Just Don't Get Excited! "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Philippians 4:6

Thinking of Father's Day, it's neat to look back and remember the phrases your Father said over and over again.  Many of these phrases teaches a lesson.  It can be a phrase that is timely and said just when you need it.  I often think of things my parents said while I was growing up. Many of us have even caught ourselves saying the same thing our parents told us.  Isn't it scary when that happens!

One of the phrases I associate the most about my Dad is "Just Don't Get Excited!"  This was said in the middle of many small crises, that I thought would surely end the world.  Do you remember getting upset over the smallest things?  

Although this phrase reminded me to not get excited and lose perspective during small mishaps, it also taught me to handle situations with a calm head allowing me to make the best possible decisions.  During illness that I have faced with many Doctors, tests and uncertainties over the years, God has reminded me to just not get excited about the situations, that He is in control and will lead me and the Doctors.  He will work everything out for my good.  Even if situations aren't resolved the way we want them to be.  We just have to trust Him. 

We all face different circumstances where the tendency is to be overwhelmed, in despair and unsure of what to do next.  Let me encourage you...in the words of my Dad..."Just Don't Get Excited!"  God will see you through the difficulties and work things out to give you hope, peace and strength, no matter the outcome!

I am blessed to have a Dad, who guides me in the way of my Heavenly Father and reminds me to lean and trust in Him.  Thank you Dad for modeling to me our Heavenly Father's love & devotion.  I love you and appreciate you.  Happy Father's Day to my Dad, Bob Goodin!  The best Dad ever!

The Cuttlebug Spot Challenge: Dads and Grads

Father's day is coming soon and most Dads love chocolate! 
Here's a sweet project for Dads.

Don't look Dad...you'll get this later!

A slider that holds a surprise chocolate bar!

Embossed using the Paisley folder in Cuttlebug

How to Make:
Small chocolate bar, such as Hershey with almonds:   Cut paper to wrap with at 5" x 6".  Hint:  If using 12" scrapbook paper...cut 5" at the top then flip paper to measure 6" and you will get 2 from the 12" paper.  I used scrap pieces, but most were 12" long and were at least 5" wide.  I embossed using the Paisley folder in my Cuttlebug.

Score at 4 1/2", 4", 2 1/4" and 1 3/4".  I don't use a scor-pal, I just measure on my paper cutter using the slide out ruler and then use a Popsicle stick (from rub-on's) pressing hard to score down the center of the blade indention on the cutter.  It works just fine and I don't have to buy another gadget or store it!
. 
Punch hole at top through both top & back sheets.  Put scor-tape along edge of wrap, but don't remove paper yet.  Thread 20" piece of ribbon through back and bring down inside the wrap...place candy bar on top of ribbon...bring ribbon up the candy bar and thread through the hole on other side of wrap.  Peel off scor-tape and adhere side.  Tie ribbon at top in knot.  Be careful to fold over the end of wrapper on bottom & top of candy bar so the ribbon has it secure to pull up & down easily.
Decorate your slider with a band of coordinating paper & any embellishments you want to add.

Go make some for the men in your life!

Dimensions for larger candy bar, such as regular Hershey's bar.
Wrap:  6"x6"
Score at 2 1/2", 2 3/4", 5 1/4" and 5 1/2".  20" ribbon piece.

 Fantastic Dad Project

Storms of Life

"The difference between school and life?  In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. 
In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson." 

Tom Bodett

As we live life and travel the road with ups and downs, it becomes apparent that we can learn a lot through these situations, if our focus is not on the difficulties, but on God.  Oswald Chambers said, "We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties."  Our perspective when we go through rough times allows us to either learn in the situation and become better for having gone through it or we become more inclusive to ourselves with bitterness and anger over the situation.  When this happens it's hard for God or anyone else to reach us.

Of course, we must realize that problems & difficulties in life are not punishment from God, but just part of life.  The only perfect place besides Heaven was the Garden of Eden and we sure messed it up.  So, with that big mistake of a lifetime comes wrong/sin, death, illness and all the bad in the world.  Understanding this helps us to answer questions like...Why is this happening to me?  

Many people say that life is like this...you are either headed for a storm, in a storm or coming out of a storm.  What you allow yourself to become through these storms is up to you.  God is constantly working in our lives and even in the darkest times, we can see the small joys that He brings our way.  He may seem late at times when you want things to hurry up, but the truth is He's not late because He never went anywhere.  He never left you. 

