Layers of Color {Masterpiece Monday}

Welcome to Week 2 of our Layers of Color {Masterpiece Monday} using the new release stamp sets. Today's creation uses two new stamp sets--Her Majesty’s Urns (8 stamps in set) and Merci Bouquet (11 stamps in set) on this one card.Papers: Bazzill, Daisy D's, Strathmore watercolor paper
Stamps: Layers of Color Her Magesty's Urns, Layers of Color Merci Bouquet
Stamp Ink: Memento danube blue, SU creamy caramel
Embellishments: KaiserCraft chino pearls, Ribbon Retreat satin ribbon, Derwent watercolor pencils

After stamping the urns and flowers, I used my Derwent watercolor pencils to color in the image. I also sponged the edges after tearing the watercolor paper. And I was so excited that Laura asked to put this card on the back of the product packaging. How exciting is that? :) Thank you Laura! I hope you enjoyed today's creation and the new releases. To see more creations using these new stamp sets, visit this post here on the Layers of Color blog. Have a blessed Monday!

{Faith Journaling} Challenge #2

First, Happy Thanksgiving for those of you in the U.S. that are celebrating today! And how did your first entry go last week? Did you enjoy it? Did you think of the future generations that will be reading this journal? I hope you did, and I pray it has brought you much joy! Today's entry can certainly be a great topic of dicussion too while you gather with family. It is also another important question that we need to look at before moving on. Here is your second question:

**If you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, share your salvation story. If not, what is holding you back?

Your salvation story is so important for the generations to come. This is how they know they will see you in heaven again someday if they too have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. This particular entry can bring much comfort to your family. And why not ask your family members to share THEIR salvation story with you? If they don't have a salvation story to share, this might be your opportunity to share Christ with them. May the Lord bless you as you write and share your life in Him. See you next week!

We Need a Little {Fun}!

Most of you know that our family is going through a crisis at the moment. Many times I have trouble knowing "why" but I totally trust that God's plan is perfect in this situation. I am just ready for some healing, relief, and "normalcy."

I didn't have anything prepared for Tuesday's {Tips} so today I thought I would share a little fun with you! Midst our current difficulty, God brought us another baby parrot (Caique)!!! Yes, this was a BAD time to get another parrot BUT it was totally from Him, so we now have two baby parrots. She is a gift in the storm. I won't go through the whole story but He definitely wanted her to be in our home! The girls are 4 weeks apart in age--Sugar being 4 weeks younger.

Anyway, when introducing another parrot into the "flock," the new parrot must be quarantined for 30 days so I was totally prepared for that. However, after our vet visit, he said they can be in the same cage in 7-10 days. Everything he said made TOTAL sense. I ran it by our breeder too, and she is totally on board with his plan. So, our first step to getting them in the same cage was moving Sugar’s cage downstairs and putting it near Kiwi’s cage. We did this late yesterday, and Kiwi is like a starved child wanting a friend. She worked SO hard all evening to get Sugar’s attention! I was able to catch this video of Sugar paying attention to Kiwi. And watch how they follow each other down the side of the cage. Oh I can’t wait until Friday when they can play together on the floor! This is what is bringing a smile and laughter to our home right now. We need that! I pray that you can smile and laugh with us. Anyway, enjoy the “First Introduction.”

Layers of Color {Masterpiece Monday}

Happy Monday morning to each of you! For the next three weeks, I will be sharing some of my Layers of Color creations with you using the new releases. Today I want to share my creations using these three new sets: Flowering Gems (11 stamps in set), Flutterescent (7 stamps in set), and Granny’s Jewelry (11 stamps in set).

