Faithbooking Inspirations

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.

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!

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

Magnificent Defeat

I heard a great phrase in a song yesterday ~

"This Magnificent Defeat"

Got me to thinking about how many Magnificent Defeat finish lines the Lord has brought me across through His power, grace and love.

What about you?  What have you defeated only through Him?  How about that sin, fear, moment of decision, or challenge? 

That weight you lost ~ that was only through His power.  That moment you stepped on the airplane despite your overwhelming fear of flying ~ it was His hand that gently guided you.  That sin that was running your life, soul, and, mind ~ it was His Cross that provided the power to overcome.  That mountain of a situation that you believed was an impossible climb ~ the peak was reached and conquered through His love and guidance.  Each of those Magnificent Defeats were yours through, and because of, Him.

We need to share the stories of our Magnificent Defeats in our albums.  The phrase makes a great page title / header.

• Title a page This Magnificent Defeat and tell the story of a specific time the Lord has helped you be a "Defeater" instead of a "defeated".  Include pictures, your feelings before, during, and after, as well as how the Lord provided the power, grace, peace, love, forgiveness and/or direction you needed.
• Title a double page spread "Magnificent Defeats" and share mini stories.  Include a few short sentences about the times you have defeated through Him.  Even little moments such as the time you only ate half the piece of cheesecake or were able to speak to someone who'd hurt you.
• Include scriptures, prayers you prayed, and songs, people or stories that were an inspiration.
• "...the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."  1 John 4:4
• "...divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 Corinthians 10:4
• "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
• "...The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm."  Zephaniah 3:15
• "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:14 (for more scriptures for scrapbooking, see Unto All Generations)

He gives us the gift of Magnificent Defeats daily.  Give Him the glory.  Point to His power.  Focus on His forgiveness.  Leave the Legacy of His Love for you and His children.

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. 

Rise to IT

"Your life is an occasion ~ Rise to it"

I heard this on Mr. Magorium's Magic Emporium, and, thought it'd be great for our albums.

Stick this little statement on a page with balloons, airplanes, high places, climbers on couches or mountains, graduation, new path, or even on a front page.

Those 8 words can alter the course for someone searching for, or struggling with, where they want to go or what they believe God wants them to be.

**And, if you are looking for a good movie check out Mr. Magorium's Magic Emporium.  It is clean, filled with a wonderful message and, will make you smile.

Heal the Wound ~ Leave the Scar

A couple of months ago my daughter left this 4 1/2 inch skid-mark on our street with her teeth...yes, I did say with her teeth!

As I held my poor daughter with her busted teeth, I refused to believe my sons when they said there was a "huge skid mark" ~ I told them to grab a ruler and camera.....So, now my daughter tells people this picture is her "trophy", and, "the pictures are gonna make a great scrapbook page" ~ now that is a true scrapbooker's kid!

We've had many trips to the dentist, and there are still some prayers going up about the long term prognosis of her front teeth, but, the wound on her lip has healed to leave a pink scar.  When I look at that little mark, I praise God for so many blessings that came from this incident.  And, even my 8 year old can tell you how God blessed her and protected her that day.

How many scars do you have that really can become reminders of how beautiful God is? 

What about those stretch marks from your pregnancies ~ the cut above your eye from that car accident that so many said they weren't sure how you walked away ~ the little burn from your first homemade cake you made for your daddy's birthday ~ the pain yet peace you still feel when you hear that certain song ~ the memories of that one night when your life was changed forever ~ the smile lines which even the expensive creams can't seem to erase, that really show how often you've had the gift of smiles and laughter during your life....

I have 2 'scars' that I have been praying the Lord would remove, one physical, and, one situational ~ however, realistically, I don't see that prayer being answered in the way I'd choose.  Instead, I have begun thanking Him for his grace, power, and love that is proven in the scar that remains. And, I  pray/sing the chorus to Heal the Wound by Point of Grace. (I've included the song and lyrics at the end of this post)

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

We each have so many wounds He has healed, but, the scars remain. 

Sharing these scars, whether physical, situational, or emotional have the chance of blessing future generations.  We can teach them to see their scars through His eyes and rejoice in His ways.  We can share His works, power, love, and beauty through pages with the story of our scars.

• Share a the story, with or without a picture, of a physical wound you have:  Share the story how it came to be, how you saw His work in the situation, and, how that wound / scar has blessing in it
• Share a time in your life when you were hurt deeply but you can look back through the emotional scar and see His work and way
• Share the story of scars your loved ones have and how those wounds to scars were blessings.  This is especially important and touching for our children as they grow and see a scar but can remember the love of God
• Create a page with a picture of Christ's nail-scarred hands (you can find them on the internet if you search in images).  Journal what those wounds mean to you, how you feel when you see the picture / think of His sacrifice, and the power those wounds represent.  This is a great opportunity to share His sacrifice for EACH of us and the gift of eternal life ~ you never know the heart that your page may change!!!

Enjoy the song below (warning: a tissue may be needed), and, as you read the words, thank Him for a wound He has healed but allowed a scar to remain to remind you of His love and mercy.

~ Praise Him for your scars! ~

Heal the Wound by Point of Grace

I used to wish that I could rewrite history
I used to dream that each mistake could be erased
Then I could just pretend
I never knew me back then

I used to pray that You would take this shame away
Hide all the evidence of who I've been
But it's the memory of
The place You brought me from
That keeps me on my knees
And even though I'm free

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

I have not lived a life that boasts of anything
I don't take pride in what I bring
But I'll build an altar with
The rubble that You've found me in
And every stone will sing
Of what You can redeem

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

Don't let me forget
Everything You've done for me
Don't let me forget
The beauty in the suffering

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

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

A Gift ~ Through Eternal Glasses

For months my son had bugged reminded me what he wanted for his birthday....Guitar Hero III~ It was a daily, and sometimes hourly, discussion.

