Faithbooking Inspirations

The Real Me ~ Soundtrack Saturday 4

For Soundtrack Saturday 4, I'm gonna give you an unmasked little peek into my heart.....

It has been a year since we made the decision to move to Texas, and, our home has still not sold.  So, I am living between 2 states and learning to love the 2 day trip between Texas and Ohio via van with 4 kids, a big black lab and a GPS that I have yet to figure out :~)

While this time has been somewhat crazy, I can't believe how deeply grateful for it I am.  I have been the only adult in my home for 11 months now.  It is amazing what you see when you don't have someone to 'busy you' from looking at yourself. 

Without my husband around to talk to and busy myself with, I have been placed in a unimaginably beautiful place to stop and see how and who God created me to be. 

Meaning no disrespect at all to my dear husband, precious children, or my wonderful life, I think somewhere in the last many years, to my fault, I'd lost who I was.  I was so busy being the everything to everyone that I'd forgotten the woman I was underneath the costume.  I'd misplaced "The Real Me".

During this time of 'semi-seperation' from my usual life, the Lord has given me a much needed opportunity to step back and begin to uncover the woman He created.  I have realized He sees me as beautiful, strong, individual and worth it.  And, I know I am not the only one that finds that phrase a hard one to claim and believe!

I could ramble for thousands of words about my evolution in the last months, but I will spare you all :~)  However, I will say that He sees 'The Real Me' in each of us.

He creates us in His image; the exact woman He desires to come along-side Him, do His work and grow His Kingdom.  To not become that woman is not only cheating ourselves, but, more importantly, Him. 

Lord, I do pray that these readers are able to see themselves as you do.  May each one look in the mirror today and see something wonderful, strong, and beautiful.  I pray these women reach under their masks and claim the daughter and dreams you've created.  Jesus, you are too powerful and perfect for us to cheat ourselves, and You, from the life You've set for us.  May we each see "The Real Me" today and take the next step towards her.  Thank you for your love and grace!

While "The Real Me" from Natalie Grant has always been on the top ten tracks of the 'soundtrack of my life', it rings even deeper and truer now.  It is a perfect song for the majority of you out there.  Something about us scrapbookers ~ we don't put our pictures in the albums and forget we are part of the story and legacy too :~)

"Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
You're turning the tattered fabric of my life into
A perfect tapestry
I just wanna be me"

(Those receving this by email will just have to bop over to the site to hear the song since it doesn't transfer through the newsletter)

The Real Me ~ Natalie Grant (Awaken CD)

Foolish heart looks like we're here again
Same old game of plastic smile
Don't let anybody in
Hiding my heartache, will this glass house break
How much will they take before I'm empty
Do I let it show, does anybody know?

But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me

Painted on, life is behind a mask
Self-inflicted circus clown
I'm tired of the song and dance
Living a Charade, always on parade
What a mess I've made of my existence
But you love me even now
And still I see somehow

But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me

Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
You're turning the tattered fabric of my life into
A perfect tapestry
I just wanna be me

But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me

And you love me just as I am

Wonderful, Beautiful is what you see
When you look at me

Oh No, She's Awake...

"Live your life in such a way that when you open your eyes in the morning satan says, 'Oh no, she's awake'."

I received this in an email a couple days ago, and, it has continued to challenge me in a deep gut-checking way.

Does satan say this about you?  I'm not sure he does about me.

Along with being a personal prayer, this statement can make an eternal impact in our albums.

• This would be a great title page in a graduation album or 'new path' album
• Use it along with a picture of a loved one you want to challenge to live such a life
• Use it in a double page spread with pictures of a loved one whom you believed lived such a life, and, journal what she / he did to bring others to Christ
• Include pictures of a teenager sleeping / waking
• Frame the phrase and place in a bedroom or bathroom to challenge you or your family

Lord, may we be intense enough in our walk with and for You, that we are dangerously scary to the enemy.

All the POWER You Need ~ Soundtrack Saturday 2

As I ran a couple days ago, praying about the next Soundtrack Saturday post, as well as where SBB is going, I strongly believe the Lord placed this song and scripture on my heart for someone(s).  And, no matter how many times I tried to add something or change it, He brought me back to this one statement ~ "Remind them, and, you, that I have all the POWER they need".

So, quite simply, I now present Soundtrack Saturday Track #2:  along with a scripture that I have hanging on the wall in front of my treadmill.  Also, here is a copy of the scripture I stare at and pray through as I run my grueling  torturous  fun miles :~)  (Download all_the_power_you_need.doc)

...There was given me a thorn in my flesh... Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But He said to me "My grace is sufficient for you.  My POWER is made perfect in weakness."...Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's POWER may rest in me." 2 Cor. 12:7-9.

"All the Power You Need" ~ by Darlene Zschech 

• Use these words to create a sports page: include the sacrifice, journey and milestones
• Create a page to tell the story of a special goal or trial in your life.  Journal how you experienced Christ's power
• Share one of your weaknesses and how Christ can / has given you power to overcome (weight, bad habits, sin, fear, doubt, etc.)
• Create a "Power Page" with this scripture on top and share mini stories / clips of times in your life you've seen or experienced His power as you encourage your loved ones to trust in and tap into His power. 

One Heartbeat at a Time

So often as mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and mentors we feel as if we are just not doing enough.

Shaping these precious souls entrusted to us is a daunting task that often takes years to see its fruits.

It's easy to get lost in the day to day busyness and wonder if we are truly making a difference.

This morning, I was blessed by a song that brought a tear to my eye along with "rewind" pushes at least 6 times.

