This Christmas the Little Things

This Christmas I'm thankful for....

the little things.

This Christmas I'm thankful for....

clothes & shoes that fit.

This Christmas I'm thankful for...

food to eat.

This Christmas I'm thankful for...

my home, my family and my friends.

This Christmas I'm thankful for...

seeing donated clothes given to a small child

and the smile she wore in her new dress.

This Christmas I'm thankful for...

the little things that really are the big things!

This Christmas I'm thankful for...

Jesus, God's Son, coming as a baby 

to bring love and forgiveness

to all who seek Him.

This Christmas What are You Thankful for?

Facebook Page

Anyone who enjoys Facebook

can find me on my page at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Treasure-Broker/245273435492308

Feel free to stop by and say hello!

Runaway Christmas Train

 Does anyone else feel like they are on a runaway train picking up speed fast?  So often I hear ladies ask, "Where has the time went?  How did it get to be December already?" 

I don't have the answers to those questions, but am reminded to take a deep breath and remember life isn't about the hustle and bustle, but about the journey and the memories you make along the way.

Where I live there aren't any roses in bloom to stop and smell.  It's too cold, but there are beautiful stars in the Winter sky and bright moons to behold.  Crisp frozen grass that crunches underfoot in early morn.  Soft cheerful music playing in the stores in preparation for Christmas.  A remembrance of Thanksgiving beckoning to not be forgotten amid the hurried days of the season.

The Bible says to everything there is a season.  Time comes and goes quickly it seems.  Isn't that all the more reason to enjoy each minute instead of hurrying through it?

Enjoy the journey and the moments will be more precious!

 

Thought for the Day

Those who do not thank for little 

will not thank for much!

Be thankful.  It doesn't take long

for us to look around and see

someone who has it so much 

worse than we do.  

There is always

something to be thankful for!

Christmas Blog Candy Giveway

Everyone is getting in the Christmas spirit!

Visit http://cricutcouple.blogspot.com 

for great Christmas ideas and a
500 Follower Celebration with

generous giveaways!

It's time to start getting ready for Christmas

to share Christ's love with all!

Christmas Blog Candy Giveway

 Candy's Craft Corner Blog is Having a
Wonderful Giveaway!

 Go Check it out:

http://candyscraftcorner.blogspot.com/2011/10/huge-christmas-candy.html

Joy Comes in the Morning

Medical tests, emergency rooms,

complications, bed rest and lot's of prayers

have been my last few weeks.

If you're someone who goes through

this frequently, you know the first few thoughts

that go through your mind are "Come on...not again!"

There are times in life when there are no answers

but that's when the peace comes 

when you trust God in those dark moments 

when you are alone and only He can help you.


Psalm 30:5 "...weeping may endure for a night,
but joy comes in the morning."

Take a Break and Enjoy Life

The sun will keep on rising and setting
whether we fill our days with

worry or joy!

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, 

for tomorrow will worry about itself. 

Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matthew 6:34

New Blog to Explore Cricut

There is a new blog beginning called

http://exploringcricut.blogspot.com/

It's a place where Cricut lovers can come and

explore Cricut cartridges and find new exciting ways 

to use them in their crafts!

Every other Monday there will be challenges.

Every day except Sunday there will be daily projects

exploring different Cricut cartridges from the design team!

Come join the fun as you are inspired to create

new projects to share with those you love!

Fall Blessings

I saw an idea in a Craft magazine to use leaves in 

layers to create a card, so thought I would give it

a try for a Fall Blessing card!

Do you recognize the red grid piece on the card?

It's from a potato sack!  When I was cooking one day,

I noticed the amazing texture and pattern and knew

it would be perfect for this card!  Try it out!

Materials

Patterned Paper:  Die Cuts with a View

Basic Card Stock

Leaves from dollar store pack

Glitter leaves from dollar store pack

Embellishments:  tags, gems & jute twine

If you print your own pictures like I do, then you know you

usually have some left over picture paper on the sheet

I don't throw anything away, so I found these left over pieces are

perfect for the inside of cards, especially if they are from the

Post-it-Note paper which just sticks right on.

May you have a beautiful Fall and see God in all the beauty around you!

Many Blessings!

