Faithbooking Inspirations

ALL I Ever Have to Be

All we ever have to be is who He made us to be!

Subscribers receiving this through email will have to click here since the song doesn't transfer through FeedBlitz

All I Ever Have to Be ~ Amy Grant "Never Alone" CD

When the weight of all my dreams
Is resting heavy on my head
And the thoughtful words of help and hope
Have all been nicely said
But I'm still hurting, wondering if I'll ever be the one
I think I am
I think I am.

Then you gently re-remind me
That You've made me from the first
And the more I try to be the best
The more I get the worst.
And I realize the good in me
Is only there because of who You are
Who You are.

And all I ever have to be is what
You've made me
Any more or less would be a step out of Your plan
As you daily recreate me help me always keep in mind
That I only have to do what I can find
And all I ever have to be
All I have to be
All I ever have to be is what You've made me

Putting Scriptures to the Numbers

As we were standing in the kitchen talking about how long a marathon actually is (26.2 miles), my son said he wanted to find a verse with those numbers.  He ran upstairs and came down so excited.  "Since Psalms was the only one he knew that had at least 26 chapters", he turned to Psalm 26:2......And, would you believe what it says?

"Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;"

How cool is that?????!!!!!  If there is anyway to describe training/ running a marathon, it is a testing of the heart and mind.

I now have a Bible opened to Psalm 26:2 set on my treadmill.  It has become my prayer and my proclamation.

'Putting Scriptures to Numbers' can be such a blessing of inspiration, teaching, and downright fun.  I've done it with important dates, numbers on my race bib, receipt numbers and appointment times.  Look up different versions as well.  In fact, one version of Psalm 26:2 actually says "test my body".   

It is amazing how often you can easily find just the right scripture to fit the occasion.

Use this to help children learn verses, assign a scripture to jersey numbers, to inspire or encourage as important dates approach, or as scriptures / titles on your album pages.  It is just a great little way to direct our loved ones back to His Word and learn to apply it to our lives.

Have fun, and, if you find any, pass them on in the comments below!

He Can Do MORE

"Now to Him who is able to do

immeasurably more

than all we ask or imagine..."Ephesians 3:20

Did you catch that?  We can't measure how much more He can do!

This is Who I Am

Who are YOU?

What roles do you play?

How often are those roles changing; even as frequently as minute by minute?

How much and often do we allow ourselves to be EVERYTHING we are?

Who did God create you to be?

Who is God CREATING you to be?

These are questions I've been mulling around in my 41+ year old brain....and, this morning I think I heard Him answer my question of WHO He wants me to be......

His answer?.....

"That's just it my child, for today, You are developing where and becoming exactly who I want you to be."

Wow ~ I stepped out of the shower with a lighter step and a renewed perspective of who I need to be......ME!

While that may not seem like such a life-changing answer to many, I have a feeling it would free a large number of this site's readers to live life in a different way.  Our closets of many hats get so full of who others think we should be that we lose sight of who we, and God, says we truly are.

Sure we are the mothers, wives, daughters, employees and bosses that our daily lives and responsibilities require of us.  But, it is OK to also be the scrapbooker, athlete, dancer, artist, or designer we enjoy being.  In fact, without allowing ourselves the opportunity to do and be what we enjoy, we are cheating God, our family, and, ourselves out of reaching our full potential.

Why the revelation?

While I ran this weekend, I spent the entire 10 miles burdened with overwhelming guilt and feeling downright miserable about the fact that my daughter was sitting home without me playing with her.  I bounced back and forth from being the athlete training for a spring marathon to the mom who believed her family couldn't make it a couple hours without her.  So, I cheated myself, didn't finish my scheduled 16 miles, came home and played Wii with her.  And, for the last 48 hours I've questioned my priorities:  Am I selfish for focusing on myself and doing something I love to do?  Perhaps I should just set my desires and goals aside and focus on the ones who need me.  Or, is setting aside a couple hours for myself a few times a week making me a better mom, wife and child of God?

Running is my sanity ~ my escape ~ my 'solve the problems of the world while I make my grocery list' time ~ my one on one with Jesus time ~ my opportunity to answer to myself, push myself, be myself, and, create myself.   While yes, it may be a few hours away from my family, it rebuilds me and makes me stronger to be the rock they need.  To not take that time for myself truly does cheat each member of my family ~ why would I ever dream of selling us all short? 

What's your sanity?  Is it that weekly scrapbooking night with your friends?  How about the women's Bible study?  Is it a few minutes each morning gardening, watching the birds at the feeder or reading His Word? 

