Be Obsessively Grateful-Bible Journaling

Good day to you! For the past couple of years I've been keeping  a little gratitude journal. By little, I mean it fits inside a Passport size traveler's notebook. I don't write it in daily, but I do several times a week. I find so many things to be grateful for, but at times, I find myself down and looking at all the trials and challenges I face and tend to ask myself, "Why me?!" 

Since I don't have the answers to the "Why me?!" question, I've tried to remind myself to focus on the good, to find the blessings in everyday, great or small. 

I've got a sign at my desk that says, "Be Obsessively Grateful" it serves as my daily reminder. 

Today I'm sharing 1 Thessalonians 5:18,  "Give thanks with a grateful heart."

May you be inspired to Start each day with a Grateful Heart!

Thanks for stopping in! Have a blessed week!!!

Handmade Gift Tag

WooHoo!!! It's FRIYAY!!!!!

I was wrapping a gift the other night and realized I didn't  have a card for my bag. Here's the scenerio: I live about 10 miles from the nearest town, it's 9:00pm, and I"m in my PJ's. What do I do??

I MAKE a tag!!!!

I grabbed a piece of scrap cardstock, cut it to size and punched a border along the bottom using a Martha Stewart border punch. I found a piece from a vintage hymnal, cut that to size and adhered it. I then added a butterfly (epherema) and a printed Beloved Society Girl. I had some butterfly ribbon in my stash too. Why not add that!!!? :)
I finished this off with a mini tab, a handmade paper clip, and some polka dotted ribbon. All in the comfort of my pj's. LOL

I also made her a bookmark for the Journaling Bible I gave to her. 

And added the tag to her gift bag. 

Have a great weekend!!! Be blessed!

Bible Journaling-Psalm 147:4

Happy Thursday to you!! Today is actually my Friday, and I'm really looking forward to a slower pace these next few days. 

Today I'm sharing 
Psalm 147:4

"He counts the number of the stars;
He calls them all by name."

What a mighty God we serve that  HE knows how many stars are in our universe, and he calls them all by name! 

I have 3 kids and sometimes can't get their names straight, imagine ALL the stars have a name and our Lord Almighty knows each and every one of them!! That tells me, that HE knows me!!! I am one of many, many "stars" yet he calls me by name and knows me!!!

Page details: Beloved Society girl from Illustrated Faith Print and Pray Shop, printed stars, glitter, glitter washi and a scrap from a vintage hymnal. 

Thanks for visiting! Have a blessed Thursday!

Bible Journaling--Ruth 3:18

Well, hey there folks!!! I know it's been way too long since I've updated this blog. But like I've said, LIFE HAPPENS. 
Today I'm sharing 
Ruth 3:18 "'Wait my daughter, until you see how the matter turns out."

I'm really loving this verse right now. I stress. about. everything. I KNOW I shouldn't, but I do. :(
I always pray for peace and trust in God's will. 

When I read this verse, it really spoke to me. 

Page details: Variety of letter stickers, Beloved Society girl: from Illustrated Faith Print and Pray Shop.  Cross stamps: Illustrated Faith, Word Stickers: Tim Holtz, Crown Stickers: unknown

Thanks for stopping by!

Be blessed!!

MICRO Bible Journaling!

I found these little palm size bibles and love being able to do a little journaling in them, and then pop them in my purse to read while on-the-go. 

Here I'm sharing Proverbs 31:25...

"Strength and Dignity are her clothing, she laughs at the time to come."

Have a blessed Saturday!

Bible Journaling

Good afternoon, 

I've been trying to pop in here and share some bible journaling entries, but life always seems so busy. 

Today I'm sharing

Hebrews 11:6

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

It pleases God when we turn to him and ask for prayer, guidance, strength, etc.

It pleases him even more when we seek him and truly have faith in Him and believe and trust Him. 

Details: Image: Illustrated Faith Print & Pray shop, Acrylic paints and Washi Tape. 

Have a Blessed Day!