He even talked me into this shirt that said "My Mom Rocks" ~ I think that was a little sweet talking going on, even through a shirt :~)

How could I begin to dream of giving him anything else. 

So, of course, there was a Wii Guitar Hero III for a certain 12 year old's birthday.

Then, we saw what was on the screen......

In short ~ one of the levels in Guitar Hero III is called "Battle for Your Soul" and, it has songs such as "The Number of the Beast" and "Raining Blood".  Images of Satan were sprinkled all over the game ~ at one point the player even battles Satan in order to advance to the next level.

As I watched this play out in my living room, all I could think was "Christ died a horrible death so we would never have to see Satan, and now, we are playing with him."

My heart was torn ~ how could I think of returning this game.....Yet how could I not?

I thank the Lord for a child who had a heart tender enough to hear his parents' concerns and be willing to return his game ~ Praise God for our children and how the He can speak to their hearts. 

Now a PS2 Guitar Hero 'Rock the Eighties' sits by our TV ~ it may not be the newest and greatest out there, but, Satan has been put back in his place ~ out of my home.

That gift incident has made me think a lot about the gifts we give and the love / thought / impact / stories behind them.  There is so much more that can be added to our pages with pictures of gift exchanges:

• Why was the gift requested / given / chosen / perfect for the receiver or from the giver?
• Is there any eternal significance / statement / story that can give you the opportunity to point towards Christ on that page?
• Was there a sacrifice made to make the gift possible?  Include the appreciation of God's work to allow the gift
• As you or your loved one use and enjoy the gift, is there something that can be included about Christ or your prayers for your future generations
• How can the gift be used for good / potential eternal purpose?  Include a prayer revolving around the gift and its potential

Wow, think about the difference we can make with a few added words.  The next time you make a gift giving / receiving page ~ look at the pictures through "Eternal Impact Glasses".

**And, if you are a parent whose child plays Guitar Hero III, any video game for that matter, just take an hour or so to look at it ~ make sure you are comfortable with the images and the message that your child is seeing.  And, please know, that I hope not to offend anyone in any way.  I realize there will be some 'world' in these video games, as parents we just have to decide how much 'world' the Lord would want us to allow in our home.

Music to Impact Eternity!

I came to Houston to visit my husband during this crazy transition ~ but, man, did the Lord have a bonus planned!  I got to see Natalie Grant in person today!!!

For anyone who knows me, they know there are few people here on earth I'd rather meet than this amazing woman.  Her songs have touched and literally changed my life and who I believe God wants me to be.  I've even named my blog from one of her songs!  So, while I may not have been one of those screaming Elvis fans, I sure was, to be honest, giddy when I found out she would be here in town!

What does this have to do with scrapping you ask ~ well, where do I start?...

• So much of who I am, who I struggle to not be, and, how I try to see myself as He sees me has been formed through her music ~ As I sat at the concert, I had the thought that those songs, struggles, and victories would make some great pages.  And, I am sure you have life changing / forming songs too ~ share those:  Use the words along with the words, stories and prayers.  You can even include a CD with the song in the pocket (See an example).  The song words, along with your journaled words can impact eternity for your loved ones!
• As I have shared in many previous posts, in the Songs and Poems category, create an album designated just for music / songs that have impacted you and help tell the story of who you are and your journey to a legacy
• As I saw my daughter be so excited with meeting Natalie, I was deeply touched to see a woman impacting a little girl in such a huge, potentially eternal way.  What started as a 'trip to see Mommy's favorite singer' turned out to be an event my daughter will remember for a long time.  When I create the page with the pictures from today, that desire for my daughter to follow in His path and be a woman who serves Him will be as much as a part of the page as the who / what / and when of the day
• If you have a teen daughter, I strongly urge you to find when the Revolve Tour is coming to town, and, take your daughter.  I kept threatening to put a wig on my son and take him this weekend to the Houston Revolve!  :~)

To learn and hear more about Natalie Grant, check out her My Space ~ she seemed to be real and passionate about His love and grace.

So, thanks so much to Natalie for being the highlight of my trip to Houston ( we won't tell my husband that)  :~)

Also, a BIG THANK YOU to Chad Prince of Artistic Christian Photography for the awesome pictures.  If you live in the Houston area and are in need of a photographer, contact him at talkwithchadtoday@yahoo.com   

His Word ~ So Many Translations: So Much Power

A couple days ago my 12 year old son was looking through a King James Version of the Bible, and, showed me a verse he'd found that really spoke to him.

Then, he asked me a great question:  "What is your favorite verse in this version?"

I answered his question, and thanked him for a great post idea!!  :~)

That is a wonderful bit of us that is so important to share ~ we are careful to put His Word in our albums, but, what about including a peak into our heart concerning the different versions and translations?  I have quite a few verses that I have tucked away in my heart in different translations for specific reasons ~ and, I'm sure you do too?