For my Flowering Gems creation, I used my watercolor pencils to color the flowers. The center section of the flower is separate, and I used pop dots to give it dimension. Papers: Basic Grey Wisteria, Paper Trey Ink, Strathmore watercolor paper, sheet music from 1940 hymnal, Memory Box wisteria notecard
Stamps: Layers of Color Flowering Gems
Stamp Ink: Memento rich cocoa and sweet plum, SU creamy caramel
Die Cuts: Quickutz scallop circle, Shapeabilities decorative photo corner
Embellishments: KaiserCraft chino pearls, Smooch grape soda, Derwent watercolor pencils

And here is my Flutterescent creation. Several weeks ago while I was sitting in church, I noticed one of our banners had a butterfly on it that looked like stained glass. So, I used that banner as inspiration to create this card. Papers: Paper Trey Ink, Strathmore watercolor paper, Stampin' Up (black CS)
Stamps: Layers of Color Flutterescent
Stamp Ink: Palette black
Embellishments: Smooch pool, green apple, taffy, pumpkin, snicker doodle; Derwent watercolor pencils; Stickles black diamond, Glitz black frosting, Cuttlebug stylized flowers embossing folder

And for my Granny's Jewelry card, I embossed the piece of "jewelry" in silver embossing powder. I then used Stickles and Liquid Pearls to fill it in and give it sparkle! Papers: Paper Trey Ink, SU black cardstock, Webster's Pages, sheet music from 1940 hymnal
Stamps: Layers of Color Granny's Jewelry
Stamp Ink: Memento tuxedo black, Versa Mark, misc. silver embossing powder
Embellishments: Martha Stewart lattice border punch, Cosmo Cricket rub-ons, Doodlebug rub-on '&', Liquid Pearls petal pink, Stickles silver, Robin's Nest silver dew drops, Bazzill black tulle, Prima crystals

I hope you have enjoyed today's inspiration. To see more creations from the rest of the Layers of Color design team, see this post here on the Layers of Color blog! Have a blessed Monday, and thanks for stopping by!

His Holy Name {Challenge 24, Provider}

God’s Attribute: God is our Provider. He is our Yahweh Yireh.

How does this affect my daily life? When you think of “provision,” what do you think of? Material things? Food? Or do you think of things like strength and wisdom? And who do you look to to provide for your needs? A friend? Your spouse? We should be looking to God and trusting Him for His provision. And He not only provides the physical things but He also provides for our emotional and spiritual needs too. Think of the strength and wisdom He gives during times of trial. Think of the joy you feel even when you are not happy. Happiness is based on circumstances but He can give us joy even in those “unhappy” or difficult moments.

Notice God’s attribute is Yahweh Yireh. Well, Yireh means “to see.” God is eternal and all-knowing. He not only provides for our daily needs but also for our need for salvation. He provided for our eternal need through the death and resurrection of His Son. Romans 8:32 says “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” Such a perfect scripture showing your Yahweh Yireh!

Today I wanted to share another one of my favorite old hymns with you—"Though Troubles Assail Us." Notice how each verse ends in “The Lord will provide.” What an amazing truth to remember.

Though Troubles Assail Us
Though troubles assail us and dangers affright,
Though friends should all fail us and foes all unite,
Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide,
The promise assures us, “The Lord will provide.”

The birds, without garner or storehouse, are fed;
From them let us learn to trust God for our bread.
His saints what is fitting shall ne’er be denied
So long as ’tis written, “The Lord will provide.”

When Satan assails us to stop up our path,
And courage all fails us, we triumph by faith.
He cannot take from us, though oft he has tried,
This heart cheering promise, “The Lord will provide.”

He tells us we’re weak, our hope is in vain,
The good that we seek we never shall obtain,
But when such suggestions, our graces have tried,
This answers all questions, “The Lord will provide.”

No strength of our own and no goodness we claim;
Yet, since we have known of the Savior’s great Name,
In this our strong tower for safety we hide:
The Lord is our power, “The Lord will provide.”

When life sinks apace, and death is in view,
The word of His grace shall comfort us through,
Not fearing or doubting, with Christ on our side,
We hope to die shouting, “The Lord will provide.”

