My FIRST Pocket Letter

Happy Sunday to you! I am excited to share my 1st Pocket Letter with you!
I was asked by a Facebook friend, and fellow Owl-Obsessed girl if I wanted to do a Pocket Letter swap with her. I had heard of the concept and that was about it....so I did some "googling" and found this:

Janet Lane-Pocket Letters

It sounded like so much fun so I was game!

Here is my pocket letter that I mailed to my friend Emilie:

I filled it with lots of owl goodies: Paper clips, stickers, washi tape, tea, a letter about me, and more. 

This is what she mailed me! I was blown away!!! Look how scrumptious this set is!!!

She put such detail into every little pocket!!! And the extras are adorable! I love the cute polka dotted pencil which will work great in my planner for penciling in dates!!! A super cute note pad and a candy bracelet!! {squeal}

This is the front.

And this is the back. I didn't even know to fill the back up too!

a BIG Thank you to my friend Emilie for my 1st super cute owl pocket letter! I LOVE It!!!!!

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

This Week In my Erin Condren...

Hey there! I know its been a long while since my last post... my hours changed at work and i got really busy!

I have really been enjoying this planner. I love the layout, and the room to write and decorate. This week I have neglected writing it in daily, but I will play "catch-up" on Friday.

The stickers are by The Paper Studio, my daughter got me this set for my birthday. 

The "on-the-go" planner bag was found at good will for about $3. 

Markers are from Target.

And the pink planner band is actually a head band from Dollar General, 3/$4. 

This was actually a cosmetic bag, but works really well for my pens, washi, paperclips, and sticky notes. 

Thanks for stopping by! Hoping to get some "me" time on Friday when I am off. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!!

Bible Journaling: God is With Her

It is the beginning of another week. March has just flown by! 
Today I am sharing a wonderful verse from Psalms.

Psalms 46:5

"God is with her, she will not fail."

I love this verse. Great for any age..little babies, teens, women of all ages. To remember, that with God we cannot fail. Such encouraging words, words with power! As women we face many daily challenges, balancing our work with our parenting. Managing work related stuff, our children, our homes, and ourselves. Not an easy job, but God gives us the Grace to do it. I believe, women, in their own ways....are much stronger than men. 

These are the supplies I used....again, all from my scrapbooking/cardmaking stash. Punches, alphabet stickers, paper bling flowers, twine, rub-on letters, and  cardstock scraps. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

It makes my heart smile!!

Loving my Erin Condren Planner

I've had this planner for about a week, and so far...so good. 
I'm really enjoying using it. I really have just begun using this, and haven't even ventured to the back of it!! It's got pages to write on, a nice pocket page, and a clear zip pocket. Fun stuff!

Here are my pages for this week:

I used a mish-mash of things...Washi Tape, stickers, cardstock, a journaling card from a We R Memory Keepers pack (Wal-Mart). 

I really feel bad that I have neglected my Ochre Malden. I use it as a wallet also. I am really thinking of going back to a regular wallet, and using my pink Calipso compact by Filofax. Less bulk for spring. 

Have a great Sunday~~~~

Using a NEW Planner: Erin Condren Life Planner

TGIF! I had been browsing You Tube videos and came upon many Erin Condren planner videos. After watching a few, I thought I'd try one out. I went to their site and they had a coupon code to use for 25%  off PLUS you get a coupon for a free custom cover. So...I ordered!
On Wednesday my new Erin Condren arrived, like this:

It was packed with some super cute stickers and package labels. 

And this is the cover it comes with! What's great about these is they are interchangeable. 

The ruler snaps off to use inside your binder...loving their new clear view ruler! 

This is this week's layout. I am planning on using this a a "memory planner". I'd like to print my Instagram photos or small photos from time to time and add them:

I found some free printables on Pinterest. The ones I printed out, I found here: Scripture Quotes

I love the Morning, Day and Night layout. Each week I can layout my plans for the day. 

I didn't take a picture of the Monthly page, but I will soon. 

I used lots of washi tape, the printed quotes, and an "O" stamp to make "check off" lists. 

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

Journaling Bible: Romans 9:38-39

Yeah! It's Thursday! And the week has just been beautiful! We had been having some pretty cold, rainy days...but it's been nothing but sunshine since Tuesday!!

For Week 11 in our Documented Faith Group the verse comes from 

Romans 9:38-39....

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I found great comfort in this verse. As I read it a few times...I came to the conclusion that nothing, absolutely nothing...not even DEATH can separate us from God's endless love!! How awesome is that!?