We must remember we ARE changing the world as we mold His children.  Each moment, word, and smile will, one day, create someone who WILL "rock this world for Him". 

As many of the Mother's Day pictures are getting developed and placed in albums, I thought I'd share the beautiful song and lyrics to Steven Curtis Chapman's "One Heartbeat at a Time".

• Use some of the words as your place Mother's Day pictures in your albums
• Journal how your own mother / grandmother / mentor changed the world through her children
• Journal your prayers and dreams of your own children / loved ones changing the world
• Use the chorus in a baby album as a gift to a new mother
• Include Isaiah 40:11 ~ He tends His flock like a Shepherd and carries His lambs close to His heart.  He gently leads those that have young

Lord, give us the perseverance to press on and make the most of each moment as we "make history with every touch and smile"

*** Just a little technical note:  I am super excited...I just figured out how to insert the songs into these posts ~ so, cruise through the Songs and Poems Category and now actually hear the songs I have shared.

One Heartbeat at a Time ~ Steven Curtis Chapman

You're up all night with a screaming baby
You run all day at the speed of life
And every day you feel a little bit less
Like the beautiful woman you are

So you fall into bed when you run out of hours
And you wonder if anything worth doing got done
Oh, maybe you just don't know
Or maybe you've forgotten

You, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time

With every "I know you can do it"
Every tear that you kiss away
So many little things that seem to go unnoticed
They're just like the drops of rain over time
They become a river

And you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time

You're beautiful
You're beautiful
How you're changing the world
You're changing the world

You, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
Oh, I believe that you
You are changing the world
One little heartbeat
At a time

And you're changing the world

Beautiful Feet

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news" ~ Rom 10:15

"Direct my footsteps according to your word..." ~ Psalm 119:133

"He will not let you foot slip..." ~ Psalm 121:3

There are not many things more beautiful in this world than children's feet.  And, at the risk of sounding kinda odd, when I look at the feet of my parents, I am touched by where those feet have been and how those feet have impacted my life. 

Pictures or imprints of feet have a perfect place in our albums. They represent a future and a promise.  They prove God's amazing creative works.  They are what take us down the path He has for us.

I challenge you to make a "Beautiful Feet Page" in your album.  Although it may not be a 'typical' page, think of the words, stories and prayers of legacy you could leave.  Then, e-mail me your "Beautiful Feet Page" so I can share them in an upcoming album on this site.

• Use one of the scriptures listed above as a border around a picture or collage
• Include a prayer for where you pray your loved one's feet will take them in the future
• Journal your praises for where the feet have been:  include the actions as well as the places (mission trips, college, supporting and raising a family, sports achievements, ministries, etc)
• Do you have special memories / feelings about your loved one's feet? (Story time, kicking a football in the back yard, reminding you of the miracle of life, etc)
• If your loved one is insecure about their feet / toes you can place a wide ribbon or make a card to place over their toes (write a scripture on it, their name, or a special saying)
• If you don't have / are unable to get a picture of the feet, make them through stickers, tracing, die-cuts or clip art, then use the suggestions above to complete the page
• Instead of a picture, make an imprint on a piece of paper with an ink pad
• Create a page using these prompts for any special shoes (first pair, athletic goals, special days or meetings).  Go to the shoe rack and take pictures of the shoes owned by your family and journal special moments or thoughts about each pair.
• Create a mini-album for a child about the parts of our body and how each of those parts was created for a special purpose and how they can serve God
• Create a page about sitting at Christ's Feet ~ journal when you feel closest to Him, do you sit at His feet for wisdom, guidance, strength or peace?
• Challenge your scrapping group, family members or friends to make a "Beautiful Feet Page" and then share them the next time you get together.
• And, next time you look at your feet, give them a little pat for all they have been in your life ~ even if you do need a pedicure :~)
• If you can't make the page today, just file the thoughts, imprint, or picture away with all those Precious Papers, and make some Journey Jots to be used later.   And, remember, It is OK to be out of order!

**I found this precious image at AllPosters.com

Our Scrapbooks ~ Our Love Letters

Last week I was going through a little book my mom had kept of my school days.  Although the last entry was from 30 years ago, oddly enough, stuck away in a page, I found a quick note she'd written in 2004 before her life changed drastically and she'd become ill. 

It was quickly written, in pencil, on a plain note card ~ but, what a treasure it is!  She'd just taken 5 minutes to write down her love for me, her pride in the woman I'd become and, most importantly, her security in Heaven.  I read those words with tears of love for this woman who had been such a beautiful model for my life, and appreciation that she took the time to write her thoughts.

Since that moment I read that precious note, I don't think a waking hour has gone by that I have not thought about that little piece of paper ~ And, thanked the Lord for the couple moments my mom took to leave those words for me.

If you question the importance of your albums in your loved one's lives ~ think of what a gift a few written words from a lost loved one would be to you.

If you doubt the time is well spent to journal your faith, love, and prayers ~ think of the impact those words and pages will have on your future generations.

If you feel like your albums are just not fancy enough or pretty enough ~ please realize the beauty of quickly penciled words on a plain note card.

If you haven't taken the opportunity to journal your thoughts in your albums ~ begin to view your albums as Love Letters to your loved ones and future generations.

Girls, these scrapbooks don't need to be fancy ~ they just need to be from our heart.

I pray my albums can become even a tiny fraction of the gift that this simple note card has become to me!

Ordinary Miracles

"Pleasure can be found in the world's ordinary miracles"

I found this on the top of a Daisy Sour Cream container, and, thought it would be a beautiful saying in our scrapbooks!