I don’t have a page for you again this week. My husband is still ill, and though I am walking through this difficult time, I can trust that the Lord will provide for us in all things! So, the passage I have chosen for this week is the passage mentioned above:

Romans 8:32 “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”

Remember to use Keyword HHN09 when posting in online galleries, and to chat about the challenge, join us in this thread here on Splitcoaststampers. I pray as you study this week that you will lean on our amazing Father, our Provider. Blessings in Him,

Scripture Challenge 2009 {Weeks 47 & 48}

This week brings two perfect words as we moving into Thanksgiving week and the Christmas season. Here are your next two studies:

Week 47: Thankful
Week 48: Give

Remember to use Scripture Challenge Keyword: SCRC209 when posting to online galleries. Also, please join us in this thread here on Splitcoaststampers for links to your pages and general discussion about the challenge. May you have a blessed Thanksgiving week ahead!

Saturday's {Sketch} TTS78

Today I thought I would share a sketch with you that I did this past summer along with the card I created for it. I am not sure if it was ever shown anywhere so I thought my faithful blog readers might like to play with this sketch today! Here is TTS78:And here is my card:Papers: Paper Trey Inc., Basic Grey marrakech, misc. sheet music
Tools: Creative Memories tearing tool
Stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs Sing to the Lord
Stamp Ink: Memento bahama blue
Embellishments: Doodlebug flower, Basic Grey button, hemp from Hobby Lobby

You could easily use this sketch for a layout or card. I hope you have fun with it, and feel free to add links here in the comment section if you create something with the sketch. Enjoy!

{Faith Journaling} Challenge #1

Are you ready to begin your journal? Are you excited about leaving your "faith journey" for generations to come? I hope you are. Today's question is one that we need to start with before moving on to the other questions. Here is your first question:

**Introduce yourself and share a bit about your desire for this journal.

As you answer this question, think about who might be reading your journal in the years to come. Write as much or as little as you would like, and enjoy!! See you next week with your 2nd question!

{Faith Journaling} Challenge List

Here you will find a summary list of the questions asked each week during our {Faith Journaling} Challenge. I hope by updating this list each week, you will be able to easily find each week's questions.