• Do you have a favorite version / translation?
• Do you read a specific version for a specific reason?
• Do you cross-reference different versions during your study?  Why?  How?
• Create a page of your favorite scripture(s) in different translations
• Share any verses that speak to you in specific versions and why you favor that particular wording
• Create a page with the verse in stickers, die-cuts or fancy fonts and journal the reason that verse and version is special to you
• Devote an entire album to sharing your favorite verses:  Include the verse, version, story, peace, power, intervention, inspiration, time in your life, change in your life, or faith you find in the verse
• Use the Unto All Generations Books to find a scripture that is appropriate for your page, then, cross-reference that verse with different versions to find one that best fits the pictures and page 
• Since that day my son asked me the question, I have asked many people if they have favorite verses in specific versions ~ and, it has been interesting and touching to hear their responses.  Next time you are sitting around the dinner table or at a family gathering ask the question and jot down the answers to put beside the pictures of those individuals or from that events

His Word has so much power ~ be sure to include it in your albums, no matter what version!

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

You're a Mom!

I found a great Christmas present for your kids ~ as well as some great words for our scrapbooks.

The Go Fish Guys is an amazing group with a mission to create "Great music for kids that won't drive parents bonkers".  You can hear some clips from their CDs here.  We found these guys earlier this week, and, my kids are hooked.  Their newest CD ~ Snazzy can be heard in the next town over as my kids jam down the road.  The cool thing, is, I find myself singing right along with them ~ and, it is music and words that is perfect for ears of all ages!

Below, I have included the song and words to "You're a Mom" ~ You can imagine how my heart was touched to hear all 4 'jamming' and singing the words at the top of their lungs. 

These words would be great along side a picture of a mom with here kids, perhaps surrounded by toys or kids.  Journal how the words make you feel as a mom, or about your own mother.  What special things make you know you are a mom?  In what ways did your mom let you know she loved you?  How has being a mother changed your life?  How does the Bible help you / show you how to shape these little souls?  Journal your passion for your children to take up the Bible and your desire to show its teachings in your own life.

I have the words typed out in Word and will use them on the next page with pix of me and my kids ~ with these lines highlighted! The Bible that you hold Can shape these little souls.

You also can check out 2 great videos from the Go Fish Guys: Christmas with a Capital C is cute, and It's About the Cross is powerful!

May you Moms Enjoy!!  :~)

You're a Mom ~ by The Go Fish Guys

If you have a stroller

But you’re still a rock and roller

You’re a mom

If you’re tired of doing dishes

And you know who Elmo’s fish is

You’re a mom

(Chorus)

You’re the boss, the driver

The ultimate survivor

A doctor, a cooker

You’re man thinks you’re a looker

If you work all day

But you never get paid

You’re a mom

If you need a sick day

But instead you’re gonna play

You’re a mom

If your first occupation

Sounds like a sweet vacation

You’re a mom

If your living room floor

Looks like a toy store

You’re a mom

(Chorus)

You’re the boss, the driver

The ultimate survivor

A doctor, a cooker

You’re man thinks you’re a looker

If you work all day

But you never get paid

You’re a mom

If you mean the whole world

To a little boy or girl

You’re a mom

The Bible that you hold

Can shape these little souls

You’re a mom

If you have the most important job in the world

You’re a mom

A Scrapbooker's Christmas List

It's Christmas ~ and, us Scrapbookers have a list too :~) 

So, I thought I'd send Scrapbookers Bubble Bath's annual Scrapbookers Christmas List of Links and gift ideas for you to pass on to YOUR Santa.

Of course, the most exciting for me personally is the Unto All Generations Series ~ Available December 7th in all 3 formats: as a download, auto-run CD, and printed.  The CDs are very economical and make great gifts to wrap up for your favorite Scrapbooker.

Also, don't forget that Christian FaithScrappers will be open any day ~ ready for you to shop for Christian Scrapbooking Supplies as gifts to put under the tree ~ perhaps pick up even a few for yourself :~)

Here is a list of some great prices on Scrapping Products ~ You're sure to find something for your list here ~ at a great price!  :~)  (Of course there is no way this list can be all inclusive, and, I know there are lots of sites I am missing, so, if you have any other you'd like to share, please just click down to the comments, and, add your favorite place to shop.)

• Memory Miser ~ great place for die-cutting supplies
• Frugalities ~ kinda fun place ~ different discounts daily up to 49%!!
• Scrapbook Corner ~ great selection and good prices
• Custom Crops ~ I like her prices and colors :~)

The Scrapsack is a nifty little bag and helpful for those who travel and scrap.

If you don't have the Cricut by ProvoCraft ~ it is a must have! I just love mine, and, wish I had more time to play with it :~) I have seen that even some Wal-Marts are selling them for $118 with a limited edition cartridge!

And now, ProvoCraft keeps dipping into our pockets: tempting us with cooler and better products.....

First, the Cricut Design Studio ~ this program allows you to hook your cricut to the computer and play even more ~ amazing, and, with ENDLESS possibilities!

Of course, the list of over 40 cartridges is too endless to mention, but, if you have a Princess lover, there are 2 new Disney Princess cartridges, as well as awesome font cartridges for fall and winter.  I've heard that AC Moore and even Wal-Mart are carrying these, so, shop around for the good sales.

There are now Colored Markers available to use with your Cricut instead of the cutting blade ~ the machine will draw a colored line where it would have made a cut!