I took this picture on a hike with the kids ~ it's a weed ~ but, man, it was just so beautiful, and, lavender :~)

Our day and world is full of ordinary miracles ~ May you take pleasure in them this week and the rest of the holiday season!

Often, our albums are full of the 'special' days and moments, however, we must be sure to catch the everyday and ordinary part of our lives ~ Truly, those moments are more what make us who we are than the big, special ones.  As I mentioned in a post in 2006 ~ The Mundane is the Legacy Too. 

Use this saying:

• In the front of an album
• A page of 'a day in the life of' pictures
• Nature
• Our family that we so often take for granted
• Before and after of anything from a room, to weight loss, to graduation, to the growth of a child
• A time in your life when the Lord revealed a specific plan for you
• Anything in your life that the Lord shows you is part of His beautiful and wildly amazing world

Cherished Memories Jewelry

I'm just passing on an awesome Christmas gift idea :~)

My neighbor owns Cherished Memories Jewelry, and, has created beautiful pieces ~ many I have on my "To Get List".

The necklaces and bracelets are one of a kind since they are made with pictures of your loved ones.  And, I promise you, the quality is amazing ~ I feel so rich when I wear mine!!  :~)  I plan on getting one of every color eventually!

She snuck around, took pictures of my kids, and made Pretty Purple for my 40th birthday ~ sometimes I wear purple just so I can wear my bracelet ~ and, of course, I have the Sugar and Spice ordered to match Scrapbookers Bubble Bath!

Her newest piece is the Forever Faithful ~ a wonderful opportunity to share your faith as well as your legacy of family and love.

These pieces are perfect ways to take our "scrapbook subjects" with us ~

So, stop over, shop around, and, get a few for Christmas gifts and, of course, a few for you!  :~)

Annual Halloween E-Cards

E-cards are frequently ending up in my email ~ it is my kids little way of saying anything from "Hi", to "Sorry", to "Can we make cookies".

And, Mama's Little Vampire can be found anytime of the year ~ but, especially many times a day around October 31st!

So, in honor of my kids, I thought I'd share our Annual 3 favorite Halloween E-Cards

Take lots of pictures tomorrow, and, enjoy the time with your children!

Here are some page ideas using these e-cards I have posted previously, and, here are more links to e-card suppliers

Our Favorite Halloween E-Cards ~ these will make any Mama laugh!

• Mama's Little Vampire
• Knock Knock Ghost:  Boo Hoo?
• Knock Knock Ghost:  Interrupting Ghost

***And, by the way while you sort through and eat all that candy ~ try creating a page with your favorite candy wrapper

Lost in This Moment With You

 

Lost in This Moment With You ~ as an excited and proud dad takes his daughter to her dream store to give her a special birthday gift

Lost in This Moment With You ~ as a grandpa, who lives far away, celebrates his birthday with his precious grandchildren

Lost in This Moment with You ~ as a son runs home to show his dad that he received dad's jersey number

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As I woke this morning trying to think of the next post because I'm working on something behind the scenes that I am not ready to reveal yet :~),  the lyrics to Lost in This Moment With You by Big and Rich were running through my head.

This is a perfect wedding song, so, of course, the lyrics would be beautiful in the front of an album or with pictures of the groom, but, I had a thought......

There are so many other moments that we get lost in with our loved ones ~ Here are just a few I thought of.  Do you have any others?  Share yours in the comments below!

• The birth of a child
• The moment two have reached a goal that has been a work in progress
• The first day in a new home
• Giving a special gift to a loved one
• See, the pictures are endless

Use "Lost in This Moment With You" as a title, then journal why that moment is so special.  Journal the feelings, journey, pride, words and details of the picture and situation.

I have also included the song and lyrics below in case you want to copy and paste them in a wedding album or engagement page.

And, what am I working on behind the scenes?  I ain't tellin' until at least the first part if it is done :~)

*******************************

Lost in Your Moment With You by Big and Rich

See your momma, and the candles and tears and roses
I see your daddy walk his daughter down the isle
Now my knees start to tremble as I tell the preacher
Don’t she look beautiful tonight
All the wonderful words in my head I’ve been thinking
You know I want to say ‘em all just right
I lift your vale, and angles start singing
Such a heavenly sign

Chorus
Lost in this moment with you
I am completely consumed
My feelings so absolute, there’s no doubt
Sealing our love with a kiss
Waitin’ my whole life for this
Watching all my dreams come true
Lost in this moment with you

I smell the jasmine floating in the air like a love song
Watch my words draw sweet tears from your eyes
Bow our heads while the preacher talks to Jesus
Please bless this brand new life

Chorus
Lost in this moment with you
I am completely consumed
My feelings so absolute, there’s no doubt
Sealing our love with a kiss
Waitin’ my whole life for this
Watching all my dreams come true
Lost in this moment with you

The Tooth Fairy ~ II

My daughter lost her tooth a couple of weeks ago, and, somehow I managed to get this picture ~ the tooth, still attached to the floss and doorknob, flying through the air!!! 

Everytime I see this I just have to laugh ~ I couldn't have planned it any better ~ this will go down as a classic picture in our family :~)

As I was working on the Unto All Generations ~ Volume III "Lost Tooth" entry this morning, I thought of this picture, and, how much I am looking forward to scrapping it.  This just may have to be one of those pictures that are blown-up to 5x7 and earn its own page! :~) 

So, thought I'd share my excitement in this picture, and, UAG III as I see it in its final stages.  UAG III can still be pre-ordered for $10.99 to ensure you receive it on my 40th birthday, July 4th!  Here's the Lost Tooth entry (Download uag_vol_iii_lost_tooth_sample.xls) I finished this morning just to give you a rough idea of what the format will be. Be sure to email me with any questions or last minute entries you'd like to see.