Wherever you find your life right now, remember the opportunity to learn through these storms.  Just as it's so beautiful when the sun begins to shine brightly through the storm clouds and you know it's almost over, hold on through the difficulty and look to God in the horizon and watch for the clouds to move aside as the sun begins to shine.  You will appreciate the sunny days so much more.

Fantabulous Cricut - #11 Challenge Me Monday

Create a project using at least 3 flowers on your project
and at least one Cricut cut image.

I won a blank reversible wooden door hanger at my favorite
scrapbook store, The Scrapyard on National Scrapbooking Day
and created this fun door hanger for my scrap room/office.

Storybook

Lyrical Letters

First Signs of Summer

Missouri Evening Primrose

Fluffy Clouds in a Blue Sky

The Promise of a Beautiful Rose

Raindrops on the Flowers

Golden Delicious Apples Beginning to Grow

Lime Green Tipped Petunias...A Show Stopper

Ripe Blackberries Coming Soon

Beauty in the Shade

Thanks for Visiting the First Signs of Summer in my Backyard.
Enjoy the Beauty God Has Given Us!

Everyone Has a Story

"Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something,
loves something and has lost something." 
H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

When you see people, some show a lot of personality traits that lend itself to you forming opinions on them.  Seeing past what someone says and how they act allows us to see them as a person.  Remembering simple facts that effects us all changes how we view others.  

Everyone is afraid of something, even if they do not realize it.  Fear of seeing others hurting, losses we can face, children seriously ill or being alone is just a few things that can cause us to be afraid.

Each of us love something or someone and with this love of life, people and abilities comes the vulnerability to be hurt when these things are no more.  If you've loved, then you've also lost.  Remembering these facts help us to see that all of us are really not so different and we all have the basic needs to love, be loved and find and accomplish our purpose. 

The next time someone shows their personality good and proper and you have the option to form an opinion, remember to look past their words and actions.  See the things they may be afraid of and what they have loved and lost.  Ask God to help you see others the way He sees them.  We are deeply loved in spite of our words and actions.  We were created with the purpose of loving God and sharing that love with all that we meet.  It's so simple...yet so very hard to live.  Remember to be patient with others along the journey, because they are trying to learn this also.

Fantabulous Cricut Scrappin' Saturday Challenge - make your own lace cardstock

Using the Storybook cartridge, I used the fit to page option
on #7 Shift, Accent/Frame.

I love to use everything, especially my scraps, so I chose to use the left over pieces from the underside of the frame on the second page and it works great!  This challenge was so much fun!

Cricut Cardz Challenge # 25 - make a card with a bird or a butterfly using any cartridges, colors or theme you'd like.

A whimsical butterfly card using Home Accents cartridge.

Inside sentiment using Lyrical Letters cartridge.

Thought for the Day

"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. 
I just wish He didn't trust me so much." 
Mother Teresa

It's such a cute quote and we often feel the way Mother Teresa did.  It's been said that each day is a gift from God and what we do with it is our gift to Him.  Our challenge becomes not just surviving from day to day, but to cherish each day and focus on how we can help, love and give to others, showing them the love of God.  This is giving our lives as a gift to God.  It is a gift of service and self sacrifice...even in the days when we don't think we can handle life.  Especially, when we are weak...it's when others can see how God is strong.  So, when you think you just can't handle anymore, remember that God is with you all the way.

Paper Cutz Challenge #42 make a card, LO or craft project using buttons plus ribbon, lace or hemp. Use any colors or theme you'd like.

 

My Son loves gumballs, so it inspired a fun layout!

The orange polka dot paper is from My Minds Eye.
The letters are cut from Tangerine Bazzill card stock at 3" using the Lyrical Letters Cricut cartridge on Jumbo.

The gumball machine is cut at 4" using the snow globe from Doodlecharms.  The top was cut in white and bottom in black.  I also added an 1 1/2" extra base to the machine.  Assorted buttons are adhered with glue dots and the machine is adhered to the page using 1/4" scor-tape for extra holding power.  Orange ribbon was used for trim.  A patterned swirly paper completes the look. 

The second page layout needs a little more embellishment, but was matted again with tangerine & orange Bazzill card stock with ivory.  My camera work is a little crooked; however the pages are straight, thankfully.  Enjoy the day!

Quote for the Day

"Pain is inevitable; but misery is optional.  We cannot avoid pain, but we can avoid joy."  Tim Hansel

Choose to look for the good and fill your day with happiness!

  

"...a merry heart hath a continual feast."  Proverbs 15:15b

Quote for the Day

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left,
and could say, I used everything you gave me."  Erma Bombeck

May we each explore the talents God has given us and use them to help, love and guide others to receiving God's love and forgiveness!  It's a challenge that we should remember every day!