Challenge Introduction
Question 1: Introduce yourself and share a bit about your desire for this journal.
Question 2: If you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, share your salvation story. If not, what is holding you back?
Question 3: What does Christmas mean to you, and how do you share & celebrate?
Question 4: How did you celebrate Christmas when you were a child?
Question 5: Do you have a favorite Christmas hymn?
Question 6: Describe your Christmas Eve traditions.
Question 7: What are you thankful for today and/or this year?
Question 8: Do you have a quiet time with the Lord each day? Describe your time.
Question 9: Do you have a special place where you meet with the Lord each day? Why is it special?
Question 10: Do you prefer traditional hymns or the newer contemporary songs? Why?
Question 11: What in creation reminds you of the Lord?
Question 12: As a child, did you grow up in the church?
Question 13: How often do you pray? Describe your prayer time.
Question 14: What Bible version is your favorite to use and why?
Question 15: When did you get your first Bible? Do you still have it?
Question 16: How do you share your faith with your children (both young and grown)?
Question 17: Do you write in your Bible? Why or why not, and what do you write?
Question 18: Tell about your earliest memory of God.
Question 19: What does Christ’s sacrifice mean to you?
Question 20: How do you traditionally celebrate Easter? Are you doing anything different or new this year?
Question 21: When do you feel closest to God?
Question 22: Describe a time when you felt alone and without God.
Question 23: How have you or have you not been blessed with the gift of gardening?
Question 24: Do you volunteer in your church? What do you do currently? What have you done in the past?
Question 25: Who is your favorite woman in the Bible?
Question 26: Where do you like to sit in church, and why?
Question 27: Is it easy for you to memorize scripture?
Question 28: What symbols of your faith do you wear (jewelry, clothing, etc.)?
Question 29: Has anyone ever prayed with you over the phone? How did it affect you?
Question 30: Do you know the order of the Books of the Bible? How did you learn them? If not, how do you find what you are looking for?
Question 31: Did you give your children any Biblical names? Why or why not?
Question 32: What is your favorite New Testament Bible verse?
Question 33: What is your favorite Old Testament Bible verse?
Question 34: Are you a member of your church? For how long?
Question 35: What churches have you belonged to over the years (maybe include as a child and as an adult)?
Question 36: What church were you married in? Describe it. Why did you chose it? If not married in a church, describe the location.
Question 37: What question would you most like to ask God?
Question 38: Do you keep a prayer journal?
Question 39: What has challenged your faith?
Question 40: Share something that has strengthened your faith.
Question 41: Do you have a favorite hymn?
Question 42: What do you enjoy most about reading your Bible?
Question 43: How many Bibles do you have, and do you have a favorite one? Why?
Question 44: How often do you read your Bible? Once a day? Twice a day? Once a week? Less often?
Question 45: What story in the Bible about Jesus do you most enjoy? Why?
Question 46: What Old Testament story do you like the most? Why?
Question 47: Have you ever been on a retreat? Describe what you loved about it.
Question 48: Looking at the fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-26, what characteristic do you want God to develop further in you at this time?
Question 49: When did you first begin to learn about faith? Can you recall your first steps on the journey of faith?
Question 50: How do you share your faith with others?
Question 51: How do you "enjoy" God each day when things are going well in your life?
Question 52: How has your relationship with the Lord grown over this past year?
Question 53: Tell about a sermon you remember vividly.
Question 54: Do you make a Happy Birthday cake for Jesus or how do you celebrate His birth during the Christmas season?
Question 55: Do you attend Christmas Eve services? If so, which one, and what do you love about it?
Question 56: Do you feel the Lord leading you in a new direction for the New Year? What changes will you make?
Question 57: Do you currently attend a Bible study? Describe it.
Question 58: How has God helped you to be content in any circumstance, or do you still struggle with contentment?
Question 59: As God is your Protector, share how He has protected you in a situation?
Question 60: How has God comforted you in a recent situation?
Question 61: Share a time when you were weary and how God helped you through it.
Question 62: Do you send notes of encouragement with scripture to people hurting or in need?
Question 63: Do you have a high view of God, and what makes you in "awe" of Him?
Question 64: How have you seen God's perfectly orchestrated plan in your life this past week/month?
Question 65: How has God helped you or a family member through an illness?
Question 66: Have you ever been on a mission trip to another country?
Question 67: If you are married, share how you have seen God's hand in your marriage and bringing you together.
Question 68: Describe a Christian retreat you attended and how it affected you.
Question 69: How have you depended on God this week?
Question 70: How are you reaching the younger generation and sharing Christ with them?
Question 71: What services do you usually attend during Holy Week and Easter (Maundy Thursday, Stations of the Cross, Sunrise Service, etc.)?
Question 72: Share about a storm in your life and how God helped you through it.
Question 73: Have you ever or do you regularly invite people to go to church or Bible study with you?
Question 74: Share a new scripture you have come across this week, what it means to you, and how God is using it in your life.
Question 75: How has your patience been tested, and how did you rely on the Lord during that time?
Question 76: Share a time when God gave you His perfect peace.
Question 77: Share a place where God gives you His perfect peace.
Question 78: Do you have a Bible reading plan you use? Describe it.
Question 79: Describe something that you have lost and how God helped you find it.
Question 80: How have you seen God answer your cries recently?
Question 81: How does praying for others affect you?
Question 82: Do you attend a mid-week service? If so, describe it
Question 83: Share a scripture that has spoken to you this week and why?
Question 84: How has God disciplined you recently, and what was your reaction--rebellion, remorse, obedience, thankfulness and praise?
Question 85: What day and time is your weekly church service?
Question 86: How many pastors do you have on staff? What are their names and ministries?
Question 87: When on vacation, do you attend a local church? Why or why not?
Question 88: How has God given you an angel or guarded you with His precious angels during a difficult or fearful time?
Question 89: When sitting down for your quiet time with the Lord, do you sit in silence or do you play some sort of music in the background?
Question 90: What has God shown you this week that you have discovered together with Him?
Question 91: Share your baptism experience and/or your childrens' baptism?
Question 92: What is the name of your Sunday School class?
Question 93: Do you listen to sermons online or on the radio? If so, share what you listen to. If not, why not?
Question 94: Has someone ever shared a scripture with you to help you maybe in a letter or note? Explain what it meant to you.
Question 95: How has God helped you through a huge disappointment? How about specific scriptures He may have given you?
Question 96: Describe what your church looks like. Draw it out too if you would like. Maybe even take a photo and place in your journal.
Question 97: Have you ever gone to church at the wrong time when you have forgotten to set your clocks to "Fall back"?
Question 98: How many Bibles do you own? Why do you own the number that you have?
Question 99: Describe your drive to church--how far, scenery, traffic, etc.
Question 100: In what way do you participate in Christmas performances at your church? Are you an audience member or a participant? Describe the performance and how it effects you?
Question 101: Do you have a Christmas scripture reading plan that you follow each year with your family? Describe it.
Question 102: What do you love the most about receiving Christmas cards each year, and what do you do with them after Christmas is over?
Question 103: What is one of the best Christmas gifts that you have received?
Question 104: How do you keep track of all of the prayer requests you receive?
Question 105: How comfortable are you in sharing the gospel with others?
Question 106: How has God used a trial or change in your life for the good of others?
Question 107: What is the first scripture you ever memorized? What does it mean to you?
Question 108: How are you currently praying for your husband and how often?
Question 109: How have you depended on or not depended on the Lord during a time of uncertainty?
Question 110: What household item brings back "family faith" memories for you?
Question 111: Do you have a day of the week you set apart for the Lord and what do you do differently on that day?
Question 112: At what moment do you begin talking to Jesus each day? Describe that time.
Question 113: Describe the Easter traditions that you have at your church?