And, finally, and, biggest of all, there is now The Expression which can cut up to 23.5 inch letters as well as do some completely cool tricks!  Can we say Scrapbooker's Gluttony?   Well, perhaps you can justify it by making a few BIG Happy Birthday and Anniversary signs for your husband :~) 

Here are some of the best prices I've heard and seen to find the Cricut products on your list: 

• Hallmark Scrapbook ~ I think the Cricut product prices are one of the best you will find ~ The Expression is only $299 here! I also have read good things about their customer service on message boards.
• Wal-Mart ~ If you are lucky enough to find them, some of their cartridges are at $30!
• BargainPack ~ Through December their Design Studio looks like it is the cheapest at $59!!
• Creative Express ~ they have cartridges on sale: buy 4 get each for $27
• AC Moore ~ I have read that they are selling The Expression for $299 to $379, AND, it comes with 4 cartridges, a set of markers and a mat!!!  If you have one near you, keep your eyes open for that SUPER sale.  If you DO have one near you, I'm jealous :~)
• E-Bay ~ If you do not have the personal Cricut, there are some Cricut addicts that bought the Wal-Mart exclusive package, took out the special cartridge, and, now need to sell the new machine on E-bay before their husbands find out :~)  You can get a great deal there ~ just do it in the next week or so before they sell all their stashes.

That's all the deal sharing I have for you this year ~ next year I will be typing my Scrapbooker's Christmas List of Links in warmer weather :~)

**** PS ~ For Faithbooking Inspirations subscribers ~ for some reason, the last post, (Our Scrapbooks ~ Our Love Letters) didn't go out to my email box ~ if you didn't receive it either, here is the link.  It is an important reminder of why we scrapbook and have these Christmas Lists :~)

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.

He is "I Am"

Thought I'd share my page created from the "I Am" He Keeps Us Devotional just to encourage you to sit down and make one of your own.

I journaled what His name means to me, as well as a few other names I whisper as I pray and go through my day.

There are so many songs that speak the beauty of His name ~ they all say it so much better than I could ever express on my own....

I had two options ~ make a video of me singing them.....however, with the extreme lack of talent, my fear is that no one would ever look at my albums again :~)

Instead, I thought it better to choose to make a CD of others singing my favorite versions of "Something About That Name", "His Name is Wonderful", "Your Name", "I Am", etc.

Two ideas to point out:

1. Create a page focusing on the Name of Jesus, or His names you most treasure ~ if you need the I Am Devotional, just email me, and, I'll send it your way
2. Burn CDs for any music you would like to include in your albums for special songs, or songs used to create pages such as some of these posted earlier: 

• Why ~ For You and Your Legacy
• Your Growin' Up Music
• My Wish
• Special Songs for Special Someone

Make a pocket for the CD, or use the paper CD sleeves you can get at any office store to include a CD of songs from your childhhod, dating times, worship songs, favorite songs, most cherished hymns, etc.

Of course, not sure how long the CDs will work with the progress of our world ~ I'm sure there will come a day when they will be as outdated as 8-tracks, but, they'll be treasured even then :~) 

He Loves Us ~ And, He Showed It

A couple months ago I agreed to do a small 'break-out session' for a faithbooking retreat a few hours away......Anyone who knows me knows that this was a huge step for me, since speaking in front of groups is one of my top 2 fears, right up there with flying!!

And, in the Lord's "I have a plan for you" way, and, unknowing to me, I evolved into the featured speaker for the retreat ~ yikes!  :~)

But, I must share with you that this little "misunderstanding" has blessed my life beyond words.....

As I have prepared for the weekend sessions, I have had a renewed sense of passion and urgency for us to share our stories, faith and legacy.  We MUST record our love for our family and Christ ~ whether it be in our albums or simple journals, get that love documented!

Most touching to me has been creating the pages for the session in which I was asked to share the gospel.  What started as a complete humble panic for me has touched my heart in beatutiful ways.  As I have made pages that perhaps Christ would make, were HE a scrapbooker, I have been reminded and amazed by His love for me, and all the world.  His love for us was so much greater than we can even begin to imagine ~ While we try to express our love through our albums, He did it so much more beautifully on the cross.

Have you created a page to share the depth of HIS love for you and your family? 

• It can be as simple as a picture of the cross and a scripture such as John 3:16.
• Do an internet image search of Christ, Jesus, or the Cross
• Print a copy of a cross and share the story of His life / love / gift
• There are a few pictures from the Passion of the Christ movie that can help bring a reality to your page that may touch someone in a special way
• Use drawings of Christ with children to journal His love for His children
• Use one of With You Always drawings for you or your loved one's profession and share His love and presence is with us always ~ I LOVE these!!  Take a quick moment to read the artist's story
• Write a letter to your family or each of your loved ones from Him

In absolutely NO way do I think we can even begin to verbalize or document the depth of His love for us. However, I do believe we can use His Story to make an eternal impact through our albums.  The pictures and moments of Christ's birth, life, death and resurrection are ones that we can, and, MUST share with future generations.

He showed His love for us through the cross ~ share that Story in your albums and journals ~ it WILL impact someone's life for eternity.

Jesus and the Twin Towers

I just found this on the web while looking for pictures to use for a Faithbooking weekend I am speaking at, and, thought I'd share it ~ Wish I'd had it for the September 11 Posts.

This would be a beautiful picture to print and use on your page to tell your September 11, 2001 story.

If you already made a page using previous suggestions, and you still would like to use the picture, perhaps use some other suggestions below:

• **Journal how 9-11-01 continues to impact your life now
• **Share how your believe He works even in the seemingly most difficult moments
• **Journal your thoughts on the war ~ include your prayer for the country

This picture was found on Deacon Tony's Place

My Day on That Day

I, along with others, awoke this morning with mixed emotions as we face the first Tuesday, September 11th since 2001.