Old Washington Kentucky

Sights from Old Washington, Kentucky
Simon Kenton Festival

Horse Drawn Carriage Ride

Down Main Street

 Old Country Stores & Antique Shops Line the Streets

Old Washington beckons you to step back in time.

My parents come from farther down in Kentucky

each Spring and Fall to enjoy the festival times with me.

The people are friendly and you find yourself having long

talks with complete strangers so when you leave, 

you have made new friends.  

Old style music drifts through the air with a happy tune.

Men lead teams of oxen pulling a covered wagon as

they holler out commands for the beasts of burden.

 Seeing this living history before us reminds us of stories of our

families and how they farmed, worked and survived.

I have been told about my Grandmother who led teams of oxen.

She was a small lady and I can't imagine how difficult the work 

would have been during those times.

 This is one of my favorite pictures of the day.  As I watched

them go by I felt myself relax and was reminded of slowing down

and enjoying life.  The cool Fall weather, bright sunshine and shade trees.

What a beautiful world God has given us!

You certainly want to move out of their way when they

come down the street!  They are much bigger in real life!

One was about 2,000 pounds!

There was not only sights & sounds, but smells during

the festival.  Street vendors sold everything from

lemonade and funnel cakes to barbecue.  

I just had to take a picture of this whimsical pig smoker.

Thanks for going on the trip with me to 

Old Washington, Kentucky.

Remember...Don't get so busy making a living,

that you forget to make a life!

Pop Bottle as a Gift Bottle

Baby Gift Bottle

I saw an idea to use a pop bottle as a container 

for a gift, so I gave it a try for a baby gift I need to give.

 

Pretty little package for a pretty new baby!

Remove the label from the bottle and use it

as a template for the new label allowing extra to overlap

Size:  5 1/2" x 15 3/4"
I pieced this together since I used 12" x 12" card stock

Scor-tape was used to adhere the card stock pieces together

and to adhere the decorations since it will need 

to bend around the round shape. 

 Use Goo Gone to remove left over pieces of label/glue

Make a slit in bottle allowing enough room to use 

utility scissors to cut an U shape to create a door

to load gift items inside.  

Be sure to make door smaller than label.

Use the back side of utility knife to

lightly score on right side of door so it will 

stay open when loading.

Run card stock through your shredder to match colors needed.

Bunch the pieces up with hands to get the scrunched look.

Load gift items in bottle and use small piece of tape to

close the door.  Adhere the decorated label to the bottle

by using Scor-tape.

My gift happens to be baby outfits, but small gift items really 

look better inside such as office supplies, baby rattles, etc.

Have fun creating unique gift containers that will

show those receiving it how much you care!

A Farm Fresh Thank You

This is my first chance to use my newest Cricut cartridge:  Country Life

There are so many cute images that I know
it will quickly become one of my favorites, 

especially because I'm a country girl!

 

Corn Ear 3 1/2" with light chalking

Farm Fresh 1 1/2" with a Shadow

 These images would be great for thanking

those who share fresh produce with you

this Summer/Fall.

Thanks for coming by!  Have a blessed Week!

Poster Making with Cricut

Continuing a little more crafting by

making a poster for the Parent group

at my child's school.

 

Cartridge:  Plantin Schoolbook Letters 4" & Shadow
and Parent is 5" & Shadow

Cartridge:  Everyday Paper Dolls

Woman 8"  Girl 4 1/2"

 Cartridge:  Everyday Paper Dolls
Man 8"  Boy 4 1/2"

Don't forget to offer your papercrafting hobbies as a 

resource to your local schools. 
 

We like to play with paper and glue 

as much as the kids do!!!

Vintage and Card Making

 

 A few weeks ago, I came across vintage 1960s beaded clip on earrings

with no matches at a yard sale and I wanted to incorporate them into card making.

 My first thought was like many of you who commented, to use the clip on earring 

as a center to a flower.  Since my Mom had found some great vintage 

lace and beading that looked like it came from an old wedding gown, 

they became the perfect accent with this vintage earring center.

Since my recent surgery, my neck isn't cooperating with looking

down for very long while crafting, so I've discovered something

to keep me busy in the meantime...looking for vintage items. 

Go through your stash of goodies and look for old lace, ric-rac, etc.

and pair them with some vintage beads or jewelry and see what 

one of kind unique cards you can make!  

Don't forget to come by and let me know, 

so I can come see your creations!