Keep shooting those pictures, you just never know when you will catch a one in a million shot like this one!  :~)

~ See Faithbooking Inspirations entry "Tooth Fairy ~ I" 

How to Say Goodbye

Summer is here, and, my kids are growing :~)

As I sorted laundry this morning, I was praying for the coming summer and how to be sure I intentionally take time for the special moments with my kids.  Somewhere between the baseball pants and dirty socks, I heard the info about this song on the radio, and, I literally stopped sorting and searched for it. 

It touched my OCD perfectionist personality to the core ~ I know sometimes I get so caught up in "doing" that I miss the "stopping".  In fact, as I typed this, my daughter came down, and, I stopped typing for that extra minute of a hug!!!

As summer rumbles on down, and, we turn the calender quickly, be sure to stop, hold, and, cherish.  The time does fly, and, their dreams do take them far away from us.

Perhaps the video speaks so much more than the words, but, I promise, you need a tissue and will stop to think about the time that is flying by with your family.

Tell me when the time we had slipped away
tomorrow turned to yesterday
and I don't know how.

P.S. ~ These lyrics (in part or whole) would be great words in the front of a tribute, graduation, or going away album :~) 

The music & lyrics for Michal W. Smith's "How to Say Goodbye" are below ~

And, see the video here

Tell me when the time we had slipped away
tomorrow turned to yesterday
and I don't know how.
Tell me what can stop this river of tears
It's been building up for years
for this moment now.

Here I stand
Arms open wide.
I've held you close
kept you safe
till you could fly.

Tell me where the road ahead is gonna bend,
and how to harness up the wind,
and how to say goodbye.

Tell me why,
why does following your dreams
take you far away from me ~
and I knew that it would.

Tell me how to feel the space you left behind,
and how to laugh instead of cry,
and how to say goodbye

Here I stand
Arms open wide.
I've held you close,
kept you safe
till you could fly.

Tell me where the road ahead is gonna bend,
and how to harness up the wind,
and how to say goodbye.

Why?.....For You, and Your Legacy

I have posted a powerfully amazing song ~ Why? by Nicole Nordeman on Held By Him.

As I listened to the words this morning, I thought the words would be powerful in my album ~ Just sharing a few thoughts below....if you have other ideas, share away in the comments :~)

• ~ Use the words as a front page in a daughter's or grandaughter's album

~ Use the words as page embellishment along with a favorite picture of a child

~ Highlight the final verse, "Now I can tell you why, she is why you must die", with different colors, media or font

~ Share how the sacrifice He made for you impacts you, how much you want your family to know Him, or how He loves you / them

~ Include the words and a picture of Christ with a child on the front page of an album or anywhere where you may need to stick in an extra page if you happen to be a "double page spread obsessive scrapper" as I am :~)

~ Burn the song to a CD and store the CD in your album for future generations to hear the song words as they read your words

Dancing With Memory

"Lost love is still love, Eddie.  It takes a different form, that's all.  You can't see their smile or bring them food or tousle their hair or move them around a dance floor.  But when those senses weaken, another heightens.  Memory.  Memory becomes your partner.  You nurture it.  You hold it.  You dance with it. (from The Five People You Meet in Heaven)

And, isn't that why we scrapbook?  In a few words, that is why our passion to preserve our loved one's legacy is so strong.  Dancing with Memory ~ it's my children looking through my albums and reading the stories; it's sitting quietly in my favorite big purple chair with a cup of chai, counting my blessings and remembering moments past; and, it's looking through scrapbooks to see how He has loved and cared for us.....Our albums are the recorded music that we dance to.

Even as spring is here, and summer is coming, continue taking those pictures, keeping Precious Papers, recording the stories in you Journey Jots, and, preserving the stories in your albums.  The time you spend will give future generations plenty of dancing material :)

PS ~ if you haven't read The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom, grab a copy.  It's a quick read, and, it'll make you look at life through different eyes.  We truly do not realize who we impact for eternity.

Adoption

As I read my Bible this morning, I found a verse that I should have included in the Adoption section of Volume I of the Unto All Generations.  Since it would take me forever to go back and contact all who have purchased it, I thought I'd just put it here, and, let you all add it to your books.  These words would be wonderful on a page with the pictures or story of an adoption.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after orphans... (James 1:27)

As I stressed so clearly in the books, I have tried very hard to not take scriptures out of context.  I believe that His Word is Holy, and, we must be careful not to alter its meaning.  To ensure that I allow each of you to determine the meaning, I included the full scriptures as well as the words that would be perfect on a page: 

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.  (James 1:27)

Look for more of these coming ~ I have a list of a few more that I have found in my times of prayer and study of the Word ~ so, I'll just add them here in a new section Unto All Generations Add-Ons :)

Precious E-Cards to Preserve

With the internet being such a part of our lives, now greeting cards can be sent with just a few clicks and key taps.   When these things first started coming out I thought they were completely impersonal and that I would n-e-v-e-r send one. 

Well, of course, never say never, and, now ever since last year with the Invasion of the E-Cards in our home, these cards we send these things to each other regularly.  And, the cards from my children have just blessed my life.  Who'd thought these things would become a part of my family scrapbooks!

