Faithbooking Inspirations

Whew!

Whew - after a stint of nearly 2 years of dual citizenship between 2 states, I can finally say we are in officially in Houston!

The stories of struggles survived, lessons learned and blessings bestowed have been way too numerous to even begin to share in one post.

But, more than anything, the Lord has shown me that, when we have patient endurance resting and trusting in Him, He will show us beauty beyond belief.

I have learned to rest in Him with every ounce of my being.

And, if there ever was a time our loved ones need to find the peace in resting in Him, it is now. 

The reason I started this site was to present one way to get your legacy and His Word into your albums ~ I have seen and read such amazing stories from you.  However, I believe He is calling Scrapbookers Bubble Bath to be a brighter light and a bigger tool in a its little corner of the world.

First on my agenda, is to lower the price of the Unto All Generations Volumes I, II, and, III to  0.99....Nope, that wasn't a typo :~)

No fancy words guys ~ In short, I just want EVERYONE to experience His love and peace.  And, this is one way Scrapbookers Bubble Bath can touch hurting lives and make an eternal impact. 

So, enjoy, use these for growing His Kingdom, watch God show up in your life, and, hang around to watch what else is on my Texan mind :~)

Putting Scriptures to the Numbers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He Can Do MORE

"Now to Him who is able to do

immeasurably more

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

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

Just a Call Away

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

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

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

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

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

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

He never makes us leave a voice mail. 

We never have a bad connection.

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

We never have to worry about our minutes going over.

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

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

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

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

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

Coversations Full of Grace

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

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

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!

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 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!

Adoption

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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!

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.

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 :)

Through the Waters

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you ~ Isaiah 43:2

Last week our end of the United States got drenched with rains like I have never seen.  The storms left many with damaged property and some even homeless.

As we came home from house-shopping, we found our backyard completely under water!  And, even our basement, that has been totally dry for the whole 9 years we have lived here had some water from the spill-over of gutters that were unable to hold the downpour.

As I was panicing watching the backyard fill and found myself only beginning to understand what Katrina victims experienced, I heard Isaiah 43:2 whispered to my heart.  He does pass through the waters with us, and, we will not be swept away.  We may feel as if we are drowning and will not be able to hold our heads above the rushing water much longer.  But, His mighty hands hold the universe in place ~ He can hold us too. 

What does this have to do with faithbooking and passing our legacy on to future generations? 

After my heart was filled with His promise to pass through the waters with me, I grabbed my camera and took pictures!  And, when I scrapbook those pictures, I can use Isaiah 43:2 as a page-topper, and share His goodness and the blessings of that day ~ and, yes, there were many blessings that I want my children to read about.

Many, many moments of our lives bring us to a fork-in-the-road situation.  How will we respond?  Will we dwell in the tragedy, or will we dwell in His promises?  I choose to turn my eyes to Him and dwell in His sweet promise to hold me and carry me.  And, I can pass those choices on through my scrapbooks!

As you go through your day-to-day motions, keep your eyes open for opportunities to share His promises through your scrapbooks.  Moments of frustration and even tragedy can be beautiful stories of His love, grace and strength.

So, grab that camera, and, pass on His promises!

Eternal Expressions #3 ~ The Beauty of the 4 Seasons

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

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

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

Ideas

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

Scriptures

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

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

Peaceful Dwelling Places

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page Idea? 

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

                                           

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

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

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

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

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

My 'Jesus Bird'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eternal Expressions #2 ~ Cleaning Secrets Preserved

I have 6 beautiful Partylite candle holders that are very detailed bisque angels ~ in fact, they have never had a candle in them, I just set them around my living room to look pretty :)  The problem with these angels, are the folds and little tiny details on their dresses that gather dust - in places that no duster will ever be able to go.....I have tried carefully running water on them, using a knife to try to get far down in the crevices, and, many other methods....all have failed. 

Then, while sitting at the pedicatricians office I found an article called "Tricks the pros use" that was full of little tricks I loved ~ and, one, I found myself saying "duh, of course, why didn't I think of that!"  It suggested using artist's small paintbrushes for those hard to reach places that need dusting ~ so, kaboom, shazam, and pow ~ my angels now sparkle like they should!