Materials:

Vintage lace, seam binding, beading and earring

Sprig of flowers from Dollar Tree

Prima Flowers
Clearance Christmas Ribbon 

Card Size:  5" x 7"

Anyone Use Vintage Jewelry in Card Making?

I have discovered a new love...vintage.  Have you ever used vintage earrings with paper crafting?  I have been using vintage postcards for card making and love the results, but I have came across vintage clip on earrings and would like your feedback on how to incorporate them in paper crafting.  Have you tried it?

Here are a few of my latest finds,
others are multicolored and pearl colored.

Who Do You Call?

When everything goes wrong...who do you call?  There seems to be times when if one thing happens, a hundred things go wrong.  When this occurs who do you call on?  Many are blessed to live close to family and have a good relationship with them, so when trouble hits, their number is already on speed dial.  

Nothing can take the place of good friends either.  We all rely on someone we can trust to help us in these crazy times when we need an extra hand.  What do you do when the one you call on can't really fix the situation.  It isn't a leaky faucet or broken water heater, it is a broken relationship or a devastating diagnosis at the Doctor.  It's when you find yourself thinking, "I can't believe this is happening." 

It is in these moments where no one can really change the outcome that we may be headed for that we realize we need more help than our family and friends can give.  We need strength, hope and peace.

Psalm 121 says,

  I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
         From whence comes my help?
  My help comes from the LORD,
         Who made heaven and earth.
        
  He will not allow your foot to be moved;
         He who keeps you will not slumber.
  Behold, He who keeps Israel
         Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
        
 The LORD is your keeper;
         The LORD is your shade at your right hand.
  The sun shall not strike you by day,
         Nor the moon by night.
        
 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;
         He shall preserve your soul.
 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in
         From this time forth, and even forevermore.

The Lord will give help in our times of need and walk with us through uncertain valleys.  He will be our friend and guide our steps giving us strength and peace.  

He's there when we need Him most!

The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award

Thank you Lori for this SWEET award!
Lori has a lovely blog with creative projects and inspiration.

Check it out:  http://scrappinsaints.blogspot.com/ 

To Receive this award you tell 7 things about yourself and 

choose other blogs to receive the award!

7 Things About Me

1.  I love God with all my heart!

2.  I am married to my best friend!

3.  If I could have picked my child myself, I couldn't have picked any better!

4.  I love all things creative, especially paper crafting.

5.  I just recently had back surgery and I'm having withdrawals from my Cricut Expression!

6.  I try to focus on the positive in all situations!

7.  I love to inspire others through encouraging words.

Now...to share this award with other blogs!

1.  http://apronstringsandfavoritethings.blogspot.com/

2.  http://cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com/

3.  http://expressionsbyelaine.blogspot.com/

4.  http://number1aunt.blogspot.com/

5.  http://melissamade2.blogspot.com/

6.  http://paperorfabric.blogspot.com/

7.  http://papiergirl.blogspot.com/

Happy Father's Day

 

I'm sending a Happy Father's Day to my Dad!

The one gift I enjoy giving my Dad is peanut butter fudge.

I believe he enjoys it better than any gift I've ever given.

With my recent health problems the fudge & card above didn't

make it in the mail, but I'm sending my love 

& an IOU for fudge real soon!

Thank you for being a Godly Dad!

I love you so much!

Faith During Times of Trouble

^" Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have  peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which
we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces
perseverance;  and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."  Romans 5:1-5

How can we falter when God pours out His love in our hearts during our times of trouble.  Have you ever went through a difficult time and then a small thing happened that made a bright spot in that hard time.  It may have been something that just simply caused you to smile.  God's love is amazing and He is always working in our lives and bringing things to us to give us hope and joy. 

Many of you know that I have been ill and recently had surgery.  This past week I was sent to the Emergency room with stroke like symptoms.  When headphones were placed on my head for my MRI the first song I heard was...God is not finished with you yet.  The second song said...Be still and let God work He has a plan.

I have not been a stranger to Dr.'s & tests over the past few years and I knew that God was with me and I really wasn't that upset in ER, but the simple assurance of those songs was a delight.  Even though I didn't have to have those things, God wanted to pour out His love on me and give me encouragement and hope!

When I came home and read my Bible the verses above is what God showed me.