Please note that I have come up with the questions posted, and I would appreciate you giving credit where credit is due. Thank you, and happy journaling!

{Faith Journaling} Challenge Introduction

I am interrupting our Tuesday's {Tip} today so that I can share my Faith Journaling Challenge with you. It will begin this Thursday, Nov. 19th, so I wanted to give you the information today so you can prepare!

Below is the introduction to the journaling challenge I started in July on Christian Paper Crafts. Unfortunately with my husband being ill and having been in the hospital, I am unable to keep posting so many things in so many different places. I also need the ability to schedule things in advance so I can work when God gives me those glimpses of time. So, if you haven't participated before, here are the rules. If you have participated before, continue to join in as I post each week! Our Faith Journal is such an important piece to leave for the generations to come.

Okay, everyone! Grab a journal!!! Any journal, notebook, etc. It does NOT have to be altered or anything fancy!!!! We are going to be writing not creating.

I think it is SO important to leave a faith legacy. Do your children know your salvation story? Do they know your favorite hymn? Do they know when you have a quiet time? Etc., etc., etc. Well, last year I created journaling jars and journals and gave them as gifts to my mom and my two aunts for Christmas. Each day they pull a question from the jar and journal whatever the question is about. Then these journals will be for family when they are no longer with us.

So, we are going to create our Faith Journals to leave for the next generation. I will "pull" our question EVERY Thursday. You will then write the question at the top of your page and then journal your answer to that question. You can do it in your quiet time, later in the day, or the next day. I am only doing one question a week so that people do not get swamped or give up because it is too much. I will be handwriting in my journal not typing it on the computer. I think our handwriting tells a lot about who we are too, and I know I love seeing my great grandmother's handwriting, my grandmother's, etc. It is like a piece of them I still have with me. I hope you will join me in actually handwriting too. Below are pages from my grandmother's journal and my great grandmother's journal. Oh how I love seeing their handwriting! I pray you enjoy this and that it is something you will come to love and treasure. Please ask your questions here, and I will post our first question on Thursday, Nov. 19! For those of you that have already been doing this, I will be sprinkling in the questions I have already asked in with the new questions since I am anticipating many new participants. So, let the writing begin!