For this, I used my endless supply of alphabet stickers. I use whatever letters I can sweep together!

I cut a page flag out of polka dotted washi and adhered letters to it, and I used some scraps of cardstock to make the heart and trim at the top. The word "OF"  is actually those mini alphabet stamps from Michael's $1 spot. 

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!

HAVE AN AWESOME THURSDAY!

Journaling Bible: Love Thy Neighbor

Happy Wednesday to you!!!! 

I was a little behind with Week 10 in our Documented Faith Group. But this was the verse for March 1st: 

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30 (NIV)

This is a pretty big commandment....Love...love Him with ALL your heart, soul, mind and strength. And...Love your neighbor, which is fellow humans, as you love yourself. For me, the second part would be harder to do than the first part. Sometimes, some people are pretty hard to love. 

I worked on the 1st part of this on Sunday night. I had already completed the 2nd part of the verse several months back.

For this page, I used various alphabet stickers, my Pentel Finito Pen, and Washi Tape. 

For the 2nd part, I used a rubber stamp, alphabet stickers and a black thin line Sharpie. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a blessed Wednesday!

Spring Forward!

Hey there!! This Spring Forward time has really hit me hard this year! I'm having a hard time getting my body in sync with the changing time. I can't fall asleep at night and can't get up for work in the morning! 

So...my theme in my Ochre Malden this week is Spring Forward...I felt like these "springing" frogs would work perfectly! 

My son, Josh, gave me these for my birthday! Thanks Josh! 

Thanks for stopping by!!! Have a great Tuesday!!!

Smile! Gonna be a Picture Perfect Week

Happy Wednesday to you! This was my theme for this week in my Ochre Malden Filofax.

Actually it's been rainy and muddy all week! Haven't seen the sun in days! But I won't let that damper this great week! 

Journaling Card is by We R Memory Keepers, Flair Button is by SNAP! I made a paperclip with it. 

These are the supplies I used this week:

The black word stamps are by Recollections.(michael's) 

The journaling cards are by We R Memory Keepers ((Walmart) 

Washi tape-unknown

Camera Stamp was a gift. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday! 

Journaling Bible: I am not Perfect!

Happy Friday to you! This week at Documented Faith (Facebook Group), the Verse is:

2 Cor. 4:8
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

The problem is........I messed up! And I was so upset with myself I wasn't going to show you my entry. You see, this past Sunday was warm so I had the ceiling fan going. I had my page ready to go, but I guess as I looked away at my journaling pieces the ceiling fan blew my page over. I started working on my page, chalking, adhering paper, stickers, my fabric tag, etc.

And I came up with this:

BUT...the problem was...it was SUPPOSED TO go on this page!!! I know that if I hadn't of pointed it out, you probably wouldn't have noticed. But I am a bit of a perfectionist, and I know about it, and it bothered me BIG time!!!! I had to STOP and remind myself that I am NOT perfect. I make goofs in life...everyday. And it's OKAY, it will be OKAY!

Okay...so in a way, to me...this really pertains to the verse. Think about it..."fix your eyes on what is UNSEEN, not on what is SEEN." I need to tell myself to fix my eyes, my thoughts not on what's sitting right in front of me..but the whole picture. The reason I journal. What I see and do is temporary, but what I soak in, what I practice, is eternal! 

These are the supplies I used. Chalks, alphabet stickers by  Basic Grey and some cute Fabric Tags also by Basic Grey. I found these at Tuesday morning for under a dollar!!!! Super cute and a bargain!

My bible is an ESV Journaling Bible by Crossway. 

Have a wonderful Friday and a blessed Weekend!!!

Boofle in my Filofax

I'm using my personal size Pink Calipso for February. 

I just love this cute little dog, Boofle! I found these stickers at Walmart and fell in love! 

I am a dog lover and love the color pink so these are perfect for me! 

The washi tape is from Walmart. It was with the Valentine collection, but these colors will work for me anytime of 

the year. 

The "to-do" journaling card was received in a swap so I'm not sure who makes these. 

Have a great week!!! 

Journaling Bible : Matthew 21

TGIF! I was awakened by my husband this morning and for about 30

seconds thought it was Saturday. What a disappointment when I realized it was Friday and I would be getting up for work soon! Good thing was...it's not Monday! 

Today I'm sharing a verse from Documented Faith that was actually given to us over a week ago. I

just hadn't been able to share this with you. The week gets so busy! 

Matthew  21:22: 

" If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

How simple is this? God's word says if we BELIEVE we shall RECEIVE! 

Once again, I used bits and pieces I found in my stash.  The Believe sticker was received in a swap. I also used Washi tape and a rub-on. 