For months, I feared Tuesdays ~ that was a day that we were all changed forever.

Be sure to take time to make a page for your family about that day ~ Here is a post with some ideas to get you started.  If you didn't do it then, do it this year.

That day changed each of us ~ share it with future generations.

** Here is the link to an amazing picture I found in October that you can use on your page

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"

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

Thank You!

Just a quick entry to say THANK YOU for your prayers, comments and emails!  You guys are amazing, and, your prayers were powerful.

I was so humbled by your response and words, and, it was very comforting for him to know that there were those praying literally around the world!

My dad did well, and, is on his way to recovery ~ what a miracle that present day medicine can perform such complicated surgeries.

On his way to surgery they put a silver shower cap on his head, and, he said, "You should take a picture for your scrapbook" ~ now, that's my dad!  :~)

As we looked at some albums last night, I found this poem, and, thought I'd pass it on.  Write it down, put it with your scrappping or card making supplies.

Papa Doesn't Care

My ice cream dripped on his good pants, but Papa doesn't care.

His fishing tackles tangled up, his rod is who knows where?

I lost his keys in the garage, Ive made a mess out there.

I'm always getting into things, but Papa doesn't care.

I help him in the garden 'cause we're really quite a pair;

I pull the plants out with the weeds, but Papa doesn't care.

When I'm grown and on my own, when visits become rare,

I won't forget the love I'd get when Papa didn't care.  (author unknown)

I typed this in Word, changed the font to a children's handwriting font, and used this under a picture of my kids fishing with my dad ~ perfect!

Again, thanks so much for your prayers guys ~ you are amazing, and, touched us with your words!

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!

Friends Forever

My husband surprised me Saturday with a 40th birthday party with my college friends from over 15 years ago!!!  Words can not begin to express my thoughts as I came in my front door, and, looked up the top of the foyer to see those who shared the most transforming days of my life ~ Some I haven't seen or talked to in 10 years!

Our husbands let us sit and just talk for 2 days straight ~ Allowing us to catch up on how life had blessed us and dealt us some hard blows.  And, throughout the weekend, at various points, someone could be heard saying how nice it was to be around those who were like-minded in our faith, our family, our parenting, and our purpose.

Between the 6 of us girls, we have managed to supply MVNU with a good number of potential students :~)  And, it was truly beautiful to watch these kids, many whom had never met, come together and play so well that they were asking if we could do this every weekend!  Guess it was just in their genes :~)

Those 2 days were such wonderful reminders that there are others like me ~ women who love the Lord with all their heart and just want to serve Him while raising children to love Him too.  He reminded me that I was blessed with such beautiful friends.  He reminded me that He loved me enough to bring them into my life not only for those short 4 years, but, for the rest of my life! These women shaped me and impacted my life as much as my parents.  These precious souls taught me the good and bad about myself, about true friendships, and, about faith in Him. They truly made me who I am today.

After they left Sunday I had a couple of hours to sort through a box of pictures my dad had just brought me.  And, in that box were my college pictures!  I couldn't believe it.  It was so surreal for me to look at these pictures of the girls who had just left.  I truly laughed and cried as I held these snapshots of moments that changed our lives forever. 

To be honest, I was a little disappointed in myself that I, the one who preaches "get those memories preserved and moments journaled," was not able to pull those pictures out at the moment we were all together.  I didn't even know where to begin to look.  How much fun it would have been if we could have looked at those together.  So, here is my challenge to each of you......

Get your pictures gathered up tonight and get sorting tomorrow.  I'm not saying scrapbook yet ~ that mountain for many of us is too big.  I am just suggesting you get them together and get them organized enough that you can at least know what 100 pictures to grab if you are in search of a particular one.  Here are a few organizing tips to get you started:

• Bring all your pictures together in one place ~ don't worry yet about which pack or box is which
• Get a photo-safe box ~ these can be purchased for pretty cheap at a craft store
• Many photo boxes come with tabbed inserts, or purchase some
• Create some tabs relative to ways you can organize your life
• I use my schooling (high and junior-high, college, graduate), houses (Glendale, Woodrow, apartment) and moments (wedding, graduation, birth of each child, vacation)
• Grab a pile of pictures and start sorting ~ adding appropriate tabs as you find new divisions
• Don't worry about some cross-over, just try to think how you think...If you know you are looking for a particular picture later, you will find it, if you just think like yourself :~)
• If you want to use post-it notes to jot down notes and stick to the back of the pictures as you sort, you can, but, I don't take the time ~ I figure if I remember it now 15 years later, I'll remember it when I scrapbook it  :~)
• Sort while you watch TV, while you are sitting on the deck, waiting for the water to boil, or, set a goal of even just 20 a day ~ just start sorting now, not after you wish you had known where those pictures were!
• Once they are sorted, get them in albums ~ don't fancy-dancy the pages ~ just get those pictures in and those memories and words preserved.  You can bet I won't get caught again with my pictures stashed :~) 
• If you are looking for wonderful scriptures about friendship, Christmas, or children, we are offering all 10 Pure-D-Scripture Stickers, usually $2.50, on featured sale through June 23, for $1.50.

I also urge you to call your special friend(s) today ~ they are such precious gifts that we don't open fully up when we allow ourselves to get caught up in the day to day.  You can bet I was already back on the phone with my roomie last night ~ my husband just shook his head and said "You're talking to her already?"  :~)

And, to my precious friends, I love you, and, thanks so much for coming this weekend, and for being a part of my life (again)!