April Showers Really Do Bring May Flowers!

Just when you think you can't stand anymore rain in the Spring...things begin to grow and the color of the earth returns to green and we are reminded that we needed the rain.  It has been said that rain falls on the just and the unjust, but the unjust steals the just's umbrella! 

  
 Many times when it rains, I think of that little saying and it always makes me smile!  The next time you are trudging through the rain (in sandals) and need a little chuckle...think of this saying and hold on to your umbrella, instead of parking it at the door...you never know.

Enjoy some pictures of what God made the

April showers bring to my backyard.  

Beautiful signs of Springtime!

 

Soon these signs of Spring will be tasty treats!

Quote for the Day

"They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel." 
Carl W. Buechner

Who do you have the opportunity to make feel loved today?  We should always back up our words with actions.  It's the loving actions that will be remembered.

Big Thunderstorms

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.  It's about learning to dance in the rain!" 

Author Unknown

It's the time of the year when we have big thunderstorms.  We often see rain slanting sideways, thunder cracking and lightning lighting up the sky.  Heavy rains and sometimes hail bring flooding and damage to nature and our property.  These storms catch us by surprise and many times without an umbrella!  My favorite instance is when you are out and it's pouring the rain and guess where your umbrella is....in the car.

Just as thunderstorms catch us by surprise, storms in our lives come often unexpected.  Wouldn't it be nice if we received a weather report on our life which said, "this year is a chance of cloudy & stormy weather...be prepared!"  How do we handle the storm that sometimes knocks us back a few steps?  Many people retreat to safety and try to just survive until the storm passes.  Who do you turn to?  

Our quote today is very relevant to life.  It has been said that, life is what happens when you are making other plans.  When we are caught off guard and life sends a storm, we must choose how we will weather the storm.  Looking to the One who can help us walk through the storm and give us strength when we are tired and want to give up is the first step.  Next, we must determine to not let the storm strip all of the life out of us.  We must choose to allow God to work something good, even in the middle of the rain & lightning.  

He will teach us to dance in the rain and even be thankful for the storm, which causes us to become closer to Him and stronger in our faith.  The next time you find yourself in the middle of a storm in your life, don't hunker down and wait for it to pass, while life passes you by...learn to dance in the rain and be thankful even in the storms!

Cricut Cardz Challenge #23

Guidelines:  make a card using the color red as the main color, and use any cartridge(s) or theme you'd like.

Top fold card measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  My Big Idea floral print paper was used to cover the card front.  Also in the same paper stack a 3 1/2" x 4" mat was used and inked around the edges using an Around the Block Ink It tool in red.  A dandelion was cut from Storybook at 3" in red prism Bazzill cardstock and mounted with foam tape to get a nice raised effect.  Craft ribbon and a white button completes this Spring card in the theme of red.  Thanks for coming by!

Inherited From Whom?

Unfortunately, some do not know their biological parents or did not have a good relationship with them.  For others, conversations with family throughout the years can include, "You have your Mother's nose or your Father's eyes."  Families are quick to point out characteristics that match others in the family.  For example, when a baby is born...everyone wants to claim at least one feature that the baby inherited from them.  It's a bragging right!

What features can you match to family members?  Personally, I have my Mother's hands and my Father's nose.  It's interesting to look at your physical characteristics and try to see who you inherited them from.  What about other characteristics that are passed down through the generations?  Of all the physical attributes that my parents passed down to me, there was even more important things that they gave me.  When I think of Mother's Day, I am reminded of things that my Mother gave me, which I can still recognize in my life today as being a part of who she is.  My Mother, Pat Goodin has a true Mother's heart.  She has passed down and taught me to care deeply for others, love them unconditionally and give with a loving attitude.  Most people have some or a few of these qualities, but few exhibit them in the daily lives over and over again to all they meet.

The way I watched her help others and provide for their needs, even when we were in need also, gave me a sense of thinking of others first and allowing God to help care for your own needs.  I never saw her love for family falter, even in the midst of troubling times and difficult circumstances.  She has always remained faithful to her family and puts them first.  My Mom taught me to share and give and I am reminded of a time when she bought me some special stationery.  I had cousins that lived out of town, so I wanted to share my special gift with them also.  Being a child, not understanding the weight and cost of mailing letters, I sent at least half of my gift.  It was a very selfless thing to do as a child; however, my aunt wasn't too happy when she had a COD (Cash on Delivery) for this letter full of stationery.  I only knew it was good to give.