The kids send cards to each other with such such sweet and funny words ~ being a house with mainly boys, you can begin to imagine the verbal exchanges :)  This one from my daughter just meant the world to me ~ she giggled as I made my mouse kiss the little guy, and, be sure to click exit to read her message!! 

While I don't print them all, I do print the screen(s) of the cards that are treasures to keep and save them in my album just as I would cards through the mail.  Even now as we look at them in our albums they bring precious memories and moments.

So, start sending and saving your e-cards.  All you have to do is click on one of the links below, browse through the 'card aisle' and forward to your loved ones.  Then, be sure to hit "print" on your browser to preserve the cards that are sent or received that mean the most.  I just crop around the printed card to remove the extra paper, mount it on some of my mounting paper, file it, and, then put it in my album when I get to that date.  These have become a permanent part of our family's story and are now honestly are treasured just as much as a card from the 'real' card store.

• Crosscards ~ This one has some beautiful Christian cards.  There are even some reminding us to set our clocks ahead Saturday.
• Hallmark ~ having just come from vacation, I think my kids have clicked and watched that car with the snakes card at least 50 times :)  I just love the Interrupting Ghost and Mama's Little Vampire, they just make me giggle.  And of course, I've received lots of 'nature cards' with "Mommy's birds and deer".
• Monk-e-mail ~ my kids LOVE this one!!  Who can resist a monkey that you can dress up and make it say what you type!!!  :)
• American Greetings ~ We having used this one too much, but, I'm sure they are just as good

Have fun, and, get those e-cards flying!

Preserve their Favorite Web Site

With the amazing growth of the World Wide Web, our children now have another favorite.  Along with their favorite movie, cup, song or bedtime story, many children now have a special web-site.  Whether it is Starfall for learning, Club Penguin for on-line games, or cheat codes at a favorite gaming site, our children are now spending hours on the internet. 

My eight year old spends hours on Very Best Baking.com ~  yes, believe it or not, whenever he has a few spare minutes, he sneaks away to the computer and, as a result, I get "Mom, check this recipe out" emails daily.  I think I have enough new recipes to try for weeks.  I just know, when he opens his "hotel with awesome food for Christians" he would love to see the web sites that inspired him even at such a young age. 

So, while we are sure to record pictures of our loved one's favorites, don't forget to capture those web-sites that will one day bring memories full of discussion and smiles. 

• Once you are on the home page (or other favored page) of the site, you can just hit print, and, then you will have a snapshot of the site, and, can then record the stories behind that site.
• Document the reasons the web-site is so enjoyable / special
• If it is a site that has a fee, print off the receipt
• Let your loved one add to the scrapbook page
• If a loved one has a blog, be sure to print off the entries and put them in a binder ~ what a treasure to read later (I did this for my brother's Arms Wide Open, and, he loved it!!)

Some sites I am going to print and save the info on my Journey Jots until I get to scrap them:

1. Starfall ~ My daughter's site that helped her learn to read
2. Very Best Baking ~ My son's "cool website" ~ he is even saving his 'brownie points' and submits comments :)
3. Nathan's Cooking Ideas ~ My son's site he created.  In fact, he is finishing his entire school year early so he can build a "real web site to give people recipes" on a site "with tabs"  :)
4. Career Builder Monkee Email ~ This talking monkey card email is too funny ~ we love this one!
5. Club Penguin ~ The site my kids read 300 pages a month to "pay their fee"
6. Lucas Arts ~ A great site for cheat codes for their new Lego Star Wars Play Station 2 game
7. NeoPets ~ My kids get their own pet, and, I don't have to clean up after it :)
8. Kids Health ~ A great site for info about the human body ~ we use this for science and it is awesome!
9. K12 ~ The home page for our homeschooling material

So, watch your family as they cruise the internet, or click on history to see the most frequently visited sites.  The pages we visit are just another part of our daily life that create the memories and make us who we are.

PS ~ One real quick note that is very important to me ~ it is a good idea to check your browser history anyway ~ even when our children are innocently cruising, you never know what they may come across.  We need to be pro-active with our blocks and active with our history searches. I do not want this to happen to anyone else .

Your "Growin' Up Music"

A friend gave my husband hours and hours of '80s music, and, as he played these a couple months ago, a group I haven't heard in YEARS came on ~ Air Supply!  Now, you have to imagine that moment as we played Slap Jack with the kids, and, I heard "Here I Am, the One That You Love" begin.....I was speechless and felt like I'd just won a million dollars (well, almost) 

This week he put those hours of Air Supply on the MP3 player for me to listen to on the treadmill.  And, as I listened to those sappy songs, I had to just smile as the memories literally came flooding in.  These were moments that were such important parts of who I am today and memories that I couldn't believe I had forgotten. 

For so many of us, certain songs bring moments that our family would love to hear ~ and we need to share!  Songs bring back special memories with loved ones, spiritual milestones realizing Who HE is, and, well,  just plain "growin' up memories". 

How cool would it be if our family knew the song that got you through those late night college crams, the song that you realized you found your mate for life, the song you loved to play real loud as you cleaned your room, or, perhaps the song that you prayed while you were pregnant with your first child. 

I think those moments on that treadmill have made me renew my desire to create a special album just for songs that have been important for me.  I think you should make one too :)  These albums don't have to be fancy ~ don't worry about the sitckers and colored papers, just get the lyrics down, type what those words mean to you at the bottom and put them in an album or even a 3 ring binder will be treasured for years to come. 

