after Christmas sale finds :)

the bargain shopping continues :) I found this Inkadinkado stamp and Cuttlebug folder at Craft Warehouse last week @ 75% off! The weatherman keeps taunting us with the hope of snow....we had a little bit last week, but I want more :) ><>

Happy 2013

Out with the old...in with the new! I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a brand new year....filled with the promises of God that He's in control and wants what's best for each of us :) I got so excited when I saw this background paper in my stash (Simple Stories) that I whipped up this *Happy New Year* card, then realized the paper says Happy Birthday! Oopsie. Both phrases are Heart & Soul. I don't really make resolutions, but I am going to attempt to be more active on here....we'll see how that goes :) Praying God's Peace and Blessings on you and your families in the year ahead!

a little crafty inspiration for the new year:)

This is one of my favorite handmade cards we received. I loooove clean & simple, one color themes. embossed with green tinsel powder and some bling.... couldn't be more beautiful! one of my crafty *goals* for the new year is to *upcycle* this & last years's cards received into next year's new ones....here is where I got my inspiration... this gal can really make awesome cards :) hope you have a lovely new year filled with joy & surprise blessings :) ps~ I'm also going to adopt a fun practice that one of my pastors and his wife do every year...they pick a couple of cards out each week from the stash they received and pray for those families throughout the week. how cool is that???!

The Longest Night

Once again, our small group (Bible study group) helped to lead a special service at church, called *The Longest Night* ~ referring to the Winter Solstice when we have the least amount of daylight hours. The main theme is that Christmas/this time of year may not be the *merriest* for everyone....people are hurting and struggling. Even if you thought you were sailing through things hunky dory, along comes a horrific tragedy that touches all our lives. We offered songs, words of encouragement, and scripture that offers hope. We shared communion, prayer, and a lovely candle lighting time ~ which is what this picture is about...the altar covered with burdens we bear and are giving to the Light of Christ. My prayer is that we all can give our burdens to the Newborn King and walk in His Light! Merry Christmas ><>

Advent

Today marks the beginning of the Advent Season....where we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Baby King :) Once again I had the joy of helping with the mobile in the Sanctuary at church. We went with a *less is more* theme this year:) and rather than the Liturgical colors of Advent ( blue/purple ) we chose to do something different. It looks nice with the carpet on the altar steps, and the poinsettias when we put them up today. I love this season in the church year! ><>

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is a picture of the altar at church last evening as we gathered to celebrate who God is and what He's done for us :) Praying that your day is blessed and you have a chance to reflect on His Goodness in your life ~ I am so very thankful for my customers ><>

candlelight dessert

We had our annual beautiful ladies event last Saturday at church. It's just a wonderful time for everyone ~ preparing our hearts for the Advent season, fellowship with our sisters ( and brothers- who are the waiters for the evening :) and transforming the church gym into a spectacular glimmery breathtaking delight! I love hosting a table and I start *mentally* planning next year's blitz right after the last one ( as I usually acquire plates & things from the Goodwill:) This year I collected the Debbie Mumm penguin salad plates as a surprise for my future DIL, who likes penguins. My *Martha gene* kicks in to high gear for this event :)