Trade and Create Swap

Good evening!!! This past month, I had the pleasure of participating in a Trade and Create Swap group. 
I received some awesome crafting supplies from my swap partner Brandi (@the_happy_door) and was required to create one thing with all or some of the supplies. I loved the color combo SOOO much, I created a few things!!! LOL

Starting with this photo frame:

I painted it with the pink Acrylic paint. I was going to try and distress it, but I clearly need more practice! I added ric-rac and some fabric flowers. I used the patterned cardstock as a frame for one of my photos. 

I also covered some chunky clothes pins with the patterned cardstock and made a cute planner clip with one of the rosettes. 

In my Journaling Bible, I used some of the patterned paper at the top as Washi Tape and covered the dress on my Beloved Society girl to match. I used the pink Acrylic paint as the background. I finished it off with a cute rosette paperclip. 

This is in Isaiah 55:9

And here are the supplies she sent. I was stumped on how to use the cute patterned banner, but I'm sure I will find use for that very soon!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Be blessed!!

Handmade Vintage Birthday Card

Good Sunday evening to you. Once again, my mother has celebrated her Birthday, and once again, I have made a handmade Birthday Card for her. She loves the vintage, shabby-chic look, so I always try to make a card accordingly. 

I found this free image on google and it reminded me of my sister in and I, so printed it onto cream colored card stock and went from there. 

I used a Martha Steward lace border punch, some cream lace, a fabric flower, a vintage looking button and some tiny stick on pearls to embellish the card. 

I find make handmade cards to be so relaxing and enjoying. I think I need to make more time to do these. I truly enjoyed making this card for my Mother. 

Thanks for stopping by! Be blessed!

Bible Journaling: "Under His Wings..."

Good Monday morning to you!! Today is a special day for many reasons:
ONE: God has given us a new day of life, and has so much mercy on us. TWO: It's my Hubby's birthday! Another year of life, praise God. And THREE: I am happy to announce I was selected to be a Design Team Member for the lovely FLORA JOY DESIGNS

Leah has the most beautiful images, and they are so versatile. You can use them for Bible Journaling, Planning, Cards, and so much more!! 

I chose to use the FEATHERS collections for my Bible Journaling entry this week:

Psalm 91:4:
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

 Image details: Watercolor images, Floral Banner and Feathers by Flora Joy Designs:
(link above), Watercolors: Gelatos, word stickers: Tim Holtz, letter sticks: Recollections, Floral/Pearl paperclip: Handmade by me. 

Thank you for visiting!!! Have a blessed day!!

Bible Journaling:" When the Brook Runs Dry"

Good evening!!! Do you ever hear a sermon and have an "Ah-ha" moment?! It doesn't happen to me everytime, but when it does, I think to myself, "This WAS for ME!!" 
This past Saturday I was running errands with my husband and we were listening to one of our favorite stations: 1100am KDRY

The sermon wast titled "When the Brook Dries Up." As the Pastor was explaining this verse I could feel it pertaining to my life, and the life of many I know.

As you can see, my Bible Journaling entry for this verse is "simple" compared to other entries I have shared. This is because I was so focused on the sermon and taking the notes, I simply wanted to remember the sermon and not focus on all the pretty details to go on this page.

1 Kings 17:7
"But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land."

Thanks for visiting!! Have a blessed evening!

Valentine's Day Cards

Good afternoon!! Normally I would be at work, but due to our icy weather, we got to close our office and stay home! I took advantage of the free time and started working on my Valentine's Day Cards. 
I received this set in the mail a couple of week's ago and knew I would be creating some fun Valentine's Day cards and tags with it. 

The first card is created using the items from the Pink Paislee Oh My Heart Kit (Shown Above), I also used a clear cling stamp from one of the Bible Journaling sets. (shown below)

Both of these were bought from PEACHY CHEAP DEALS

These stamps are so versatile!  I use them in my Bible Journaling, on gift tags and handmade cards. 

I was having so much fun, I created this card as well:

These were fast and easy to create and I'm looking forward to creating a few more!

Have a blessed day!

Read the Bible in a Year!