Satan wants us to become distracted.  He doesn't want us to be at our best.  If he can keep us from renewing ourselves, we are less of a threat to his kingdom. 

I challenge ALL OF US to acknowledge what renews our spirit and souls, deflect the guilt laden arrows satan shoots at us, and allow ourselves to do something we enjoy.  Not only can our family survive a few hours without us, but, by becoming who we truly are, our loved ones will be stronger through us.

Dents in My Fender ~ Soundtrack Saturday 10

Got a page to create with pictures of your teen's first little fender bender?

Journal how much He loves us, no matter how big or how many dents we have.

While this is a great set of words for such a page ~ the words and message are great for us, whether we are 20 years of age, or 20 x 4.

If you stop by our home, you'll hear this week's song for Soundtrack Saturday  blaring pretty loud :~)

Free to Be Me ~ by Francesca Battistelli

At twenty years of age I'm still looking for a dream
A war's already waged for my destiny
But You've already won the battle
And You've got great plans for me
Though I can’t always see

(Chorus)
‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me

When I was just a girl I thought I had it figured out
My life would turn out right, and I'd make it here somehow
But things don't always come that easy
And sometimes I would doubt

‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me
And you’re free to be you

Sometimes I believe that I can do anything
Yet other times I think I've got nothing good to bring
But You look at my heart and You tell me
That I've got all You seek
And it’s easy to believe
Even though

‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me

Fireproof

If you are married, thinking about getting married, or, know someone who is married, Fireproof is a must see movie, and it is now in stores.  It is brought to you by the same people who created Facing the Giants. See clips and great song videos from the movie here. And, read more about the movie at Fireproof my Marriage.  Would you believe Kirk Cameron has 6 kids now? See him on the Dr. Phil show.

I can not even begin to put into words how great the movie was, or how important this story is for our marriages and families today.  Let's support these guys who are doing so much to bring movies with a message to our world.

If you are creating an album for a newly married couple, a teenager, or even child ~ stick the movie title in an empty spot with a review and encouragement to watch it.  It's like a mini-treasure within your album that could change a loved one's life.

Do or Do Not...

          "Do or Do Not...There is no Try"

How's your Rosario Challenge going?

While I'm not a Star Wars junkie ~ I have to admit that little green man had some pretty great words of wisdom and inspiration :~)

Post this saying on your fridge, desk top, or microwave to remind you of the dreams you have and the goal you pursue.

For us scrapbookers, this is a great topper to use on pages that show our loved ones conquering a challenge or reaching a goal. Or, create a page in your Journey to a Legacy Album to share a challenge or goal you are proud of.

See a video of Yoda sharing this little nugget here and, be sure to watch it to the end to hear the final interaction between Luke and Yoda.

I Believe in You ~ Soundtrack Saturday 9

My three sons all have birthdays within 3 weeks of each other. ~ In 6 days I will be the mother of a 14, 13, 11, and 8 year old....That means I have a house with teenagers!!! 

Daily I earnestly strive to provide the right dicipline, guidance, and love for these precious growing souls. Through my parenting, I try to point back to one important fact:  I want them to know that I, and their Creator, believe in them.  If our children have the confidence that they are created for a purpose and have those who believe in them, they can literally change this world!

As I was cutting my 11 year old's cake the song I Believe in You by Steven Curtis Chapman came on my Zune ~ and, it became the next Soundtrack Saturday post.  It struck me as the perfect song for so many different pages or albums:  Birthdays, Graduation, Wedding, New Path ~ any other ideas? 

(Subscribers may have to click over to the website to hear the song ~ I know some email hosts don't transfer the file)

I Believe in You lyrics by Steven Curtis Chapman

Aren't you the little one
That hid in my arms afraid of the thunder
Are these the little hands
That held so tight to mine

Didn't we both agree you'd never grow up
And now here we are, and here you go
Of all the things I want to say
The thing you really need to know is...

I believe in you
I believe in you
Everything you are
Everything you are becoming

And I believe in you
I believe in you
So spread your wings and fly
On the winds of knowing
I always believe in you

So many prayers we've prayed
So many dreams to get to this moment
Now this is where we stay
While you go change the world

But I'll be where I have always been
Up in the stands cheering you on and singing this song
A song the very God who made you
Has been singing all along 

I believe in you
Yeah, I believe in you
So spread your wings and fly
On the winds of knowing
I will always believe in you

And when you rise and when you fall
I'll still believe in you
Just close your eyes and hear me calling
I believe in You

100 Push Ups!

Since reading about Rosario, I have been challenged.