So, on this Mother's Day, I thank God for my Mother, who has demonstrated her faith in God and a Godly love that she passed down to me giving me the greatest joy of thinking of others, loving unconditionally and giving in love.  My prayer is that one day, my son will be able to look back and see that he inherited these same qualities from me.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!  Here's a card I made especially for you!  I love you!

Quote for the Day

"The measure of a life, after all, is not it's duration but it's donation."  Corrie Ten Boom

In a fast paced society where we pay for gas at the pump, run through the car wash, get cash at the bank in the drive-thru, eat at a fast food restaurant through the drive-thru, run to ball practice and heat something up at home in the microwave and watch what we recorded on the DVDR, do we take time to think about the measure of our lives?

Corrie Ten Boom gave her safety, family and everything she had for a cause she believed in.  She put others first and held to her principles sharing her faith, even in the face of death, because it was the right thing to do.  She believed that even though she may not be able to live long years of fun filled days, it was more important to live the time she could, doing good for others and standing for what was right.  She treated others the way she did her family, with love, care and she would have given her life for them.  She shared the love of Christ with those who were mistreated and cast aside.  

It was apparent that Corrie Ten Boom demonstrated in her life what was in her heart.  The measure of her life was the donation of Godly love that put others first and herself last.  It was better to help others than remain safe while seeing others hurting, when she could do something about it.  The Bible teaches that if we know we should do something that is right, but we do not do it, then we are wrong.

We should each take time every day and ask ourselves how our busy life can be measured that day.  Are we donating something to God and others or are we simply filling our duration of time given?  It's our choice how we spend our lives.

You can read more about Corrie Ten Boom at the following website:

http://www.corrietenboom.com/history.htm

Thought for the Day

Need a New Life?   God Accepts Trade-In's!

Life can be going along so fast that we don't see disasters coming until it's too late.  If you find yourself in a place where their is no meaning or purpose and you just seem to be spinning your wheels, then it's time to evaluate your life and see where God is in your life.  He accepts us in the middle of our disasters and we get to trade-in our mess for forgiveness and love and a new life with God as the focus, which will give us purpose and fulfillment that we cannot achieve any other way.   

So...if you wish you could start life over and have a new life...Remember He accepts trade-in's and will make your life beautiful again! 

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!

A New Beginning

Spring time gives a new beginning to our Earth.  The harshness of Winter has passed and the only remnant is a soggy earth under foot.  The ground warms and new life emerges which was tucked under the soil during the Winter.  We often look forward to Spring...especially after a long winter.

Perhaps you long for a new beginning in your life, just as Spring brings a newness to all.  A new start in your job or in a relationship.  We can often take a few steps off the path we want to travel and find ourselves going the wrong way and want a new start.  Whatever you need the new start in, begin fresh and new allowing Spring to come in your life, breaking forth to allow great beauty in your life, just as the Spring flowers begin to grow.

If Spring time seems to have passed you by in your life right now and you feel the harshness of Winter...hold steady, because Winter doesn't last forever and Spring will surely come.  One of my favorite verses says, Sorrow may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.  (Psalms 30:5)  Even in our toughest times, we can find comfort that it won't last forever and there is a time coming where there will be a fresh new start to a beautiful day with sunshine and beauty, as in the Spring flowers.  God does not forget us in Winter, but just as in the earth, when it begins to warm and prepare for Spring, He works in our hearts and prepares us for better days, when Winter has passed and Spring comes to give us a new start and wonderful sun filled warm days ahead.

Look forward to Spring in your life and greet each day with a new wonder for the one who created it and wants to help you enjoy it!

Women of Faith

It is an interesting question for us to ponder...what do we like most about the Women of Faith conferences?  Each of us will have very different ideas based on our experiences and needs in our life at the time we attended a conference.

The thing that had the greatest impact to me during the Women of Faith conferences was how the speakers were totally sold out to Jesus and stripped of their self, their thoughts & desires and allowed the Holy Spirit to use them and they gave God the spotlight and even though they were physically doing the talking and teaching, it was very evident that they had stepped aside and allowed God to use them to speak words of encouragement, hope and peace to the thousands of ladies at the conference.

The selflessness and humbleness of the speakers is what made the conference real to me.  Their genuineness was invigorating and inspiring to see.  God touches each lady present at the conferences in different ways and brings them closer to Him.  Thank you Women of Faith team for being willing to be used by God in marvelous ways.

