again, not cover up the words. 
I have seen where others use clear labels and print on them and adhere them to their pages, but I didn't have any of those, and I live out in the boon docks...so I improvised and used Vellum paper. Again, thank God I saved my supplies from my scrapbooking/cardmaking days!

Here it is:

I used tiny glue dots to adhere my photo. I ran the vellum thru my printer, and photo printed well. I let this dry before applying.  As you can see, you are still able to 

read the words where the photo overlapped. I found this verse in my sticker book but it was in a long format, so I cut it up and adhered it to fit.

Supplies used: Vellum (to print photo on)-Hobby Lobby,  "Lace" border sticker (Dollar Tree), Kraft Tab by The Paper Studio-Hobby Lobby,  Patterned Paper: 4x4 Paper Pad by Basic Grey (Nook and Pantry Collection)-ordered online many moons ago, Bible Verse: Religious Sticker pad by The Paper Studio-Hobby Lobby, Clear Rubber Stamps: Kaiser Craft "Confetti"-Michael's, Courtyard  "La*di*dah"-Big Lots, Tiny Glue Dots by Elmer's-Walmart, Date stamp-K&C Company-Walmart

And this is my Bible. It's an ESV Journaling Bible by Crossway. I ordered this last year from the Family Christian Store website w/ a 40% off coupon. 

Again...Happy Veteran's Day!! Here are a few of my family members who served:

My Grandpa Trini in the center, My father Tony and my brother Anthony. Others pictured are my Uncle Nando, and cousin Scott.

Thank you for stopping by! 

Have a blessed Wednesday!

"Taste and See that the Lord is Good" Psalm 34:8

Good afternoon, normally I post my Bible Journaling entries here, but today, I took a step back and stopped. You see, I was reading Psalm 33 this morning as I was enjoying some Hazelnut coffee and cinnamon rolls. 

 I planned on journaling 

Psalm 33:4."For the word of the Lord us upright...."

But then as I was replying to a facebook post about my photo, I read the title of 

Psalm 34 "Taste and See that the Lord is Good"

I continued reading and got to Psalm 34:8

"OH, Taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!"

And it hit me...like a hammer on a nail!!

It was a reminder that the Lord IS good, and those that trust in Him are blessed!!! 

So, please check back for my next bible journal entry...but first, I will enjoy the rest of my cinnamon roll!

Have a Blessed Tuesday!

Journaling Bible: "Encourage One Another"

Good morning!! I am loving our November weather these past few days. Cool and breezy!!! A wonderful change from our hot, humid days. What a blessing to have such wonderful weather!!

Today I'd like to share this week's verse. 

1 THEL. 5:11
"Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing."

You can read more about Documented Faith and find each week's verse here:

Homegrown Hospitality

I really enjoy reading these verses each week and thinking about how I can apply it to my life. 

Many times I have tried to build someone up by encouraging them, often times using God's word. And through my experiences I have found that most people are accepting of this and find it helpful, there a those that are not, and that's okay. I know in my heart, I tried to help them, if it's not accepted, I wash my hands of it, and keep going. I only pray for those that believe God is speaking to them when in actuality He may not be. 
I believe that if God is speaking to you, you can open your bible and find His words to confirm this....I've always been told "if it's NOT in the bible, than it's NOT God's will." I also beleive that the devil comes in many disguises. So we must be careful.

I know that God puts us in many situations to speak to others and "build them up". Encouraging someone in their faith can be a good thing, especially for someone going through a trying time. 

Let us remember to "build one another up" rather than tear eachother down. 
This can be done just about anywhere......after church while gathering to leave, at the grocery store, running errands, over the phone,  or even on social media sites.

These are the supplies I used...The patterned paper I used is by Cosmo Cricket. This came in a 4x4 paper pack called "Togetherness". I used it because of the stacked birds. To me, they are "building eachother up." Other supplies are from my scrapbooking/cardmaking days. Glad I kept those! 

I had to put my verse on the page before the actual verse, because I had already decorated that side. 

But..anywho....here it is!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a blessed Monday!

Bible Journaling: Psalms 37:5 "COMMIT YOUR WAY..."

Good evening...
I  have been trying to get this posted for TWO days...and finally have a few minutes to myself. 