A couple weeks ago I started training for the Cleveland Marathon in May, so, I had already set an exciting yet huge challenge for myself.  However, having recently done a half-marathon, I've been 1/2 way there.  And, I consider running fun, so going for 26.2 miles doesn't seem 'impossible'. 

But, let's talk about something nightmarishly difficult.....Push-ups.  Now, say that word, and, I shudder at the thought.  Why, cause, well, they just hurt too much, and, they're way too hard.  Then, I found the One Hundred Pushups Site, and, there, before me on the screen was my "Rosario Challenge".

Anyone wanna join me?  Just think, by the year 2010 we could be doing 100 push-ups!!!  Imagine how much easier it'd be to carry those scrapping bags if we had bullets for arms!  :~)

How about you ~ any "Rosario Challenge" you've set your sights on?  Let's line up at our starting lines girls and show them what we're made of!

98 and Still Running......

Rosario Iglesias just passed away, at the age of 98.....

Why share?  She held RUNNING world records in five categories: the 85- and 90-and-over class at 400 and 800 meters and the 90-and-over record at 200 meters.  And, as shared in the story here, she didn't start competitive running until age 80! 

I love what the article says ~ Iglesias proved that "barriers don't exist when one sets out to reach a goal in life".

Do you have a goal that seems so out of reach you can't even begin to take the first step?  If an 90+ year old woman can set world records, YOU can at least get on the starting line towards your goal and dreams.

No matter how old or burdened you feel, Rosario must be an inspiration that you can "forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead.  (I) Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called (me) heavenward in Christ Jesus" Phillipians 3:12.

What dream do you have that has you scared and hesitating to take that first step?  With commitment and His strength, you can cross the finish line.

Today, "throw off everything that hinders and...run with perserverance the race marked out for us...Fix your eyes on Jesus..." Hebrews 12:1-2

And, if she can run at 90+, that means we can still be scrapping at 90+!

Pass It On ~ 1

I continue to have big dreams for Scrapbookers Bubble Bath, but, reality keeps bringing my visionary goals tumbling back to earth :~)

So, while one day I still hope to get a great directory set up on my Christian Scrapbooking domain, for now, over the next couple weeks I thought I'd just "Pass On" a few great sites I know are out there.

4 the Memories I found by clicking on one of her comments on this blog.  She has a great gift of actually creating the pages instead of just dreaming them up in one's head ~ an offense I could be greatly prosecuted for :~)

Click around, be inspired, and, pass it on!

Just a Call Away

And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. ~ Joel 2:32a

After many years, I finally broke down and let my poor husband get a new phone.  I guess when it got to the point that clients were saying, "Oh, you have the really old Blackberry," it was time :~) 

As we were trading in the super-glued, scratched, much dropped, even dried in the dryer phone, I was amazed to see the number of gadgets and options available for us to keep in touch with our loved ones.  While his has more bells and whistles than the International Space Station, mine is the free "I'm Just a Mom Phone".  Why would I want a phone named "Storm" when, with 4 kids, I already live in one daily!!  Anyway,....

I watched a daughter ignore her mother as the teen texted her friends and, my heart was saddened.  Not only at the interaction, or lack of, but, at the idea that as humans we have our priority of quick / direct link communication with each other while we literally ignore our Creator.

And, He wants to hear from us more deeply and urgently than anyone else in the universe.

We never have to be on His plan for free calls.

He never makes us leave a voice mail. 

We never have a bad connection.

We never have to ask, "Can you hear me now?"

We never have to worry about our minutes going over.

Whether we call Him from a "storm", "new", or "abused" line, He hears us all the same.

And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. ~ Joel 2:32a

• What a perfect scripture when your child gets their new phone!
• Highlight EVERYONE and / or WILL BE SAVED with different markers, decorations or fonts.
• Include words similar to those above relating to our open connection to Him.
• Use Colossians 4:6 on the page as well.

As we continue to plunge deeper into a culture of quick communication, may we not lose the pleasure and peace of prayer.

A Revelation ~ Soundtrack Saturday 8

Wow, 17 months after my husband pulled out of the drive to head to Texas, I continue to have an unsold home, a spouse who is struggling with the Lord's plan for him, 4 children who miss their daddy, and, a list of "huhs?" as long as the 2400 mile round trip drive I've made 5 times.  :~)

Have you ever been in a point in your life that you just didn't know where you should turn? 