Now, why share this and, what in the world does this have to do with scrapbooking, you ask?  Well, how many of us have little cleaning tricks that we learned from our mothers, friends or magazines that would have made our lives easier had we known them years ago?  And, how many of us may even have heirlooms that we have inherited that have driven us crazy in how to clean them?  My parents had this very old camera that I so wish I had know the paintbrush trick when I was little, and, I bet there are lots of those frustrating pieces out there :)

This is my thought ~ wouldn't it be neat to have a page nestled in your Journey to a Legacy album or family album that included pictures of some pieces around your house and cleaning secrets.  What about that chandelier, those figurines, your grandmother's silver set, or, that antique lace tablecloth?   Or, is there some special way you have found to dust, paint, or scrub that you want to remember years from now being so obsessed about after you move or become too busy to care?  Is there some trick(s) you would love to pass on to your daughter or daughters-in-law that you can record for them to read when they are old enough to truly be interested?  I know I have some shortcuts that I would love to include and pass on to the next generations.

And, as you create your pages, what a wonderful opportunity to throw in some words about His redeeming love and cleansing blood!

So, take a tour around your home, camera and notebook in hand, and, pass on those little time saving tricks that only you know and, many of us need :)

Ideas:

• Take a picture of difficult to clean objects
• Take a picture of any heirlooms - inlcude the story behind the piece
• Create a list of Cleaning Tips and Secrets
• What is your favorite cleaning product?
• How has Christ been the best cleaning product for your life?

Scriptures:

• May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands. ~ Psalm 90:17
• Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord and not for men. ~ Isaiah 25:1
• Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD.  "Though your sins are like scarlet,they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.  ~ Isaiah 1:18
• Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. ~ Phillipians 1:6
• Scripture inspirations taken from the Unto All Generations Volume II ~ Activities and Special Occasions

* If you have a cleaning secret or "I can't live without this trick" up your sleeve, leave it in the comments section at the end of the post ~ pass on your knowledge for those of us who are not quite as creative in the spic-and-span department!

** Don't forget, send us copies of your pages - we'd love to share them in or New Gallery coming soon!

*** I found this post's picture an a site with a Google image search, and, I love it!! It is exactly what I need as I clean up after my crew of 6 and a very high volume shedding dog!  :)

Eternal Expressions #1 ~ A Lost Tooth

(This is the first of SBBs new Eternal Expressions entries.  As each entry is created, the link will be added to the Eternal Expressions catagory to the right ~ so, come on back and visit us.)

My daughter lost her first tooth this week, and, I apologize to any poor soul who her saw her in the last few days, because they got to hear the entire story ~ every single detail!  :) 

In addition to our traditional letter to / from the Tooth Fairy, (she even taped the tooth to the paper so it wouldn't get lost beneath her pillow), of course we got the close-up picture of the mouth, minus one tooth.

While a lost tooth seems like such a normal childhood happening, it really is an amazing opportunity for us, as parents, to share how wonderfully we are created, and, how His plans are in place long before we know.  What a better place to share these words than in our albums.  So, here are some ideas and scriptures for your own "The Tooth Fairy is Coming" page.

And, keep your eye open for other seemingly "daily happenings" that really are "daily opportunities" to point to Him!

* Don't forget, send us copies of your pages - we'd love to share them in or New Gallery coming soon!

Ideas:

• Take a picture of the tooth and the toothless
• Take a picture of the child sleeping and waiting for the Tooth Fairy
• Create a letter from the Tooth Fairy
• How much does your Tooth Fairy leave?
• How did the tooth come out?
• Include the reactions of the child (who they called, were they excited, how did they describe the incident?)

