Faithbooking Inspirations

He's Every Season

With the move to Houston, I think I am some mild mourning for my Ohioan change of seasons.  :~)   Fall is the absolute most beautiful time of year.  It reminds me we serve a God of enormous creativity and love.

I heard this song today, and, thought it'd be a great one on a page with pictures of my home in the changing seasons. 

To deepen the faith in the page, include journaling:

• How the Lord has guided you through your seasons of life.
• How has the Lord made you a new creation
• Pick a stanza or verse that touches you and journal additional details
• Include details about your favorite season and why

Every Season by Nicole Nordeman (from This Mystery Album)

Every evening sky, an invitation
To trace the patterned stars
And early in July, a celebration
For freedom that is ours
And I notice You
In children's games
In those who watch them from the shade
Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder
You are summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come
You are autumn

And everything in time and under heaven
Finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you
When branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are winter

And everything that's new has bravely surfaced
Teaching us to breathe
What was frozen through is newly purposed
Turning all things green
So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season's change
And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring

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

Capture Fall!

I have just found out that Houston doesn't have the beautiful fall that Ohio has!!  Man, are they missing out on such beauty or what!

Fall in my part of the world is such a beautifully breathtaking time of year ~ if I doubt His creativity, all I need do is peek out my window today.

Since I won't be seeing it again, I created my own fall tree in my son for Halloween ~ kinda funny to see him up against the trees.  My little hot-glued fake pile of leaves held up pretty good to all the candy-begging.  :~)

Fall has the most amazing combinations of colors in His world ~ be sure to capture them in one way or another in your albums.

For ideas on on how to use and preserve the beauty of leaves in your album read Get Those Leaves Quick and Colorful Leaf Copies

In your albums, take the opportunity to journal your feelings about nature. Our loved ones will see Him if they read our words of love and awe for His creation:

• Look around your area of the world and take pictures of how you know fall is here.
• If you don't have the changing leaves in your part of the world, journal your desire to experience the beauty and how you feel when you see pictures of fall.
• Do you have any special fall memories as a child?
• What do you believe the Lord is saying through the beauty of fall?
• Do you have a favorite tree to see or place to visit in the fall?
• Do you / did you like jumping in leaves?  Any special memories of leaf piles and raking?
• Don't forget to use scripture about His creation ~ Look up Nature in your Unto All Generations
• The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our Lord stands forever ~ Isaiah 40:8
• Creation and Creatures applaud you, GOD ~ Psalm 145:10

One quick P.S. about the Eternal Splashes store ~ since I paid the host through November, I figured I'd leave it open through November 30th.  So, pass on the word and, perhaps do some great Christmas shopping for your favorite scrapper.  For wonderful faithbooking supplies for your fall pictures, check out the Crossed Paths Harvest Line.

What a Wonderful World

Just sharing something pretty amazing ~ If only I could be so talented :~)

Today, may you find yourself able to stop and enjoy What a Wonderful World we have

Scrapbooking Inspiration from this....hmmmm.....how about:

"In your albums be sure to share, and encourage others, to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the simple things in this world"

HE Makes the Birds Sing!

It is no secret in my family I am a bird lover!  They are so free, and, depend solely on His provision and guidance for their every need. 

In fact, my kids can identify the calls and makes of many birds ~ guess I am wearing off on them :~)

This morning as I sat on my deck, listening to the morning singing from my winged friends, I read His praises in Psalm 104, and, found this:

"The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches" (Psalm 104:12)

What a perfect verse for a page with pictures of birds!  Not sure how I missed it for the Unto All Generations ~ Scriptures for Scrapbooking series, so, you may want to add it at the bottom or back of a page in Animals or Nature / Creation.

And, for my fellow bird-watchers, here are some journaling ideas to add to your pages with your bird pictures:

• Journal why you enjoy birds
• What made you first interested in bird-watching?
• Which bird species is your favorite?  Why?
• What has been your most exciting / favorite sighting?  Why?
• How do you feel when you hear their song?
• How do you feel when your family members share in your excitement / watching?
• Which bird seed and feeder do you favor?  For which birds?
• Do you have a field guide?  Which one?  Why?
• Journal your prayer to be like the birds and have your own complete dependence on Him for your every need

** I love this picture ~ it is an American Goldfinch in spring, just beginning to get his beautiful bright yellow summer coat ~ isn't God amazing!

Spring is Here!

... A New Creation....the old has gone, the NEW has come!!! 2 Corinthians 5:17

As I walked outside this morning, after a beautiful time of prayer, I heard my most favorite bird, the Black-Capped Chickadee.   Within my soul I felt the Lord saying “See, my daughter, spring is here, and, I love you”!