As you looked out over the ocean of the future all you saw was a unchanging field of, well, uncertainty? 

Or, have you, with His grace and power, been able to look at that ocean of uncertain future and see the beauty of His plan, even if you didn't have a clue what it was?

Do you have a time in your life when you prayed for a revelation, and, He gave one to you (in His time of course) in a way only He could work?

Don't forget to create pages to tell of the times in your life when He worked, even if it was slow or, not in the way you'd written the story.  I promise, your loved ones will treasure the fact that you struggled with His will.  Whether it all unfolded in a beautiful way, or the questions remain.  Include your prayers, scriptures or thoughts you claimed during your times of wandering.

As you face the new year, may you find yourself resting in Him, even as we each seek more about His will and pray for revelations for His plan.  

Revelation lyrics by Third Day

My life has led me down the road that's so uncertain
Now I am left alone and I am broken
Trying to find my way
Trying to find the faith that's gone

This time I know that you are holding all the answers
I'm tired of losing hope and taking chances
On roads that never seem
To be the ones that bring me home

Give me a revelation
Show me what to do
'Cause I've been trying to find my way
I haven't got a clue

Tell me should I stay here
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I've got nothing without you
I've got nothing without you

My life has led me down this path that's ever winding
Through every twist and turn, I'm always finding
That I am lost again
Tell me when this road will ever end

Give me a revelation
Show me what to do
'Cause I've been trying to find my way
I haven't got a clue

Tell me should I stay here
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I've got nothing without you
I've got nothing without you

I don't know where I can turn
Tell me, when will I learn
Won't you show me where I need to go
Let me follow your lead
I know that it's the only way that I can get back home

Give me a revelation
Show me what to do
'Cause I've been trying to find my way
I haven't got a clue

Tell me should I stay here
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I've got nothing without you
I've got nothing without you

A 2009 Challenge

So, I didn't do the best at passing on Christmas ideas ~ sometimes I have the best of intentions....

As 2009 greets my family, we are still living in two states in opposite parts of the United States. 

Questions asked over the last year and a half ~ 100s...

Blessings received over the last year and a half ~ 100s x 2...

Prayers prayed over the last year and a half ~ 100s x 100s...

Revelations revealed over the last year and a half ~ one...He is God!

As we create our albums for future generations to treasure, we have such a beautiful opportunity to point to the one true fact that never changes.  He is God.  Each page presents the perfect medium for us to draw our loved ones to Him and show that He is God. 

His plan...His love...His grace...His goodness...His judgement...His sacrifice...His way...His strength...His protection...His silence...His power...His creation...His design...His faithfulness...

I challenge you to be intentional in 2009 about creating pages that turn your loved ones' eyes and hearts to Him.  As each picture is pasted, each sticker stuck, and, each word journaled, you can change lives, and, eternity.

How Many Kings ~ Saturday Soundtrack 7

Thankgiving morning I turned the car on and heard Christmas music!!  Then, 5 minutes later, when I opened the car door at my running park, I was hit with an overpowering smell of pine trees ~ and, said out loud, "Thank you Jesus!"  In an instant, I was brought into the Christmas spirit.  What a beautiful gift to start out the season ~ Music praising Him for His birth!

With Christmas comes lots of pictures and lots of pages to be scrapped.  So, I thought I'd try to give some great sayings for your pages, many coming from some unlikely Christmas music.  

The first one for the "Christmas Seasonal Soundtrack" is titled "How Many Kings" from the group Downhere.

  (See a video here)

• Use any one, some, or all of the lines in the chorus as a topper or tucked in a little empty spot
• Journal which words mean the most to you and why
• Include the words in the chorus, accenting the words Kings, lords, greats, Gods, and fathers(or any other words that you want to stick out) by using a different color, font, or capital letters
• Reference scriptures referring to Him to as King, Lord, etc.
• Write a prayer of your thanksgiving to Him at the thought of coming "All for me"

How Many Kings lyrics by Downhere

Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe after all we’ve projected
A child in a manger

Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliness hero, wrapped in his mothers shawl
Just a child
Is this who we’ve waited for?

Cause how many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn savior
All that we have whether costly or meek
Because we believe
Gold for his honor and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he’ll suffer
Do you believe, is this who we’ve waited for?
It’s who we’ve waited for

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only one did that for me

All for me
All for you
All for me
All for you

Treasured Jewelry

I have a cross pendant, a little like the one on the left, that I received over 30 Christmases ago from my parents.  It has seen me through high school, college, parenting 4 children and every moment in between.  Each time a chain has broken, I have been devastated and have even paid extra to get the ring repaired quickly so I can put it back on.  It is not a point of idolatry for me, it is just a piece of jewelry I treasure beyond what a few words can say. 