What an Exciting Day!!

Wow, my big 4-0 birthday is here, and, words can not begin to express the joy I feel ~ not in the turning 40, but, in the blessings from Him in the 40 years I have been here!

Turning 40 makes you look where you've been and where you are headed, and, I can say with all my heart, that I am truly excited about the road ahead!!  And, here's why....

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1. As promised, Unto All Generations III ~ A Legacy to Eternity, is ready and in the cart! ~ I think I am more excited to see the impact this book can make than did Volumes I and II.  My goal for Volume III was to teach and guide you towards making albums that will make an eternal impact by giving you practical ideas ~ I am earnestly praying that as you use the book, you will feel that goal was achieved.  (Read more and download a sample from the Unto All Generations III ~ A Legacy to Eternity)  This price for the 140 page book will be only $17.99 ~ but it is on sale through July 8th for $12.99 ~ so, pass the word quickly!
2. And, as also promised, SBB has a super steppin' out on faith announcement ~ Through much prayer and in seeking His desire for how SBB can help your albums become thier own mission fields, On September 2nd, 2007, we will be opening a Christian Scrapbooking Supplies Store ~ Eternal Splashes!!!! So far, this has been an amazing experience as I pray He shows me the next stone, I step on it, and, He then shows me the next one.  You'll need to be patient with us as we alter the SBB site, organize the product, and, more importantly, I spend time with my precious 4 this summer.  But, I believe amazing things are ahead, and, providing scrapbooking supplies that point to Him is the perfect next step for SBB! (If you have any products or special requests you would like to see on the site, please email me and, I will do my best to help)
3. With the new venture, I am also working on making the SBB sites with more "clicks" and less "words" ~ my original intent was for the site be relaxing, and, I believe some changes can be made to the site to become more new-user friendly.  Let me know what you think of the coming changes, and, have a beautiful 4th of July!!

Please know that you all have been such a large part of my blessing praises, and, I thank you for coming into my life and being a part of this mission He has set before me!

Well, I'm gonna go eat some cake with lots of buttercream icing, grab a few Mint Double Stuff Oreos and my Diet Coke while I watch the fireworks and look forward to the 2nd half of this wild and wonderful life He has blessed me with!

Fabric Embellishments ~ Update

A couple of months ago I made a post about using special fabrics in your albums ~ And, I did end up making a beautiful page using the curtain fabric from my last home. 

However, I thought I'd quickly pass on this warning, ideas and info that I just found this morning.  I really like the idea of using paper between the pictures and fabric and doing a "fade test".

I believe in being very careful what we do put in our albums since we want them to last forever and we spend so much time finally getting those pages done!  :~)

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

Leaving the Legacy ~ Coming July 4th!

Unto All Generations Volume III ~ Leaving the Legacy is nearing completion! 

This useful book will be released in celebration of the "Big 40" Birthday coming my way!  :) I figured what a better way to celebrate 4 decades on this wonderful earth than to continue to share my passion for creating scrapbook pages full of faith and legacy. 

This book truly has been years in the making.  I have played with different formats and versions, and, have covered it with so much prayer to be sure that I continue the mission He has set before me.  And, now, I am confident that it will play a part an integral part in many legacies preserved and lives changed through scrapbooks!

Just a few tidbits of info to get you as excited as I am :)

• The format is much like Volumes I and II ~ alphabetical and easy to use
• Includes each of the 30 categories divided into smaller subjects (Children ~ Pregnancy, Infancy, Learning to walk, Loose tooth etc)
• Each category includes hundreds of journalizing prompts, interview questions, memorabilia preservation suggestions and page ideas
• Can be used alone or in companion with Volumes I and II ~ each category of page ideas can be placed along with the coordinating scriptures (Children Leaving the Legacy page ideas behind Children Scriptures for Scrapbooking)

The book will be available for $14.99 on July 4th (yes, that is my real birthday), but, will be on pre-release sale through the end of May.  Order it here for only $9.99.  With a pre-release purchase now, you will receive the book in your email on July 4th, as you celebrate my birthday with me in such an amazing and beautiful way!!   

I just can't type fast enough as I am finally bringing this next dream to a reality ~ He is so amazing with His love and power ~ hold on to Him today and trust in His ways! 

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.

How is He YOUR King?

With Easter just a few days away, I am finding myself in humble awe that He did this for me ~ It is so true that the more I know of Him, the bigger He gets ~ as is written in a conversation I wrote about in Held By Him, between Aslan and Lucy in Prince Caspian

"Aslan, you are bigger"
"That is because you are older, little one"
"Not because you are?"
"I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger"

This Easter I am just sitting at His feet, worshipping Him for His love and sacrifice for me.  He is the King of Kings ~ and, He is My King!

Below are the words from a video clip called That's MY King!  (If you also subscribe to Held By Him, I am sorry for the repeat here, I just want everyone to see this!!!)  As a family we have watched this multiple times, and, now my children have been walking around doing chores and playing Play Station calling out "Now, That's MY King!" ~ let me tell you, that means the absolute world to me!

This would be a beautiful video to play today as we remember Christ washing feet and having Communion with His disciples, Friday as we focus on His Sacrifice, Saturday as we wait for His Resurrection Day, and especially Sunday as we praise the miracle of Easter and the gift of His grace and forgiveness.