Last spring my children and I heard a bird beautifully singing over and over.  We decided it sounded like the bird was singing “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus”.   That bird became such a part of our day, that we got a CD out of the library to help us distinguish bird calls and find which bird had become our dear friend.  You can imagine the humor when we discoverd that distinct call to be the spring mating call of the male     Black-Capped Chickadee!!

From that one bird last spring my family has become some of “those bird-watching people”.  We have 3 different feeders in our yard, a “Birds of Ohio” book within easy reach, and, I have a pair of binoculars set right by the window ~ And yes, I have  warned the neighbors that, no, I am not a Peeping Tom.  This one precious bird song has become such a part of our family.  I even have a stuffed Chickadee on my window sill that actually plays the “Jesus” call if you push the button.

As I heard another male singing this morning I was reminded that Spring is on it’s way, and, my precious Lord is renewing His creation, as well as my life.  I start this spring in a new city, and at a new stage of my life.  Yet, He still sends His bird to remind me that He is there, in the trees, in my home, and, in my heart.  We only need to seek Him! 

(**Excerpt from the next SBB Inspirations Newsletter ~ sign up for the next issue to be released this week)

ADDING SOME SPRING TO YOUR ALBUMS ~

• Be sure to take pictures and write down your favorite or special signs of Spring.  Keep the camera ready to shoot as the tulip buds begin to come forth, the birds return, baseball practice starts, or that special bush blooms so beautifully.

• Make a page a "I Know Spring is Here When....."

• Have you children or grandchildren make a 'sign of spring' picture and insert it in your album or use it as background paper for pictures

• He has made everything BEAUTIFUL in His time... Ecclesiastes 3:11

• Creation and creatures applaud you, GOD... Psalm 145:10

• ...See how the lillies of the field grow...  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  Matthew 6:28-29

• (Scripture taken from Unto All Generations Vol. I)

Using His Creation in Our Albums

I continue to be amazed at His creation and all the beauty He gives us to see as we travel through our life. And, at times I wish I could capture this beauty in my albums to look at over and over.

Of course, I have taken lots of pictures ~ even being the amateur I am, some have turned out semi-beautiful.  However, besides the pictures, I'd love to have other ways to show His beauty.

Last year we picked up leaves and had them copied - although I have not gotten to use the papers yet, I found them last night as I unpacked, and, am excited to put them in my album ~ but, I am only in September :)  Be sure to try this ~ the papers do turn out pretty amazing.

How about some other ways to put His beauty in our albums?

• Print a picture in draft mode on a full page to use as background, journaling, or matting paper
• Use pictures of His creation as a title page
• Print the pictures, and, use them as the paper to cut out letters or shapes for a title on a page
• Include scriptures on a page with your pictures (Taken from Unto All Generations):
• ~ For by Him all things were created, things in Heaven and on earth...Colossians 1:16
• ~ Praise the LORD from the earth...you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars.  Psalm 148:7,9
• ~ The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.  Isaiah 40:8
• ~ He has made everything beautiful in its time...Ecclesiastes 3:11

Next time you look out your window or walk out your front door, look at His creation as your very own scrapbook supplies store :)

** Be sure to let us know any other ideas you have or have created by leaving a comment below.

Eternal Expressions #3 ~ The Beauty of the 4 Seasons

I have a Magnolia Tree in my front yard that is just beautiful in the Spring.  But, if you miss those 2 weeks that it is in full bloom, you've missed the beauty until next year. 

We all have beauty in our yard that peaks at various times of the year.  Whether it be the blooms in Spring, the vibrant colors of Fall, or the pure white of Winter, He shows His creative workmanship year round. 

Challenge yourself to take pictures of your yard throughout the year and make a few pages, or, even dedicate a small album to the seasonal beauty of your home.  Include pictures with journaling to describe your home and the feelings the seasons bring to your spirit.

Ideas

• What is your favorite time of year
• Do you have a favorite tree / plant
• Take pictures of the leaves and buds in various stages of bloom.  (A partially closed rose is as beautiful as one fully opened)
• Describe treasured smells or moments (I know when I smell the Magnolia through my window that spring is here and a summer with my children is on it's way)
• Include special memories from the plants and trees (One tree is treasured to me because that is where my children love to climb.  Our butterfly bushes have lots of stories and memories circling them)
• Designate an envelope for developed pictures or file on your computer for the images ~ This time next year, bring all the pictures out and make an album
• Write your thoughts on your Journey Jots and keep them in the envelope or a special place
• GIve your children the camera through the year, and let them make an album as well ~ It would be so treasured to see the yard from their point of view
• Don't forget pictures of creatures such as frogs, snakes, birds, and squirrels