As I ran yesterday, the necklace became so entangled in my earphones that I can not believe it didn't break ~ I felt a panic to think that it could have broken and been lost on the trail miles before I would have noticed.  How would I find it?  Could I even begin to consider replacing it?  I would never be able to give it to my daughter, or my grand-daughter.  This precious piece of jewelry would have been gone, and pictures along with the story would be gone with it. 

After untangling it, I finished my run thinking about this treasure, as well as the other pieces I have that have a story.  I have a pair of earrings my mom got me on our very first shopping trip.  My mother's ring has a history with a complete miracle.  

So, I encourage you to make a few pages with the pictures and stories of your favorite / most treasured jewelry. 

• Pieces from family members
• Pieces with a special history / story / or meaning
• Pieces that bring special memories of moments or loved ones
• Who gave you the jewelry?  How did you / they pay for it?  Who would you like to receive the pieces once you are gone?
• Include pictures of the jewelry, people or places, as well as receipts and dates
• "The LORD their God will save them on that day as the flock of is people.  They will sparkle in His land like jewels in a crown."  Zechariah 9:16   
• Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.  Proverbs 8:10-11
• Add these verses in your Christmas, Birthday, Blessings, and Weddings sections of your Unto All Generations

Worship in the Waiting ~ Soundtrack Saturday 6

Over 14 months since our decision to move to Texas leaves us with a house still not sold and in a state of waiting that gives me a deeper understanding for the Israelites!

 

In the past year I have learned much about who He is, who I am, and, who He created me to be.  I believe I will be eternally grateful for this time ~ my life will be, beautifully, never the same. 

 

I can not begin to express in words all I have learned and have become.  I can only praise Him for His ways, His wonders, and, MY WAITING.  While I am listening and watching for Him to place the next stone for me to step on, I am raising my life in praise and worship in the waiting.

 

For Soundtrack Saturday 6 I encourage you to create a page(s) titled 'Waiting', or 'Worship in the Waiting'.  Our loved ones will have periods of wandering and wondering.  If they can read your words that He never fails, He does work, and that the waiting can be beautiful, you will encourage them to hold on to His hand through the desert and into the Promised Land.  

• Include the specifics events in your story
• Share any scriptures, songs or prayers you clung to and claimed 
• Journal how He worked before, during, and, after the period
• How can you look back now and see that He was working all along?
• How were His ways different, and, perhaps more beautiful, than your plan?
• How is your / your family's life different because of the waiting?
• Include the chorus or all of the words from the songs below
• In His heart a man plans His course, but the Lord determines His steps.  Proverbs 16:9  
• The Lord works out everything for His own ends... Proverbs 16:4
• Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5,6

One of my favorite songs to start my morning runs with is Worship in the Waiting by FFH. Click to see a video here (As soon as I figure out this new program, I will post the song directly here as well)  :~)

Another morning 'Waiting Song' is While I am Waiting by John Waller as seen in the must see movie Fireproof and here in the While I am Waiting Video

While the waiting can be painful, it can also be a time of worship for His wisdom and ways ~ don't miss His Work in the Waiting ~ Just pray for manna for today, and, watch Him move in ways you would have never imagined!!

~ Worship in the Waiting by FFH ~

I’ve seen the red sea part, I’ve seen the mountains move
But now it seems so dark, I can’t even feel you
If you choose to be silent I’ll be silent too
I will worship in the waiting, quiet before you
Until your voice like manna from the sky falls

I will worship in the waiting  
I will walk this sand beneath my feet
Though the winter wind is blowing
The ground is not frozen underneath
I will worship and not grow bitter
Cause I know you see the end of it all
And with the spring will come the rain
And I'll see what was gained
In the waiting

I’ve seen the blooms of spring, new life in everything
But now it seems so grey, bright colors fade away
This winter seems much longer and colder than before
But I will worship in the waiting, expecting something more
Until the sun shines warm upon my face again
He Leadeth me He leadeth me
By his own hand He leadeth me
His faithful follower I would be
For by his hand He leadeth me

I will worship in the waiting  
I will walk this sand beneath my feet
Though the winter wind is blowing
The ground is not frozen underneath
I will worship and not grow bitter
Cause I know you see the end of it all
And with the spring will come the rain
And I'll see what was gained
In the waiting 

~ While I am Waiting by John Waller ~

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting 

** The beautiful picture found at

The Art of Lillian Michiko Blakely

Coversations Full of Grace

Let your conversation be always full of grace....Colossians 4:6

What a perfect scripture for pictures of anyone with any kind of phone near their ear, or for that first cell phone purchase for your teen.