And, of course, we gotta include this part of our faith and story in our albums, so, here are just a few ideas you can use the clip to create more legacybooking pages ~

• Print off the words and put them in your album as you journal which is your favorite phrase (mine is "He had no predecessor and He'll have no successor.  There was nobody before Him and there'll be nobody after Him.  You can't impeach Him and He's not going to resign!!" ~ AMEN!!)
• As you spend time with family and friends this week, play the video, or read the words and ask them which words touch them the most ~ record these answers along with the pictures from the weekend
• Create a blank page with stickers or perhaps your favorite Easter scripture, bring a few markers, and, let everyone at the Easter celebrations record, in their own handwriting, what Easter and the resurection means to them, or, have the word to That's MY King available for them to copy a line or two and comment.  (Don't forget to take pictures).  Answers in their writing would be a precious treasure for years to come!

Happy Easter to each of you ~ this is the day we base our faith on, so, worship and love Him as your King!

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

Now, That's MY King video ~ below are the words to the poem and, here (Download thats_my_king.doc ) is the words to download if you would like (the words he says in the video, I have highlighted in bold)

That's MY King by S.M. Lockridge

My King was born King.

The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King.

He’s the King of the Jews – that’s a racial King.

He’s the King of Israel - that’s a National King.

He’s the King of righteousness.

He’s the King of the ages.

He’s the King of Heaven.

He’s the King of glory.

He’s the King of kings and

                                                      

He is the Lord of lords.

Now that’s my King.

Well I wonder if you know Him.

Do you know Him?

Don’t try to mislead me. Do you know my King?

David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament show His handiwork.

My King is the only one whom there are no means of measure can define His limitless love.

No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shore of supplies.

No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.

Well, well,

He’s enduringly strong.

He’s entirely sincere.

He’s eternally steadfast.

He’s immortally graceful.

He’s imperially powerful.

He’s impartially merciful.

That’s my King.

He’s God’s Son.

He’s the sinner’s saviour.

He’s the centrepiece of civilization.

He stands alone in Himself.

He’s august.

He’s unique.

He’s unparalleled.

He’s unprecedented.

He’s supreme.

He’s pre-eminent.

Well,

He’s the loftiest idea in literature.

He’s the highest personality in philosophy.

He’s the supreme problem in high criticism.

He’s the fundamental doctrine of proved theology.

He’s the carnal necessity of spiritual religion.

That’s my King.

He’s the miracle of the age.

He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him.

He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously.

He supplies strength for the weak.

He’s available for the tempted and the tried.

He sympathizes and He saves.

He’s strong God and He guides.

He heals the sick.

He cleanses the lepers.

He forgives sinners.

He discharged debtors.

He delivers the captives.

He defends the feeble.

He blesses the young.

He serves the unfortunate.

He regards the aged.

He rewards the diligent and,

He beautifies the meek.

Do you know Him?

Well, my King is the key of knowledge.

He’s the wellspring of wisdom.

He’s the doorway of deliverance.

He’s the pathway of peace.

He’s the roadway of righteousness.

He’s the highway of holiness.

He’s the gateway of glory.

He’s the master of the mighty.

He’s the captain of the conquerors.

He’s the head of the heroes.

He’s the leader of the legislatures.

He’s the overseer of the overcomers.

He’s the governor of governors.

He’s the prince of princes.

He’s the King of kings, and

He’s the Lord of lords.

That’s my King. Yeah. Yeah.

That’s my King. My King, yeah.

His office is manifold.

His promise is sure.

His light is matchless.

His goodness is limitless.

His mercy is everlasting.

His love never changes.

His Word is enough.

His grace is sufficient.

His reign is righteous.

His yoke is easy, and

His burden is light.

Well. I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable.

He’s indescribable. Yes.

He’s incomprehensible.

He’s invincible.

He’s irresistible.

I’m coming to tell you, the heavens of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone a man explaining Him.

You can’t get Him out of your mind.

You can’t get Him off of your hands.

You can’t outlive Him and

you can’t live without Him.

Well,

Pharisees couldn’t stand Him,

but they found out they couldn’t stop Him.

Pilot couldn’t find any fault in Him.

The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree.

Herod couldn’t kill Him.

Death couldn’t handle Him, and

the grave couldn’t hold Him.

That’s my King. Yeah.

He always has been and He always will be.

I’m talking about

He had no predecessor and

He’ll have no successor.

There was nobody before Him and

there’ll be nobody after Him.

You can’t impeach Him and

He’s not going to resign.

That’s my King! That’s my King!

Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory.

The glory is all His.

Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever.

How long is that? And ever and ever and ever and ever.

And when you get through with all of the evers, then, Amen.

~ Dr. S. M. Lockridge

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)

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

Let Us ADORE Him

As I took this picture, thoughts were running through my mind to share on Held By Him, and, lots of page ideas were running through my mind for Faithbooking Inspirations. Since there are many who subscribe to both, I will spare you by not repeating the Held By Him thoughts here :)

As Christmas rapidly approaches, many of our cameras will be at full throttle, trying to capture the precious memories of this beautiful life the Lord has blessed us with.  And, hopefully in a couple of months, the pages will be completed to record the stories for future generations. 

As the season flys by, be sure to take pictures of what Christmas means to you.  Whether it be a special decoration, a favorite recipe, or a treasured tradition, take pictures of more than just opening the gifts.  The possibilities are individual and endless, but, here is just a few quickies for a 'Nativity picture' to get your gears turning and maybe seeing Christmas through a different lens.