It is wonderful that after the conferences, the motivation and inspiration does not have to stop...the Bible studies are superb to continue in your daily quiet times or with a group.  The resources available to use at home are astounding and affordable.  Sheila Walsh is my favorite!  God has allowed me to connect to her writing, stories, struggles and triumph's of life.  I thank God for Women of Faith Ministries.

What Do You Do...When You Don't Have a Voice?

Have you been in situations where you didn't feel you had a voice?  It could be a workplace, community or with friends.  Perhaps you are among millions of Americans who feel that do not have a voice in the present economy and state of our country.  So, what do you do?  In these times, should one shrug off the circumstances around him and let fate take its turn?  Of course, we can have the mentality that we will just leave it up to whoever is in control of the situation.  Our opinions don't matter.  We'll just have to take whatever happens to us.  They're in control and we're not.  There's nothing we can do. 

Throughout history, great men and women chose to get out of their recliners and turn off the TV and speak out about the things that were important to them.  They did this in their own families, workplaces, schools and communities.  These people did not wake up one morning and decide to be great.  They were great because they went about their daily lives and wasn't afraid to use their voice to motivate and encourage others to alter situations from wrong to right with a greater good, than just for those in control.  A greater good for all. 

When we face situations, whether in our families, communities, workplaces or country, we must check our heart and listen to the voice of our heart and ask ourselves...What do you do...When you don't have a voice?  You begin with those around you, making a difference right where you are and this will make difference in the situation you find yourselves in...it will make a difference in those people, who you shared your heart with...when it makes a difference with just a few people, this will spread to making a difference to a few hundred... until it will multiply and reach a community and ultimately our world. 

We think sometimes that our voice doesn't matter, but we must see that we are in the place, where we are for a reason...perhaps it is for the reason of sharing our heart,  our voice, when situations are not right and the truth needs to be told.  When we stay quiet in situations, when we know it is wrong...then we become part of the problem and not part of the solution.

May we remember that each of us is important and we have a voice, that is unique to our situations and experiences and we should stand up for what is right and share our voice...especially in the times when we don't feel we have a voice!

One Word

Think back to those people in your life who have had an impact on you.  It would be people who influenced your path in life or helped you go in the right direction.  Now...what is one word you would use to describe each person.  The first word that pops in your mind is likely a good description of their character and how they shaped you and added to your life.  

Hopefully, we each can think of someone, who we are thankful for and see as instrumental in our lives.  Now, for the second question...what is one word that others would use to describe you?  What's the first word that pops in your mind about yourself?

When we think of this, we are reminded about the level of influence we have on those around us.  We can have the same impact on others, as the people you thought of and remembered as being influential in your life.  Think of those you have contact with, whether it is coworkers, family, Church family or friends.  Make an effort to direct them in God's ways and demonstrate to them God's love and mercy.  Strive to be remembered as one that influenced others in a positive encouraging way and hopefully, one day they will describe you in a word that reflects God's love and care.  What one word will others remember about you?

What to Do...When You Don't Know...What to Do

Each of us have had times when we didn't know what to do.  It may have been in a marriage situation, with our family, crisis that happened, illness or just feeling stuck in life.  For me, it has been my journey with Multiple Sclerosis.  A lot of time spent wondering what was wrong and what would happen to me and my family.  The things in life that we have no control over are often the things that keep us up at night.  

We spend our thoughts and energy trying to understand what is going on and wondering what the outcome will be.  When we find ourselves in this state and we just don't know what to do next...here's what we do....WE KEEP GOING!  Life doesn't offer answers to all of our deep questions and time and energy spent on worrying and having anxiety about the outcome of our life, could be better used on our family and things we enjoy in our life.  

Sometimes, the simplest answers are the only answers that will get us through difficult times.  When you don't know what to do....Keep Going.  Keep getting up in the morning (even if you are moving slow)....keep believing that tomorrow will be an easier day....keep loving your family....keep allowing others to love you....keep praying and maintaining your relationship to God.  Whatever you do, don't stop, don't look back at what used to be and don't fret about what tomorrow may bring...Just Keep Going!  God will be there with you.

As you KEEP GOING and the days turn into weeks and the weeks into years, you will look back and say...what was I really worried about.  I still have a life...I have people who love me...I still do the same things I've always done, I just do them different now.  I've kept going and I've come this far...so, I'll keep going and living my life to its fullest no matter the circumstances.

Life is what we choose for it to be.  Our present state of mind is how we allow it to be.  Even in times when we don't know what to do....we can choose to KEEP GOING and God will bring us through some of the hardest times in our lives and show us the rainbows after the storm and sunshine behind the storm clouds, but we have to KEEP GOING in order to see these things.