Scriptures

• For this is what the LORD says - he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited - he says:  I am the LORD, and there is no other.  ~ Isaiah 42:18
• Oh, visit the earth, ask her to join the dance!  Deck her out in spring showers, fill the God-RIver with living water.  Paint the wheat fields golden.  Creation was made for this!  ~ Psalm 65:9
• How many are your works oh Lord!  In wisdom you made them all... ~ Psalm 104:24
• He has made everything beautiful in it's time... ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11
• The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever ~ Isaiah 40:8
• ...Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow... ~ Isaiah 1:18
• And ~ there are sooo many more!!  :)
• Scripture inspirations taken from the Unto All Generations Volume I~ Families and Heritage Scriptures

** This picture is from Steela B's website - there is some kinda cool stuff on there :)

My 'Jesus Bird'

Living near the woods gives us many beautiful sights and sounds ~ one of my favorite being the singing of birds.

This spring we have tried to really listen to the sound of birds singing.  Many times we have been able to find the bird we hear singing in the trees and discover more about that particular species such as what they eat, where they live, and, the meaning of the calls we hear.  It has been truly exciting for us to talk about God's amazing creation as a family ~ even daddy is in on the discussions!

Being a mom who wants her children to be solid in their faith, and, as I always tell them, "rock this world for Him", I am constantly striving to find little ways to sneak in glimpses of His love, grace and majesty.  And, as I have discovered, His birds singing in the trees are a perfect way to remind them, even well into adulthood. 

There is one bird that we heard many times over the course of a couple of days.  Noticing that the song was frequent and loud, I mentioned that it sounded like he was singing 'Je-sus' ~ so, the kids started calling it 'Mommy's Jesus Bird', and, it has stuck.  Now, whenever someone hears him, they will say "Hey, there is Mommy's Jesus Bird", or, they have simply sang "Je-sus" as they have ridden their bikes, played catch, or hunted for worms to feed the newly captured ribbon snake.  One of them even has added 'Je-sus....Is Lord' to the song.  How beautiful to hear children say His name!!!

Since that time, we have found a few more that have songs that could have words of Him added.  There is one we have named the 'Praise Bird' because the kids say it sounds like it is singing "Amen, amen, amen, amen".   

By searching books about backyard birds, and tapes of bird songs, we have discovered that my 'Jesus Bird' is a Black Capped Chickadee male singing 'phee-bee' as his call in search of a mate.... I think I like 'Je-sus' better :)

Page idea you ask?  Wow - this is a cool one!  In fact, I am so excited, we are working on it now reminding myself that It is OK to Be Out of Order :)  (I'll add our completed page to this entry once we are done) I am so thrilled to see how His creation can be used to make pages that turn future generations to Him, His works, and, even His Word. 

• Find your own backyard bird that sounds like it could be singing 'Jesus words'
• Take a picture of the bird, or find it on the internet if it is too hard to catch a good shot
• Search the internet or library books to find info about the bird including it's habitat, feeding trends and behavior.  The library also has some wonderful CDs and tapes that actually have recordings of the bird songs, making your particular bird much easier to correctly identify.
• Make a page using your pictures ~ and, if your children are old or young enough, be sure to let them do some journaling or drawing on your page.  Or, they, can even create their very own page.
• Include what you have learned about the bird (feeding, nesting, colors etc)
• Take a picture or record the location of the tree / bush you frequently hear the bird singing in (Backyard Maple tree, Frontyard Lilac bush)
• Be sure to include what bird watchers say the bird is saying and what you hear in the birds song (phee-bee, but, we hear 'Je-sus')
• You can journal how it makes you feel to hear your children singing His name, or, how you feel to hear the bird singing in your yard (Yesterday I was truly awakened by my Jesus Bird singing right outside my window ~ what a beautiful way to wake up!!!  I found myself starting the day praising Him with tears in my eyes for His amazing beauty and grace)
• Use His Word as journaling, titles, or filler where you usually would place stickers:
• Let everything that has breath praise the LORD ~ Psalm 150:6
• He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge ~ Psalm 91:4
• And God said,.."let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky"  So God created every winged bird,.. and God saw that is was good.  God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and increase in number, let the birds increase on the earth" ~ Genesis 1:20-22
• Scriptures taken from Unto All Generations ~ sections Animals, Nature, and Protection ~ Available at Scrapbookers Bubble Bath

So, listen to His creation today.  Find your own 'Jesus Bird' that your family will think of you as they hear its song for the rest of their lives.  Think of the opportunity His little bird and your scrapbooking has to cause coming generations to stop for a moment and turn to His majesty and Word.  For me, to hear my children speak His name is such a blessing that I can only praise Him for His precious gift to me of being a mom!