• What does that particular Nativity mean to you? Who bought / gave it to you?  Why is it your favorite such as colors, expressions, size? 
• What are your thoughts as you look at or set up the Nativity?
• How has the Baby in the Manger touched your life? 
• What are your traditions for the Nativity (the order you place the pieces, who sets it out, where does it go?)
• Sometimes the picture really needs only a title ~ Use a thought, favorite saying, or a phrase from a carol ~ I plan on using "Let Us ADORE Him" for this one
• Blow up a picture of Nativity and use it as a front page in a Christmas album or a page in your own Journey to a Legacy Album.
• Use a verse:

1. For a child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, MIghty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace ~ Isaiah 9:6 
2. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save His people from thier sins ~ Matthew 1:21
3. For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son... ~ John 3:16

Get the camera working, don't forget to use your Journey Jots , and, be sure to spend a few moments at the Manger ~ it is tiny, yet mighty!

The Cricut

There is this amazing new machine out there that is a complete spoiling to any of us who scrapbook or create cards ~ it is the Cricut by Provo Craft.  It is an electrical die-cutting machine that cuts letters from 1" - 5"!!! 

So, I got this for my birthday, and, just finally got to play with it once (most) of my boxes were unpacked.  If you are looking for something to put on your Christmas list - here it is!

With the cost of the machine and cartridges a little higher than I am willing to spend on myself, I have searched for the best place to purchase the supplies.  I thought I'd share the info ~ so, all you have to do is pass on this link to your gift-givers, and, they will know where to get the best deal :)

Here are the best contacts I have found:

• QVC has the machine and it comes with an extra cartridge that is only available through them.  I got mine through QVC, to be honest, only so I could get the extra cartridge.  Since it is one of those "limited" things, I figured I'd get it while I could.  Once I paid shipping, not sure I really saved more than a few dollars, but, at least I got that limited cartridge :)
• There is another supplier I have found through the web that seems to have the some of the best prices of both the cartridges and the machine.  I am on a yahoo group of "Cricut groupies", and, I have seen only positive comments concerning Kim.  I will be getting my cartridges through her as well.  I am including Kim's email address since she has requested to be contacted directly for ordering information.
• I have seen JoAnns cartridges on sale for as little as Kim's only once, so, if you are patient, and a regular lurker at your local JoAnns or other craft store, you may be able to find a great sale.

If by some chance you are lucky enough to already own a Cricut, or, talk someone into getting it for you, I do reccommend you get on some Cricut community.  I have only been a reader, but, I have learned TONS.  There are major Cricut Junkies out there that know everything there is to know about the Cricut.  I am also including a couple links for you to join.  I actually joined a couple of these before I purchased to be sure I really wanted to make the investment and gather any other info I could.  (And, no, I am not a paid representative of Provo Craft, just a crazy scrapper that loves gadgets!)

• Cricut Cheat Sheet ~ This is awesome if you are trying to figure out which cartridge you want, or, if you happen to be lucky enough to own a few cartridges
• Cricutcutter ~ This group is pretty chatty, therefore, I have learned so much from them. I just put myself on a daily digest, and, then I can scroll through the subjects I need to read.  These women are amazing at what they can do with this machine!
• Cricut Chirp Newsletter ~ Again, lots of wonderful info and updates, directly from the manufacturer.  You can see past ones here
• Cricut Message Board ~ Wow, if you have the time for message boards, this one looks awesome!  I have not been able to spend time on it, but, I know it is there, is very active, and, I would imagine it would be very helpful.
• Just a few project pictures ~ While all of these groups I have listed have lots of pictures, here are just a few to get you hooked :)

So, hope I have sparked your interest - I know you will love this machine!  Be sure to contact Kim and get her prices info before you purchase any product.  I do think she may be, simply, the best deal.

If you do have a cricut, or, have any comments, be sure to list them below - I am sure there are plenty of you out there with your own "little bug" :)

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.

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.

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 Place

Well, I am in no way unpacked, however, I think I have managed to find everyone's toothbrush, a pair of socks, and, their pillow - that's all we need right?  :)

And, our new home has a perfect place for my computer right in my kitchen - so, I am very excited about having more time to play with Scrapbookers Bubble Bath, and, renew our passion about leaving our legacy.  Who knows how much I can type while the meatloaf burns cooks!

As I left our cherished old home and have tried to get settled here, I find myself praying my "family verse" over and over.  So, thought I'd share it ~

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

I am sure I have shared it before here on Faithbooking Inspirations, but, it is such a perfect verse, promise, and prayer for a new home, a new baby, or new marriage.  Here are some other places I have used the verse:

• The front page of an album
• A page with a picture of my home
• A page with pictures of our new driveway being put in
• A page with the verse as a prayer from me as a mother
• My homeschooling log-in :)
• I have even made sure my kids know the location of the verse, and, that it is "mommy's verse" ~ I figure when I am old and grey they will remember it :)

Find your next peaceful dwelling picture, and, include Isaiah 32:18 ~ and, send me a picture by email!

So, get your albums out girls - I am getting the bug to crop and create again!!!  (and, yes, among the tons of boxes that still need to be unpacked, I do know where my scrapbooking supplies are.  I made sure they were very well marked, and, in fact, took them in my van seperate from the moving truck!!!  Forget a diamond being a girl's best friend, I need my trimmer and photo-safe tape!!) 

** P.S. - I have tried many, many times to get a picture posted on this post, and, I am unable to ~ I think my security center is doing too good of a job, so, once I get it figured out, I will post the corner picture :)