One of my goals for 2018 is to grow closer to God, to get stronger through his Word. To have a better understanding of his Word, to have a more intimate relationship with Him. Through Bible Journaling I am able to read the Word, meditate on it, and apply it to my life. 
But through this plan I found at Illustrated Faith, it's a tangible guide to help me read my bible more. By doing this I am hoping to read my Bible more, desire reading my Bible daily, and having a better understanding of God and His promises. I love that it's structured, and I always need structure!

I've am using my #4 Foxy Fix TN for my reading plan and printouts.

I found some lined notebooks at Dollar Tree and will use them as my inserts. I had to play with the print out a little bit to make it fit into my #4 Traveler's notebook. 

On this left is a Free Print out, it's a Daily Habit printable. 

On the right, is a Mini Devotional called "Your Ways: Your Path"

I have left a page blank to take notes and answer the "Journal Prompts" on the left. 

This is the print-out for January. I will be adding this one to my insert and get started on my journey.

And this is the Bible I will be using, it's an NIV Bible by Zondervan. I bought this as a gift to myself for Christmas at Christian Books.com. 

So now I'm all set, come January 1st, I plan on beginning my journey of reading by Bible in one year! I pray God helps me and guides me along the way!

Have a blessed Friday!

What's your word for 2018?

Happy Friday afternoon! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! Our family had a very splendid Christmas as well.
As we wind down the year and get ready for 2018, we think about new goals, resolutions, etc.

The common resolutions are things like:  eat healthier, exercise, read more, work harder, etc....
I've read about having ONE WORD for the new year. I thought about my ONE WORD, I couldn't come up with just one, but I do love this phrase:

"PRAY MORE, WORRY LESS".

So I decided this is my phrase for 2018.  I saw this on a board on Pinterest and saved it, my daughter made this sign for me for Christmas and I absolutely love it!
It's so special because even though she's got a busy schedule due to Nursing School, she took the time to paint the wood and hand letter each word. 

Anyone that really knows me, knows I'm a worry wart, I stress very easily, about EVERYTHING!! Now that I have this, I will hang it up and have it as a daily reminder not to Worry, but to PRAY about it!

I also added this entry to my mini Bible Journaling Traveler's Notebook. I love carrying these around and looking at them when I"m in need of comfort and encouragement. 

Details: Washi Tape: Hobby Lobby, Die-cut: Peachy Cheap Deals, "He will be our Peace" rubberstamp: American Crafts (Peachy Cheap Deals), Alpha letters and Tim Holtz words: Joann Fabrics, Happy Note die cut card: We R Memory Keepers, Pom-Pom trim: Walmart

Have a blessed Friday!

Luke 15:10 "There is rejoicing"

After spending almost a week reflecting and praying about all the bad things happening in our world, one incident in particular : the tragic shooting at the 1st Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, TX, 
I came upon this free printable. It was featured as a Facebook freebie from BIBLE JOURNALING MINISTRIES

I looked up the verse printed on it:

LUKE 15:10

 "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

As I read this verse, I could only take comfort in the thought, that God willing, through this tragedy and other hardships people are experiencing....there are also others that are repenting and being saved. 
So in other words, through the loss of those precious lives, others are being "saved." Angels are blowing their trumphets and rejoicing at those that are turning from their ways, giving their hearts to God and choosing to confess that the Lord is their savior!

I ended up printing my image onto Vellum and painting with some pretty opalescent watercolors. To give the wings some shimmer, I outlined them with a Sakura "glitter" gelly roll pen. 

I added some Gold washi from Target along the edge and finished it off with some beautiful rhinestones from Recollections. Journaling Bible is by Crossway.

The page charm was an old earring that had lost it's pair, I ran it through a gold paperclip. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

I pray that everyone has somewhere to gather or visit!

May God bless you on this day and always!

"Be strong and let your Heart take Courage"

I will be the first one to say, 
"Thank God it's Friday!" 