Or, if you don't wanna make an album, just stick the pages right where you are working ~ because, remember, It IS OK to be out of order!

Or, at least get started by creating a folder, and, just begin making some of these "Songs" documents ~ I was really good a couple of years ago and did just that.  I am including some so you can see how simple these can be, yet, how very special to your family such words would be. I'll Be (Download ill_be_done.doc )  Keeper of the Stars (Download keeper_of_the_stars_done.doc ) I Want to Be Just Like You (Download i_want_to_be_just_like_you_done.doc)  and She's a Butterfly (Download shes_a_butterfly_done.doc).

I'll Be 

Keeper of the Stars (Coming Soon)  :~)

I Want to Be Just Like You   

She's a Butterfly   

Making such a page is super easy.......

1. All you have to do to get the lyrics to a song is, in your search engine, type "lyrics to ______" using the title of your desired song
2. Open up a 'new document' in your Word program
3. Copy and past the words from the page to your document
4. Play with the font style, colors, and, size
5. Type your "story, memories or love for" the song
6. Hit 'Print', and, there you have it, a page completed!!

I have just a few links listed below that will help get those memory juices flowing, and, will show you how many special moments we associate with songs.

• Tropicalglen.com ~ This site is awesome!  You can chose a year or other list and have those songs playing in the background.  Although this only has the 50s through 1982, what a blast to listen to!
• John Larocque has some great sites for the 70s.  These songs are listed in alphabetical order of the artist ~ man, just look at those names, and the memories will be flying!!  They also have similar pages for the 80s ~ note Air Supply right on top there :) and the 90s
• In the 70s, 80s, and, 90s is fun because there are coordinating quizzes ~ bring the quiz to your next family gathering, and, the stories will be spilling out!  You can spend hours on this one just renewing old flames, old habits, and, old friends :)
• 100 Greatest Rock n'Roll Songs of the 60s and The Wanderer are just 2 sites you will find if you do a search for "music of the 60s"
• AND, don't forget your spiritual memories and growth!!!  There are great sites like the Cyber Hymnal (this has the stories behind many hymns ~ I LOVE IT!!!) and Name that Hymn, and Hymn Lyrics (this also has praise and comtemporary songs).

Even as I type, and listen to "Still" play on Tropicalglen.com  I remember marching in band at half-time, turning towards the stadium and chills running down my spine as we "brought it home" for the final chorus ~ such special memories that I should share ~ So, get to cruisin' on the internet, and, find those long lost songs whose songs will bring laughter, tears, smiles, and, memories.....then, make and album!!  :) 

A New Year Note

I actually scrapbooked a ton this weekend ~ my stuff came out of my scrapbooking room and I took over the kitchen table.  My poor family had to eat on the floor or stand up for 2 days!!  :)

I have finally hit the point in my past pictures where I started making notes, such as Journey Jots.  Man, was I thanking myself for doing so.  I know there were things I had written down that I never would have remembered by the time I finally got to scrap them.

One of my favorite things was a New Years Note to each of my children.  It kinda was a "year in review" and "prayers for the coming year".  These are a great way to end a year in your scrapbook. It helps capture key moments and growth from the previous year and gives an opportunity for me to be sure I document my prayers and hopes for the coming year.  There were soooo many things I wouldn't have if I had not taken the short 30 minutes or so to capture my thoughts.

So, I thought I'd encourage each of you to take just a few minutes to make a quick New Years Note to each of your family members and then, plan on capturing these in your album.  Here are just a few ideas to help get you going:

• Favorite / special toys, shows, friends, clothes, music from the past year
• Physical, emotional, and spirtual growth or milestones from the past year
• Any specific trials or mountains and how they were met / beaten
• Bible verses or stories that are relevant to the past year / coming year
• Prayers for growth (physically, emotionally, and spirtutally) in the coming year
• Your respect or admiration for the loved one

Even if you are not a point that you can scrap them now ~ just get your thoughts down.  Type them or write them out real quick.  I just scratched mine down with abbreviations I didn't even know what I meant 2 years later :)  Then, when you do get to a point you are ready to put the notes in your albums, here are some quick ideas on how to use them:

• Type, or even better write, each one out as if you were sending them, and, stick them in a pocket page or envelope taped directly to your page
• Type out the letter, embellish the paper or page you place it on so it can be easily read as others look at your album
• Use the past year moments as page embellishments.  These can be written or even typed out in different fonts and paper
• End the year, or start the next year with the Notes ~ What a great front page for a new year!

Hope this gets you thinking and writing!

On a personal note ~ 2006 was a year of overwhelming growth for Scrapbookers Bubble Bath.  I am speechless and humbled.  To think that He would use me, an internet-afraid and techy-dumb nurse :) just really amazes me.  I passionately pray that SBB can, in 2007, continue to help each of you capture your legacy and leave that eternal impact.   

For each of us 2006 was a different mix of trials, growth, pain, love, blessings, and change ~ Only He knows what 2007 will bring.  But, one thing we do know, it will be a year of His Work and His Love ~ and, we wouldn't want it any other way!

To each of you, thank you so much for being a part of my life and for blessing me ~ You inspire me with your love for your families and the Lord.  May we each draw closer to Him and learn more of His Woundrous Love and Amazing Grace this year!

Much Love,

Tina

My Wish

As I put laundry away yesterday, My Wish by Rascal Flatts played on my blaring stereo :)  And, as I sung these beautiful lyrics loudly ~ only because the kids were all the way in the basement and out of ears reach ~ I had a thought....It is another one of those perfect songs to explain why I have such a passion for creating albums of legacy.  The lyrics say exactly what I want my albums to be about. 