Scriptures:

• ...I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. ~ Psalm 139:14
• O LORD, You are my God; I will exhalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done marvelous things, things planned long ago. ~ Isaiah 25:1
• I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.  I will build you up again, and you will be rebuilt. ~ Jeremiah 31:3-4

~ Scripture inspirations taken from the Unto All Generations Volume I ~ Family and Heritage Scriptures

UAG Comments

The spark that started the fire for Scrapbookers Bubble Bath was the creation of a book I had specifically designed to easily include His precious Word in my scrapbooks ~ and, then, my dear friend, Kim, found out about my project, strongly encouraged me that other scrapbookers needed to have this available to them, and, so, 18 months later, I am celebrating a year of huge blessings!

As I have mentioned before, SBB was created with a vision to help others make an eternal impact through their scrapbooks ~ And, with many, many beautiful miles behind us, and, I pray, many more ahead, I continue to keep my eyes on our vision and seek guidance for His purpose ~ which is, of course, what it is all about.

Below are just a few of the comments we've received concerning the Unto All Generations Series.  Feel free to add your own comments, or if you have considered adding one of the Unto All Generation Scriptures for Scrapbooking to your scrapbooking and cardmaking supplies, below, you may read comments from some who have already done so ~ just in case they can give you some inspiration :~)

SBB's First Annual ~ Leaving the Legacy Celebration

Wow ~ I just renewed Scrapbookers Bubble Bath's domain name ~ that means that the name and idea for SBB is one year old!  So, Happy Birthday to a dream that has become a reality, a vision that is making an eternal impact, and a website that has become a beautiful and humbling blessing!

Over the last couple of days, as I have revisited moments of the last year in my memory, I have been humbled and brought to my knees to see how the Lord has worked, in even at times the oddest of situations, to bring SBB to my life.  And, as I look forward to the next year, and, prayerfully many years, I have plans for SBB that only He could dream and have the power to come true.  In my next post, I will show where we have been and where I pray we will go.

But, first, I believe we have some celebrating to do!  So, what better way than to bring together the pages that have been created and the lives that have been touched ~ Hence, Scrapbookers Bubble Bath's First Annual Leaving the Legacy Celebration!

Now, I know for a fact there have been many legacybooking pages created - I have heard the stories and been touched by your words of those using Unto All Generations ~ BUT, I have only seen a few of the completed masterpieces.  And, knowing that we are all so stinking busy that we need a bribe, I mean incentive, :) to take the time to get our pages copied and shared, we will be offering prizes to the top 2 entries.

Leaving the Legacy Celebration details:

~ Submit your favorite page or pages that you have created using scripture in the journaling or embellishments

Bribes Incentives :)

• All submissions (unless otherwise requested) will be included in SBB's new Scripture Gallery to open in March
• All who submit will receive first notice and a special pricing offer on the Volume III Unto All Generations Scriptures for Scrapbooking to be released in April
• 1st prize ~ Will recieve one new Scripture Picture Service free, and the next Unto All Generations release, Leaving the Legacy ~ Inspirations for creating pages of legacy.
• 2nd prize ~ Will receive the next Unto All Generations release, Leaving the Legacy ~ Inspirations for creating pages of legacy.

A Few More Details~

• You may submit as many pages as you would like
• Include pages you have already created, or, get on the move and make some this week :)
• Pages will be judged by originality (not fancy, but original), Legacy-ness (my new word for how much of your legacy does it include), and, use of scripture.  Hint ~ in your submission e-mail, it may help to share the reason you chose this page to submit ~ include the inspiration behind the page, why this page is special, and, how you are leaving your legacy through this page. :)
• It is highly suggested you create a digital file of your page ~ this is done easiest by getting the page color copied (12 x 12 sized to an 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 page) at a office supply or photo shop then scanning in the picture, or, taking the page to a store with a large scanner and scanning in your page.  You may send a digital picture of the page, just be sure the quality does your work justice.
• Entries must be sent to contest@scrapbookersbubblebath.com by March 10th
• Winners will be announced March 12th
• Any questions can be sent to tina@scrapbookersbubblebath.com

I am very excited to see the pages that have been created and share the stories of the lives that have been touched!

So, pick your favorite(s) page of legacy, and help inspire others to create pages of eternal impact!