I'd like to share Week 44 of Stephanie Ackerman's Documented Faith:
This week's verse had a free Traceable...this was wonderful because it's adorable and I was short on time....
Because of this, I was able to worry less about how "pretty" my artwork was...and focus more on God's message. That's what it's all about...God's word.

I read this many times....and for me it's saying.."Give yourself to God....Trust HIM...and HE will take action in your LIFE!" How awesome is that?!

Psalm 37:5English Standard Version (ESV)

        5 "Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act."

For this I simply used the Free Traceable, available on the Homegrown Hospitality site, (link above) Some washi tape, and pretty diecut that I received in a Pocket Letter, and a Heidi Swapp Sticker to mark the date! 

Blessings to you........have a great week!!!!

This week in my MAMBI Happy Planner

Happy Monday to you!!! I am having a great Monday so far...I took the day to rest, clean and hopefully craft!!! 
Today I'd like to share this week with you. I have been loving my MAMBI Happy Planner.
I have the "GREAT THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN PLANNER". I bought this at Hobby Lobby with my 40% off coupon. 

Here is the week so far:

The printed paper in the squares is actually scraps of scrapbooking paper. I believe the orange print is by Basic Grey 4x4 paper pad and the woodland critters print is by The Paper Studio. These are older papers but I love using my scraps like this. The dotted washi and MAMBI stickers are from Hobby Lobby. The owl washi was received in  a swap and didn't have packaging. Not sure who makes this. The leaf washi I believe is from Target's $1 spot (last year). The round bday sticker is by Heidi Swapp, found this package at Michael's. 

Here's the left page. 

And here's the right page. 

Thanks for stopping by!!! 

Have a super BLESSED Monday!!

Disney World Trip in The Happy Planner

Gosh, I didn't realize it had been THIS long since my last post. Life seems to get in the way and I neglect the FUN stuff!!! 

Last week, we were at Disney World...it really was a magical vacation! I decided to pack my Happy Planner since I decided I would use it as a Memory Planner. 

First of all, excuse the dark photos, looks like it's getting ready to rain.

Here is the overall layout....

Those cute Disney die cuts came from a Instagram swap pal from Taiwan. 

The pretty pen was from another Instagram swap pal. 

Left side.

Right side. I even added one of the flattened pennies I got at our resort on Tuesday. 

Since I started using The Happy Planner I have been carrying my Rolodex punch with me. 

I used to use this when I altered rolodex cards..back in my crafting days. But now I love it because I can actually use it to add mementos to my planner.  For example I used it to punch a journaling card and our parking stub from the airport. 

Thanks for stopping by!! Have a blessed weekend!!!

This past week in my ECLP

Well we are 1 week into August. And boy does it feel like August in South Texas! It's HOT!!!! Most days are 100-102. This week I decided to use a pack of owls I picked up at WalMart. 

Most of the Washi I used is from Hobby Lobby. Quote stickers is my MAMBI.  Thin pink washi is from an online shop: Annie's Boutique. 

Making this short today....

Have a blessed Sunday!

See the Beauty in Life

Happy Saturday to you! I took this photo after a long, stressful day with my Dad who is in the hospital. It landed on my mirror and looked right at me. 

This month will mark the 4 yr. anniversary of his major, life changing stroke. I kept hoping and praying for a full recovery...that didn't happen. Dad has many complications due to not taking care of himself. 

Many times that day I had to remind myself to see the blessings in the day and remember that God is in control. 

Love those around you....life is too short. 

Planning in my ECLP-Camping Weekend

Hey there! I feel pretty bad about neglecting this blog. Life has just been busy. I dream of calm and relaxing days ahead. Someday..........

This past weekend, we took our church youth group to a River Retreat. We had a great time!
My hubby and I got there on Friday before everyone else to get things ready. We had not had rain for weeks....well that day...a surprise thunderstorm hit! We were in the cabins turning on A/C's and lights and walked out to the "Welcoming Crew"! 

There were about 20 goats taking cover. The rain didn't last long....but it was really nice!

Here is my week in my ECLP-

I used some camping stickers from WalMart (.97), Washi from Target and HobbyLobby and some scraps of card stock cut to fit into the squares. The motivational quotes were found on Pinterest.

I use a fine line Sharpie or my Pentel Finito to write in my ECLP. 