Even if you have already scrapped such a page, go back and stick this little scripture in a tiny empty spot. 

We never know who will be looking at our albums one day and need just The Word they read.

** This is also a great verse for our families to memorize ~ I know my kids needed to tuck that one away for use towards their siblings :~)  It was a great opportunity to point out His grace towards us as well.

From Disaster to Divine

"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. " 2 Corinthians 5:1

The kids and I drove from Ohio down to Houston just days after Ike tore through Texas and the rest of the United States, leaving an indescribable path of disaster and destruction.  (The hurricane left the path of disaster, not my driving)  :~)

As we drove further south we began to witness scenes of increasing devastation and were in complete awe at the power of nature.  Although I had literally watched on television as the storm landed and tore through Texas, I had not even begun to grasp the reality of the damage.  

As we all heard on the news, there are so many people who lost every earthly thing they had; some, even their lives.  Within just a few short hours people's lives were changed forever.

To be in one of the areas hit hardest was so surreal ~ never can I again doubt the power of His hand. 

And, just as there were stories of complete horror, there were amazing incidences of human strength, love and spirit.  Just as His power filled hand reached down to touch so many lives, so did His nail-pierced hand.  There are stories of disaster to divine everywhere I turn.

How about you.  What story do you have that started as a total disaster but evolved into one of divine healing, power and love?  Is it a story of a relationship changed, an emotional healing, an answered question, or literally damage to your earthly tent of your home or body? 

As I have shared so many times before ~ our albums are perfect places to share with future generations the work of His hand both on this earth and for eternity.  What an opportunity for those who suffered through Katrina, Ike, cancer, or other terrible damaging events to share that even through disaster the Lord does work.  It may be as miraculous as a tree that just missed your child's bed, or a man who provided a generator and air conditioning for your ailing child, or simply a woman who held your hand as you took the news in.  Share these stories.  God works in and through the disasters, we only need believe and look.

• Share where you saw His hand reach down and work.  Include your thoughts, prayers, and, emotions.
• Include 2 Corinthians 5:1 above as you journal the promise of a new body or home in Heaven built by our Heavenly Father.
• Use John 14:1 ~ In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.  Journal how you envision your Heavenly Home ~ ( big yard or small / trees with leaves that stay fall colored yet never have to be raked / a big wrap around porch with a swing and rocking chairs etc.)
• Include before and after pictures, storm / radar reports, newspaper clippings, doctor's notes / tests, cards of encouragement from praying friends, and any scriptures / prayers that you clung to and claimed.

As much as disasters are a part of our human experience, so is the divine power of His loving hand.  We need only look through eyes of trust and expectation to see His work.

PS ~ To those who have emailed and even called to see where I was, thank you so much for your thoughts and encouragement.  I am so sorry for the absence ~ He was workin' on me to get back.  There is much to share ~ isn't He amazing and a little crazy in His working?  Scrapping season is upon us, so, let's get back in the saddle again :~)

Dads ~ Soundtrack Saturday 5

Last night my dad poked his head in the room and said "It's my year anniversary".  Wow, I can't believe it has been a year since he had his bypass, and, you all were so great with your prayer support.

So, this Soundtrack Saturday celebrates dads.  Here are just a few songs that may fit in pages with your own dad, or pages with the children in your life with their father.  I've included some quick ideas to get you thinking on how you can use the songs, but, of course, the possibilities are endless.

This just tips the surface ~ got any other ones you like? 

**For subscribers, click here to hear "Always Be Your Baby"

Always Be Your Baby by Natalie Grant ~ create a page with pictures of the daghter and father throughout the years

Father's Love by Bob Carlisle ~ use the chorus and journal aspects of your father / daughter relationship with God

Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman ~ of course with the tragedy the Chapman family experienced, this song has a deeper and more real meaning. However, through this amazing family, God will be glorified! 

You Can Let Go Now Daddy by Crystal Shawanda ~ (warning: kleenex required) journal the little and/or big things your father did to care for you

With Arms Wide Open by Creed ~ this is a great song for a new dad

Find Your Wings by Mark Harris ~ put this song, along with a CD, in the front of a graduation album with a letter of even journaling or prayer and support from the father