Whatever your trouble is right now, look for God working and trust Him in faith and
allow Him to use your tribulations to produce perseverance and character and hope! 
 

You have to go through these things in life anyway,
why not let God help you through it?

Strength for Today

I'm excited to come back to Mud Pie Reality after having surgery 

and give a report that God will give enough strength for what comes your way!

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philipppians 4:13 

After days went to weeks and weeks went to months and

months went to years it was clear that pain was going to be a part of my life.

After countless Doctors, tests, hospitals, 

medicines and diagnosis the pain still remained.

Have you ever dreaded going to one more Doctor or having one more test?

Has there ever been a small voice in the back of your mind saying,

"who knows if this one is really going to be right?"

When you walk uncertain paths and you face unbelievable tasks you can be certain

that God will give you the strength to take each step if you ask Him.

I listened to His leading one more time and went to one more Doctor with one more test

and discovered not a diagnosis with medicine and continued pain, but 

a simple statement..."Here's whats wrong...let's fix it."

After back surgery and 6 weeks of recovery, symptoms are disappearing and healing

is taking place giving so much pain relief that I am so happy and thankful!

Wherever you find yourself and whatever path you are on 

if you have pain in your life physical or otherwise 

allow God to give you strength to handle each day 

and guidance to bring help in your time of need!

Temporarily Out

The week began with high hopes that I would have more creative things to share with you before my coming surgery; however, many loads of laundry later, nothing creative, but a much cleaner house!  I will be temporarily out recuperating from back/neck surgery.  I pray that each one of you will have a good Spring and I will see you in June!  Looking forward to crafting & blogging again real soon!  Check back later!

Many Blessings!

What's So Good About Friday?

If you are fortunate enough to have Good Friday off from work/school, then it's very good to you.  Why is it good; because you have a day off?  Is the Friday before Easter the last call for all Easter shoppers to get your baskets and gifts ready?  What about Easter clothes for your kids or yourself.  Does everyone in the family have to match?  We give new meanings to holidays based on our current circumstances.  If you've worked forever and haven't had a day off, then of course any Friday you have off is welcome.  A busy family rarely has enough time to shop and most of us are running to Wal-mart to pick up last minute essentials before any holiday.  (I shop at Wal-mart all the time and often tease...one day they will take over the world.  Ha/Ha)

 

In the middle of life, crazy as it is sometimes, do we forget the meaning of days that were set aside so we wouldn't forget.  Good Friday is set aside to remind us of a day long ago when something terrible happened that would bring us much good.  We all know that none of us are perfect.  We all do things that are wrong.  If we think that we are perfect, just ask our families...they will tell how imperfect we really are.  God in Heaven is not like us...He is perfect & holy and we are unable to have a relationship with Him, because of the wrong in our life/sin.  In order to give us a relationship with Himself, where we can be forgiven our wrong and someday go to Heaven with Him, God sent someone perfect and blameless that would be a bridge between us and God, forgiving us of our wrong and presenting to God, His Father, clean people who can talk to God, feel Him directing and giving us help in our daily life.

This bridge was God's Son, Jesus Christ, who came from Heaven to Earth to live here, showing us God's love and how we should live honoring God.  On a Friday, long ago He sacrificed His perfect life and allowed all of the wrong/sin of everyone to be placed on Him, when He died on a cross, a cruel death, so if we ask God to forgive us, He will, because of this bridge...this perfect, holy, Son of God, making a way for us to know God, have forgiveness and go to Heaven when we die.  

Good Friday has also been called...Great Friday and Holy Friday.  It was a day when terrible pain & suffering took place, but it was all good for us.  Good Friday allowed us to have a good Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, because now, we have a bridge to God, allowing us to talk to Him, be forgiven, let Him help in our crazy lives and give us meaning & purpose.  May we not forget in all the Easter traditions, what's so good about Good Friday.  It's Awesome!

Still Here

Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm still here.  

I've needed more rest lately as I await surgery.  

I'm looking forward to feeling better and posting more.  

With the energy I've had, I invested it in a Ladies Day at our Church, 

which was absolutely wonderful!  God blessed with every detail and 

we all left feeling refreshed and ready for ministry.

Thank you for your patience and I plan to post a 

few things before surgery in a few weeks!

Many Blessings!

My Favorite Verse

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13

This verse has given me strength & comfort through many years!

What's your favorite verse?