Thanks for stopping in ! Have a wonderful Friday!!!

4th of July going on in my Erin Condren Life Planner This week

Happy Sunday to you!!! Hope your weekend was awesome!!! 
This week I am celebrating 4th of July in my Erin Condren Life Planner:

Here's an overview of it. Using a little bit of this and that. 

Right side:

                  Right Side w/ Journaling Card flipped:

Left Side:

Hope you have a great week ahead!!!

God Bless you!

Journaling Bible: Blessed Are Those

Happy Tuesday to you!! I took today off for one reason...to slow down! All of this month's activities have taken a toll...I'm tired. It's summer, it's warming up, lots of everything going on...so I took a day to take it slow. I do have several errands on my "to-do" list....but I have about 8 hours to do them, as opposed to trying to do them after work! LOL

Thought I'd start out with a verse from lastweek at Homegrown Hospitality. 
I even got behind with my Documented Faith journaling, but that's okay. It's not a race, or contest, I use it as MY time with God, and that's my focus. 

"I depend on God's strength, not mine. "You bless all who depend on you for their strength" Psalm 84:5

details: I used Washi Tape, my cricut to cut the scalloped circle, "Blessed" sticker from Mambi, other letters stickers are Tim Holtz (words) and Basic Grey mini stickers. 

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful Tuesday!

This week in my ECLP!

Happy Hump Day! Been meaning to post this all week, but have been so busy. Here is this week in my Erin Condren Planner. The new planners just launched yesterday, but I will finish this one up before I order another one. I really like these planners!!

Left side:

Right Side: 

Took this shot of our sunset the other evening...I love the way you can see the rays of the sun!!!

Have a great day!!!!

STILL loving my ECLP!

I've had my Erin Condren Life Planner for a few months and I can still say that I enjoy using it!!! At first, I thought I'd use it as a memory planner...to record daily events. But as I found myself carrying it around with me daily, I decided to use it for "everyday". Things to remember to do....and things to just remember!!! The best of both worlds!!!

Left side: Handmade Tassel, Green dot Washi: Hobby Lobby, Round sticker: Target, Phrase stickers: MAMBI-Hobby Lobby, Pink Floral Washi: Scotch? Bought it at the grocery store. Pink owl stickers: from a swap. 

Right side: Owl paperclip: from Emilie (swap) Chevron washi: Hobby Lobby? or Annie's Paper Boutique (online) Green owl journaling card: Emilie (swap) Weekend Banner: inspired blush blogspot (freebie)

Love this planner!! Have a wonderful Friday!

A Canning Label in my Journaling Bible?! Why Yes!!!

Lately it seems my posts are far and few between. In all honesty, I hadn't had much time for journaling in my bible. I was either too busy or too tired. I also lacked my "alone time"...I love this time for reading my bible and journaling. 

Also life's daily stresses seem to get in the way. I have to remind myself when I get stressed, I need to hand it over to God and have faith that He will handle it. 

1 Peter 5:7--"casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."

For this pages, I used the supplies below. I found the Canning labels at Dollar General for $1....I thought they were too adorable to pass up!!

Have a great night!! Be blessed!!!

My new Pocket Letter...

I received this super cute Pocket Letter from my sweet friend Emilie! We decided to do a "Woodland Critters" theme:
I was blown away by her hand drawn little critters! Isn't she so talented!!!!? And I love their super cute names!!!! 

FRONT:

BACK:

And this is the Pocket Letter I created for her:

FRONT:

BACK:

I tell you! These are so much fun to receive in the mail. I am storing these in a cute pink binder and really enjoy looking through it!! Fun, fun!!!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a blessed Sunday!

In my Erin Condren....

I can't believe it's been this long since my last post!!! My bad! These are my pages in my Erin Condren for this past week:

I am really loving the color combo for May...I'm gonna miss it. I think the color combo for June is Orange/blue. 

The "Weekend" banner is a freebie from Inspired Blush (blogspot). I made the pink tassel myself.

These are the supplies I used. I bought these on my last shopping adventure!! I found the Spritz circles at Target. Washi is from Target, Hobby Lobby and Annie's Paper Boutique. "Choose Happy" is from Michael's $1 spot. Stickers are from Hobby Lobby. 

Have a wonderful Saturday!!!