These lyrics are perfect for a parent / child page, a title page, a graduation album, moving album, a newborn album, armed services album or wedding album.  While I hesitated to post them - I figured there are at least a few readers that haven't heard it, so, for those of you who aren't country fans you can hear the song below.

My Wish ~ Lyrics by Rascal Flatts

I hope that days come easy and moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

More then anything, more then anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it,
To your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more then you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more then you take.

Oh More then anything, Yeah, and more then anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it,
To your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more then you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

Which Home Do I Create?

Most of one morning this week, I was trying to make the next post...again, I was having trouble getting my computer security program to allow pop-ups from this site - frustrating!!  However, as only the Lord so beautifully does, through our local radio station, all my frustration was refocused on this picture and the story behind it.

This (at least according to our US government) is a picture of North and South Korea.  North Korea being the dark - South being the bright country.  Be sure to read the scoop - pretty interesting.

What struck me was, of course, the contrast of light versus dark.  And, the Lord quietly tapped my shoulder and asked me what kind of home do I create for my family?  One full of darkness, fear, and uncertainty?  Or one of light, hope, and, direction? 

I know sometimes I get so caught up in how I "think things should work"  that, I fail to stop, and be sure I am making the most of every moment to give my children and husband a place of joy, rest and peace. 

• Do I just ramble my thoughts, or, turn them towards His Word at teaching moments?
• Do I just vent out of frustration, or, stop to see the situation as they do and try to make my words ones of life changing and not life exasperating?
• Do I take that extra 15 minutes while dinner is cooking to selfishly check my email, or, to play on the floor with my 6 year old and build a mall with the math cubes?
• Do I let my boys know how disgusting they are when they make those bodily function noises, or, laugh along with them?  :)

If there was a satellite picture of my home - I so pray it would be the one illuminated with His Light and Love!!  So, I shut the computer down, and, had a date with my daughter watching the entire Little Mermaid movie in our pajamas!!

** Hmmmm ~ Tying this into a scrapbook theme ~ what kind of scrapbooks do I create as well?  I pray those are ones of His Light and Love too!  I want future generations to be reminded of His Grace, Forgiveness, and Works through my words and pictures of this precious life we are given!

Fabric Embellishments

As I moved from my other home, it was difficult for me to leave a couple sets of curtains - There were the ones I have had in some room, in one way or another, since we have been married; I also left behind the curtains my mom made for the kitchen ~ a special gift that holds a treasured story; And, what about the Blue Angels curtains I made for the boys ~ but, put the fabric upside down :)

However, as I unpacked, I found scraps from each set of curtains I left behind.  Since there was not enough to make anything else, I held it in my hand, wondering what in the world I could do with it.....

I want to preserve not only how my kitchen looked, but, the story of the curtains, and, the precious soul who made them.  I want the boys to know the moments leading to their fabric choices and the excitement they had as the rooms were completed. 

Being unable to just toss the fabric that brings special moments to mind, I put the pieces in my scrapbooking room - with plans to make pages using the fabric.  The swatches can be used as background, embellishments, or as the focal point of the page itself.  Besides the curtain fabric for my albums, I have also kept:

• My dad's baby clothes - to make a pocket on a page to put some of his clothes in, along with pictures of him when he was a baby (Of course this can be done for our own children)
• Old lace curtains from my grandmother that can never be hung due to aging, but, can be used as a special embellishment with some pictures of her
• A candy wrapper my husband brought home ~ I have framed it and set it on my desk
• A pair of pajamas I made for my son that were made from fabric he chose, with a very funny story  behind it
• Feathers from a Halloween custome I made for my daughter
• A ribbon worn by my daughter for a special picture
• I even saved the robe from my honeymoon pajamas, that, of course, no longer fits after 4 children and 16 years :) and made a collage with our wedding invitation, favors and program.

Sometimes we remember to keep the recital programs, the first day of school pictures, and the hair from the first haircut, but, there are so many other keepsakes that can be added to our albums ~ we only need to open our eyes to the potential of the other cherished pieces.

Do you have any special fabric sitting around that could be used as an embellishment?  Does anyone else have such fabric or other odd keepsakes that can be used in our albums?  If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment below.  I would love to hear and share other ideas from you faithbookers out there with a passion to leave a legacy through your albums.

picture from http://www.trendycrafts.net/images/fabric.jpg

Peaceful Dwelling Places

Well, I think it is official ~ we finally got our house on the market....Now we are in that "we gotta keep the house ready in case someone calls us" mode.  Wow, selling a house is a ton of work!! :) 

Now that the "For Sale" sign is in the yard, and, I am realizing how final this all is ~ I have to admit that I am feeling really unsettled at times.  In fact, I told the realtor I had a small part of me that did not want to sell because that meant I had to actually move out of my home and commit to another home and neighborhood - yikes!

After looking a millions of homes ~ OK, maybe only tens, it just felt like millions ~ I am realizing what a mammoth decision this is.  The home we pick will impact our family's life forever....it will impact the friends my children have, the schools they attend, the church we choose, maybe even the in-laws my children will receive...

I have to constantly remind myself that the Lord already knows the house He has for us ~ we just have to rest in Him and allow Him to show us the way.  After a restless night of thoughts of "wooded lot or lots of running room", "gas or wood burning fireplace", kitchen with or without an island", "more square footage or newer" and on and on ~ I woke hearing Him speak what I call my "family verse" ~

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, secure homes, and undisturbed places of rest ~ Isaiah 32:18

He gave me that verse years ago as both a promise from Him and a goal for me to pass on to my children. 