What a week this has been, so full of different emotions. At times, my day was so busy that I would push my thoughts and emotions to the back of my head. Then at night, I'd lay there....talking to my God. Tears flowing down my face, all we can do is keep going, keep the faith.
I kept thinking of how times used to be, I spoke with a friend and told her times have changed so much, and it will continue. It's a sign of the times, it's in God's Word, he warned us all of this to come. 
Honestly, my anxiety levels were way up this past week, I kept thinking of things I fear now that I never did before. So I searched for a verse to meditate on and  this one came up. 

Psalm 27:14

"Wait for the Lord, Be strong and let your heart take courage. Yes,wait for the Lord."

Have a blessed Friday.

Thank you for stopping in. 

Bible Journaling: "I Can Do all Things..."

God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, or sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

- author unknown

As I look back at this week, and think of things that have happened, feelings I have felt, I think to myself...."only by the Grace of God do we get through these things." 

We have all been there....hurt by someone we love, let down by someone we depended on, saddened by an event in life, worried about things to come,etc, etc.
But the one thing we can count on is the promise of God's word. 

"I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me."

Philippians 4:13 

Thanks for stopping by. 

Be blessed.

Bible Journaling: "He is my Refuge and My Fortress"...

When a world seems to have gone crazy, when unbelievable things happen, what should we do?
I often ask myself this, and then remind myself to turn to God's word. 

This past Sunday, the most unimaginable thing happened. 26 people were killed while in church, praising and worshiping God. Small town, everyone knew everyone, it was supposed to be a safe place. 
One young man, who was filled with evil, took the lives of so many innocent children, parents, and grandparents. 
I have been so saddened by this, and have asked God "Why??" 
All I could do was read this verse over and over, and remind myself to trust God. 

Psalm 91:2 says:

I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."

I'm speechless by this act. Still in shock and disbelief. I know I can never feel what they are going through, or know what they are facing. But I'm praying for them. 

Bible Journaling: "And the Two Shall Become One"

One year ago today, I had the honor of watching my eldest son marry his bestfriend. Even more special is my husband, officiated the wedding. It was a beautiful day even though storms were in the forecast. Thank God it did not rain until later in the night. The wedding was beyond beautiful and all the work we had put into it was so worth it. My daughter in law, Amber, did a wonderful job preparing for this special day. They are a wonderful couple and I wish them many more years together. 

Watching these two unite as one was an indescribable joy, I was one proud Mom and thankful to God for this day.

 In honor of their 1st Anniversary today, I prayed for them this morning and worked on a bible page made especially for them.

In Genesis 2:24 its says, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

Bible: ESV Journaling Bible by Crossway, Photo was printed on vellum, floral/pearl paperclip was handmade using a button, fabric flower and gold paperclip. Gold placemat underneath the bible was part of their table centerpieces at the wedding. 

Happy 1st Anniversary Caleb and Amber!

May God always be the center of your marriage and may your love for one another grow deeper and stronger with each passing year. 

Oh Happy Day!!!

Oh Happy Day! I have really enjoyed creating these little bits of art and finding that there is always a verse in my Bible to pertain to real life. Only because HE is real in my life!!!!

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other. Just as God in Christ also has forgiven you!

Continue to pray for all of those affected by Hurricane Harvey. I thank God we only had wind and rain. May everyone remain safe and recover from this hurricane.

Be blessed!!!

Bible Journaling in my Tiny Notebook

Good Sunday evening to you....I have really enjoyed journaling in this #2 Wide Foxy Fix notebook. I thought this was a Licorice..but now I'm not sure. The leather is so soft and flexible. I am really loving it for my MINI Bible Journaling, Junk Journaling, and writing in my little Prayer Notebooks. 

Creating with my hands is what I do! I find it such a wonderful stress reliever. 

I have always loved this verse in 
1st Thessalonians 4:11
"Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you." 

I have all these paint chips laying around, at one time we were trying to decide on colors for my craft room and for the church. I wanted to put them to good use. So I've really enjoyed creating these little bits of art. 
The only downside to this, I don't like my handwriting!!!! Yikes!!! LOL Something I will have to practice on for sure!!! 

This past weekend, our Texas coast was hit hard by Hurricane Harvey, I continue to pray for God to put His mighty hands on all of those in need! 

Thanks for stopping by! Have a blessed week!