Here's a closer look: 

I leave you with this, and hope you have a wonderful Friday!!! 

Here is a recent picture of our rescue dog, Handsome:

He has recently been groomed and gets chilly at night, so he has been loving his little blue shirt. 

BLESSINGS! 

This week in my Filofax

As I sit here at the doctors office, I am thinking of all I have to do today. I'm headed to work after this follow up appointment, but sometimes get overwhelmed with my "to-do" for the day.

I guess that's why I enjoy using my filofax planner. It not only keeps me organized, but it helps me to see what I have accomplished in each day. 

Here is this week in my pink Filofax Calipso: 

I was so happy to see that my washi matched a polka dotted paper clip I made. I used a flair button from this pack I found at Burlingtons and put it on a nice flat paperclip, found at Walmart.  I don't recall the brand of  washi. I might have bought this online and it didn't have packaging or received it in a swap. 

Okay, well..I'm up next! Just waiting for the Dr to come in and give me all GOOD news!!! 

Have a blessed Wednesday! 

Be STRONG and COURAGEOUS

Good afternoon. Wanted to share a little story or event with you today.
Monday as I was beginning my day at work, my phone goes off. It's a text message from some dear friends of ours, they are brothers and sisters in Christ--Dolores and Jesus. 
In the text it said:

"Deuteronomy 31:6 God Bless" 

I thought, ok I'll take some time to read it later....then ...that small voice said, "read it now"..so I looked it up and this is what it said:

 "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

How I needed this verse on Monday!!! It helped me get through my day!!! Had I NOT read, I probably would have dealt with the day's events much differently. 

I used various things on this page, Washi Tape, random alphabet stickers, a removable page flag (Makes me Happy) by Smash and my Date stamp, also by Smash. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday~

Bible Journaling: James 1:5-6 BELIEVE

Hey there! Been almost a week since I was last here. Life got a bit chaotic and crazy...I finally got some quiet time yesterday to sit down with my Bible. I use an ESV Journaling Bible by Crossway.

Last week's verse at DOCUMENTED FAITH-Homegrown Hospitality was

 James 1:5-6

 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."

Our "word" for the month of February is BELIEVE.

For this one I kept it simple. I used Washi Tape here and there. the word FAITH was actually a clear sticker by The Paper Studio. I received this from a sweet Cheryl Ann in a swap we did. I just put the sticker over my washi. The words "wave" and "wind" are some American Craft stickers. 

Thanks for stopping by!! Have a wonderful Monday evening!

Journaling Bible: Romans 12:3 "A Measure of Faith"

Wow! We are half way through the week. It's been such a busy week....sometimes I wonder how I make it on the go for more than 10 hours a day! LOL

Today I'm sharing a verse that made me think. Made me question it, and made me want to read on it and learn more.........

Romans 12:3

"For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned."

So I understand the first part...be humble, don't think of yourself as having more value,to judge...sensibly. But this part, got me...."the measure of faith God has assigned." Does that mean that each of us have been given a different amount of faith? Did God give some the ability to have more faith than others??

So I'm thinking...each of us has a different amount of faith, whether you are a Christian or not. And each Christian carries a different amount of faith.  Some have more, some have less. I also think it varies due to your life experiences...present and past. Surely there are many times our faith is tested....so, this is a verse that has really made me think. How is my faith measured? Hmmmm. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday. And as always...thank you for visiting my blog!

Journaling Bible: John 14:6

Tuesday is here and almost gone, and it's a beautiful day!  Its hard to believe it's a balmy 84 degrees here in TEXAS, and blizzard conditions up north. 
Well...now for my next post:
First off, I want to apologize for my lack of writing skills. It has always been one of my weaknesses. So...I usually try to keep my posts short and sweet.

I mentioned before that I am part of a wonderful group of ladies that are participating in Documented Faith

For Week 5 we were given this verse:

"I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6

This is an ESV Journaling bible by Crossway.

 Here are the supplies I used:

Here's wishing you a safe and blessed week. 

Journaling Bible: Psalm 86: 11 Lord, Teach me Your Ways

Well, I'm back at work today. But that's okay...I enjoyed my 3 day weekend. 
Keeping this short today, loving these TRUTH verses!

Today I'm sharing this week's verse over at Homegrown Hospitality. The verse for this week is:

Psalm 86:11 "Teach me your way O LORD, that I may walk in your TRUTH; unite my heart to fear your name."

For this I used a matching scrap of cardstock along the edge, some washi tape, and my alpha punch out letters. The rest are stickers from here and there. At the top is a page flag, these are from Target's $1 spot. I LOVE that spot!!!! 

Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday. 

Journaling Bible: Psalms 25: 4,5: Lead me in Your Truth

What a beautiful Monday this has turned out to be. I am off today for the MLK Jr. Holiday. I decided to play "catch up" today.....laundry, chores, and bible journaling! 

I had also joined a group of ladies over at Homegrown Hospitality. Stephanie Ackerman has been guiding us with a wonderful project called:
Documented Faith. 
I was so "gung-ho" about this group...then it started, and many things happened...I got sick w/ the flu, I injured my knee, and then I lost my creative spurt. I wasn't sure how I wanted to express myself, or what I wanted to use....a journal, a planner,a notebook, etc.

So...for now, I'm using my Journaling Bible. The word for January is TRUTH. So each week, she gives a verse pertaining to that word.  I use these verses in my journaling bible. I often get asked what bible I am using. This is a ESV Journaling Bible by Crossway. 

Psalm 25: 4,5" Make me know your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths. Lead me in your TRUTH and teach me, for you are the GOD of my SALVATION."

 As you can see, my previous journaling art was showing thru the back of the page. So  I used a piece of cardstock that matched my bible page, this allowed me start on a fresh palette.

These are the supplies I used. I was thrilled to find my huge Alpha Punch-Out letters by ColorBok. I used to use these on my scrapbooking pages. The date stamp is my KaiserCraft, I forgot to take a photo of my Kraft Alphabet sheet, that and the Kraft Labels are from Target's $1 spot. I used the Glue Dots to adhere my cardstock to the bible page. The patterned paper is a scrap, so I'm not sure who makes this.

HAVE A BLESSED MONDAY!

Journaling Bible: Pray without Stopping!

Monday already?!
The weekend just seemed to fly by.
I heard this verse and in a way knew what it was trying to say,
but i stii wanted to dig deeper, for a greater understanding.

1 Thel. 16-18.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

At first i thought, "Does this mean Rejoice in God always?! Pray 24/7,Everyday.....all day?!" Is this even humanly possible?
Pray when I'm watching a movie, reading a book, pray when I'm
focusing on a task at work, pray when I'm sleeping??
How does one do this?!

After doing some translation research, I used google...this is what I foundand for me, it explained it really well.
It basically said....every day and in every moment of your
day KNOW that God is with you.
Rejoice in Him during the highest moments and during
your lowest moments, because in each of those...
good and bad, He is there with you. He will never leave
you. Never give up praying...He hears you!

This is not my design, I got it from the wonderful Andrea 

at A Work of Heart, she had 2 images as freebies and I just love them!!!

These are the supplies I used. The Crayola twistable Pencils and Washi Tape were from a friend. Thank you Cheryl Ann! I used the Smash stamp to date my project and my Pentel Finito pen to write and outline. 

Have a blessed Monday!!!

Journaling Bible: Fear Not for I am with You

Brrr! It's cold outside!!! We Texans are not used to these cold temps!!! But, it is winter, so what should we expect?! 
I'm so happy today is Thursday..why? Cause tomorrow is Friday!I always look forward to the weekend. Love the slower pace of the weekend and enjoy being at home working on the things I love. 

Today I'm sharing Isaiah 41:10-"Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God."

I love reading this verse, and reminding myself that I am not alone, I should not fear, God has my back...all the time. 

For this one I used an old scrapbooking letter stencil sheet I had and penciled in the words "Fear" and "You". I then colored them in with my copic markers and outlined with an extra fine Sharpie pen. I used the same pen to write and draw a border around my verse.

Used some of my favorite washi tape and drew an arrow and I was done. 

And here's a picture of our rescue dog, Handsome. He's in "stealth mode"....meaning he blends in with my bathroom rug! 

He loves sitting there and keeps me company as I put on my make-up.

Thanks for stopping by!!! 

Have a blessed Thursday!

Journaling Bible: Jeremiah 29:11

I hope your New Year has started off well. I am happy that the holidays have passed. It was a wonderful blessing to be with family and celebrate (Christmas) Jesus' birth and the coming of 2015. But now I'm ready to get back to my daily routine. 

Today I'm sharing another one of my favorite verses:

Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Often times, when things are not going my way...or as I would wish things would go, I have to remind myself that God is in control, and He knows whats best. He sees the broader picture, He sees the future. 

For this, I mostly used scraps. I used washi tape to hold some cardstock down. I then put my design on top of the cardstock.

Greetings from our rescue Lab, Presley. We've had him for about 4 years. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!