Promise : He wants to give us peacefull dwelling places and secure homes and places of rest.  We need only to trust in Him and cling to His promise.

Goal :  I strive to create a home that can be described by the words of Isaiah 32:18.  I want my children and husband to find our home to be a secure place of rest and peace.

Page Idea? 

• Create a page of a place of rest for you, whether it be a special room, under a tree, or holding your child.  Where does your soul feel at rest?
• Find a favorite picture of Christ or a picture that you see as representing peace, and journal how Christ has been your security, peace, and rest.
• As I have done below, take a picture of your home, include Isaiah 32:18 and journal 1) what you do to make your home one of security and rest or 2) what you want others to feel as they enter into your home. 
• Your family will treasure your words and prayers for what you have done to provide a special home for them. Using Isaiah 32:18 is another way we can pass on His promise and love to future generations.

                                           

#1 ~ Using one of our early practice Legacy-Cuts, I took a picture of our home and journaled how I pray to make our home one of security peace and rest.  "Isaiah 32:18 has been my promise from the Lord ~ and a goal for my home.  As I plant outside, decorate the inside, and train my children, peaceful dwelling place, secure home and place of rest sings in my mind.  I pray my children and grandchildren think of my home when they hear Isaiah 32:18 ~ That would be a dream come true."

(Since currently the Legacy ~ Cuts have had to be placed on hold, here is the Cut I used to create this page ~ enjoy!)Download sbb_legacycut_isaiah_32_18_illustrative_porch_large.pdf

#2 ~ Using another one of our early practice Legacy-Cuts, I took a picture of our new driveway being placed and journaled how I wnat others to feel as they entered our home. "I pray my driveway will be one that family and friends will pull up to find a home they feel peace and love as they enter."  Although these were pictures of just concrete and trucks, using scripture it now provides a wonderful avenue to both reveal a little more about my heart and continue to encourage future generations to turn to Him.

(Here is the Legacy ~ Cut I used to create this page ~ enjoy!) Download sbb_legacycut_isaiah_32_18_expressive.pdf

I truly pray you find rest in Him today ~ He wants to be your Security, Peace and Rest ~ we need only allow Him into our hearts and lives.

Find Your Wings

Find Your Wings ~ Lyrics

It’s only for a moment you were mine to hold

The plans that Heaven has for you will all too soon unfold

So many different prayers I pray for all that you might do

But most of all, I wanna know you’re walking in the truth

And if I never told you,

I want you to know,

That as I watch you grow

     I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams

     And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things

     I’m here for you whatever this life brings

     So, let my love give you roots and help you find wings

May passion be the wind that leads you through your days

And may conviction keep you strong and guide you on your way

May there be many moments that make your life so sweet

Oh, but more than memories

     I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams

     And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things

     I’m here for you whatever this life brings

     So, let my love give you roots and help you find wings

It’s not living

If you don’t reach for the sky

I’ll have tears as you take off

But, I’ll cheer as you fly

     I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams

     And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things

     I’m here for you, whatever this life brings

     So, let my love give you roots and help you find your wings

Lyrics to Find Your Wings By Mark Harris

Mark Harris – The Line Between the Two (He is from the awesome group 4 Him ~ This CD will be in my collection by the weekend!!)

*****************************

Welcome to Scrapbookers Bubble Bath Faithbooking Inspirations ~ go grab your Kleenex and read on :)

     That song so says exactly why I have such a passion for legacybooking.  It is exactly why I want my scrapbooks to have more than pictures, dates and guest lists.  I was given these 4 precious souls to nurture, pray over, mold, and one day, give wings to fly on to serve Him and bring others to Him while living this amazing life.  And, my children will look at my albums as they grow, and, long after I am gone.  Scattered throughout those albums they will find words of encouragement, dreams, prayers and eternity.

     As Scrapbookers Bubble Bath goes on a brief "packing and painting leave" for most of April and May, I hope you find help from our Faithbooking Inspirations archives and SBB web-site.  But, more importantly, I pray you find, within yourself, the passion and desire to leave your legacy in your albums.  I believe there is no better place for future generations to read our prayers, our dreams and His Word.

     I am working on the next Unto All Generations release to be released May 31st, 2006.  To be honest, it has truly been inspiring to me as I have planned and written it.  It is called Leaving the Legacy, and, will give us all an easy to remember and use guide to legacybooking.  It is based on using LEGACY as an acrostic to create pages of eternal significance ~ I am very excited as I see the changes this idea has made in my scrapbooking already!

     However, as I have mentioned, moving has occupied so much of my time, that I am unable to give SBB the attention it needs and my heart desires.  So, I have made the very difficult decision to put new posts and changes on hold for just a brief time.  I have prayed and wrestled with the right thing to do, and feel this is what I need to do for myself and my family. 

 

     While I am on leave, Unto All Generations Volume I and II are available for purchase, and, new orders will be shipped.  Also, Legacy Pass It Ons, SBB's weekly journaling e-mail, will continue.  In the meantime, read the archives, and sign up for new posts of Faithbooking Inspirations and Held By Him.  And, visit our favorite links, I posted a couple new ones at the bottom of the SBB Welcome Page.

     Please know you all bless me and that this decision has been one of much prayer and even a few tears.  Continue to love on your family, serve and yearn for Him, and, be ready to create some major awesome pages once I return at the end of May :)

     Take care, and, remember, we are each Held By Him!

   Tina