Friends of Faith {Blog Hop}

Welcome to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine's A Faith Perspective Thankful for Friends Faith Blog Hop. Today, we're out in force on the internet showing our faith and giving the glory to God. United, we stand as Christian paper crafters and blog owners to make a presence on the internet for all to see. We're celebrating the theme of friends and we're happy to share our projects with you based on the verse:

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up." Ecc4:9-10a

If you're just joining in on the fun, you can find the start of the train here. We also would like to take a moment to thank our generous co-sponsors: Layers of Color Stamps, Gina K Designs Stamps, and Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. Together with Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, these companies have donated some wonderful prizes for today's blog hop.

Prizes? Oh, yeah! There will be three lucky grand prize winners for today's event which includes:

**One $100 gift certificate from Layers of Color Stamps AND a 6 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.
**One basket of goodies--four stamp sets from Gina K Designs and a 6 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.
**One set of digital stamps from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps and a 3 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

To enter, make sure you visit the first blog post here for all of the details. Now let's look at my creation for today's hop!

I created this card using one of the new releases from Layers of Color called Butterfly Collector. This will be released tomorrow, 11/14, so you are getting a special treat seeing one of the newest and fun stamps! There are many butterfly stamps in this set but this is just one of them. I think most of my blog readers know how much I LOVE houndstooth. Well, Laura created a houndstooth butterfly stamp! Wasn't she sweet to include houndstooth? :) I just LOVE it, and I can see myself using this little cutie a LOT! Papers: Paper Trey Ink, Webster's Pages, Strathmore watercolor paper, Layman's Bible Encyclopedia 1964
Stamps: Layers of Color Butterfly Collector
Stamp Ink: SU Close to Cocoa, SU Creamy Caramel
Embellishments: Dritz pins, misc. ribbon, Memory Box pearl stickers white , Stickles lime green, Stickles cotton candy, Derwent watercolor pencils, sewing machine, Bo Bunny rub-on sentiment

The scripture comes from an old Bible encyclopedia I got from Paperbackswap so that I can tear out scripture without tearing apart a Bible!

Well, I hope you are enjoying the hop, and I hope you enjoyed my creation for today. Your next stop on this blog hop is: Cassie!! Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by. May the Lord bless you with a joyous weekend!

Layers of Color Free Digi Stamps & Sneak Peak!!!

So, are your calendars marked for this weekend (Nov. 14-15)? Did you remember that Layers of Color is releasing nine new stamp sets? The big release party begins tomorrow!!!! To start off the party, Laura of LOC is giving away FREE party favors, and they are available today! You can see the party favors (free digi stamps) here. You will not want to miss them, and you certainly won't want to miss the party!

If you are not excited yet, how about some sneak peaks? Here are some peaks at two cards I have created with the new releases:Hmm, think you might see something there that interests you? I am telling you, you DON'T want to miss the new sets!!!! I haven't even begun to create all I want to create with the new stamps! They are ALL stunning!

If you need Christmas/birthday ideas, these stamps would be perfect for your lists too! So, get ready for the fun to begin tomorrow, and I will see you there!!! Blessings,

Tuesday's {Tip} Free Sewing Patterns

Do you feel like creating some fun and diffferent projects? Do you need a change of pace? Well, how about looking at the Simplicity site for some amazing and fun free patterns? They have everything from:

*A Flower Frame
*Making a Tote Bag
*Making a Placemat Purse
*Embellishing T-shirts and Jeans
*Making a Butterfly pin
*Making pillows
*Etc., etc., etc.

There are many fun and free patterns available. I found the site because I saw an adorable pattern for covering a baby wipe box. I think most crafters have a baby wipe box in their room. I know I couldn't life without my baby wipes. LOL! Well, of course dressing it up sounds fun but I didn't want to pay $6.99 for the pattern I saw. So, a little search on Yahoo yielded this great site along with a free baby wipe cover to make! Yeah!

To see all of the free patterns, look here. You must create an account but it is all free! They even have learn to sew videos which you may enjoy for sewing on your paper crafting projects! You never know what fun creation you might find to make! Enjoy!

His Holy Name {Challenge 23, Banner}

God’s Attribute: The Lord is my Banner. He is my Jehovah-nissi.

How does this affect my daily life? What is your constant enemy? Notice I didn’t say ‘who’ is your constant enemy? I think we can all say ‘the flesh’ is our biggest and constant enemy. In our flesh, we are jealous, fearful, angry, lustful, envious, depressed, etc. And when we are tired and overworked or when we have been called into a new ministry for Him, it is even easier to be attacked. As we face those challenges and changes in our life, rely on Jehovah-nissi. He will give you the strength. Walk with the Spirit and die to the flesh. And don’t surrender to Satan. Stand firm in Jehovah-nissi. You are not alone; look to Him.

Kay Arthur said “Under the banner of God, victory is always assured but apart from it, defeat is a certainty. Only by abiding under the power, the standard, the banner, the ensign of your Jehovah-nissi can you have victory over the flesh, the world, the devil, and your enemies and God’s.”

I don't have a page for you this week as we are still dealing with some things here but I wanted you to still have your study. :) The scriptures I personally loved for this week were:

Exodus 17:15 "Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner."
Psalm 60:4 "But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow."

Remember to use Keyword HHN09 when posting in online galleries, and to chat about the challenge, join us in this thread here on Splitcoaststampers! And remember not to deal with things in your own power. Give them to your Jehovah-nissi who will give you victory over the flesh, the world, and the devil. May the Lord fill you with His strength and cover you with His banner. In Him,

Scripture Challenge 2009 {Weeks 45 & 46}

This week brings two wonderful words for your study time. Though I must admit, the "Cross" study touches me the most. Here are your next two studies:

Week 45: Cross
Week 46: Path

Remember to use Scripture Challenge Keyword: SCRC209 when posting to online galleries. Also, please join us in this thread here on Splitcoaststampers for links to your pages and general discussion about the challenge. May the time you spend in His Word be a blessing,

Tuesday's {Tip} Educational Videos

It seems so many local crafting stores have closed and classes are not as readily available as they used to be. I know I used to teach at my local store but after 10 years of business, sadly they closed their doors. I thought I would share with you some online educational videos so that you can learn from the comfort of your own home, and best of all, some of these videos are free!

Gina K. currently has 73 free educational videos available for you to view. There are technique videos, holiday project videos, 'how to use it' videos, and more! You can view the available videos here. They really are great and certainly helpful! I hope you enjoy them.

Now, if you are looking for ongoing classes, My Creative Classroom has many paid classes you can sign up for. They have classes for General Arts & Crafts, Die Cut Machines, Mixed Media, Paper Arts, Rubber Stamping, Scrapbooking, etc. You can see a complete list of their courses here. They even have gift certificates available now! Sign up for their newsletter here so that you will get all of the details of upcoming classes.

And of course for other free educational videos, check out YouTube. I search there a LOT, and I am usually able to find what I am looking for!

I hope you find these sites helpful. Have a blessed Tuesday!

How We Spent Halloween!

First, did you turn your clocks back and get your extra hour of sleep? I pray that you remembered if you were effected by the time change! :) I am praying it will expand my day as I have so much to do!

Anyway, I wanted to share photos from our night last night. No, not Halloween costumes as none of us enjoy Halloween. Instead of blacking out our house this year, we went to a concert! Can you guess who we went to see? Oh my, it was amazing! We went to see Bebo Norman, Natalie Grant, and Jeremy Camp! It was spectacular. And the best part was we were 5 feet from the stage!!!!! I think the girls were going to die! And Jeremy brought out his tattered brown Bible. I love to see him read from that Bible when he performs!!!! Anyway, here are just a few of the 45 shots I took: This was something our family needed. It has been kind of stressful here lately, and I would truly appreciate your prayers. I would love prayers for peace, expanded time, and wisdom in making a few decisions. Thank you all for stopping by, and have a blessed Sunday!