Karla's Korner

Snowman Ornament Workshop Party!

I love the women in my Bible Study Group and wanted to do something extra
special to bless their hearts so my Christmas gift to them was a craft night...
a Snowman Ornament Workshop/Christmas Party... and we had so much fun!
The only sadness was that two of them were sick and another had a family
event to attend... Connie, Deb & Frances... you were missed for sure!

I served a finger-food dinner that started off with this wonderful
Snowman Cheeseball!  Isn't he adorable? He was a huge hit and I sent
everyone home with the recipe.... you can find it here.


Next came shrimp served around the rim of parfait glasses filled with
cocktail sauce which I forgot to take a picture of... along with...


salmon pate filled cucumbers decorated with chives
and a touch of red pepper and...


cherry tomatoes stuffed with mozzarella balls, adorned with a basil leaf
and sprinkled with garlic salt... yum!! 
This is what you call ARTFUL cooking... my favorite kind!

Then came crafting! Those funny looking grey balls are the snowman heads...
they are made from a paper mache pulp and take quite a while to dry so,
since we only had the evening, I made them beforehand.

But they had so much layering the paints, adding the eyes...


adding rouge to their cheeks...


and especially adding the glitter... the sparkle that brings them to life!


Then came the hat-making... but again... got so caught up in the making...
I forgot all about taking pictures of the process...


but the joy on Brenda's face... and on her snowman's face... says it all!


each one a different personality...


just like their makers... Dottie, Joan, and Brenda...
each woman tickled pink with her own handmade Christmas creation!


We ended the evening with a light dessert of raspberry jello topped with
light whipping cream and Christmas sprinkles... and an ornament exchange.
It was a wonderful time of love, laughter, and creativity!

This is one of the greatest joys of Christmas... giving oneself away...
time, talents and/or treasures... for the blessing of others...
simply in celebration of the greatest Gift we've been given...
the love of Jesus who was born into this world to give Himself away...
for you... and for me... ultimately on the tree.

Father God, thank You for Jesus... who is the Reason for the Season. Help us
this year as we give ourselves... our time, talents and/or treasures... with a
right heart... out of love and not obligation... to bless and not impress...
and if we're struggling with that Lord, remind us of why we celebrate
Christmas and the glory of the Greatest Gift of all! Amen.

I DID IT... 13.1 Miles!!

I can hardly believe I did it... but I did! I walked the Girlfriends Half-Marathon
last Saturday and lived to talk about it!! 4 hours 4 minutes!

These were some of the girls from my church that partipated.
I'm the oldie but goodie in the center and I walked with my granddaughter
Alexis to my right (3rd from left in photo) and my sis-in-law/love Cindy
who is 2nd from the left in the photo. The other girls were all runners!

I know I would not and could not have finished without the love
and encouragement of Alexis, Cindy and my darling daughter
who, sad to say, could not run that day because she was sick.

What did I learn?
1. This old body is capable of doing more than I thought it could!
(I am fearfully and wonderfully made! Psalm 139:14)

2. We need each other... to be cheerleaders for one another!
(Encourage one another daily Hebrews 3:13)

3. It would have been much less painful if I had trained for it!
(The fruit of the Spirit is self-discipline Galatians 5:22)

4. It feels good to run for a cause bigger than yourself!
(Look not only to your own interests , but also to the interests of others Phil 2;4)
Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Thank You Lord for giving me the strength and endurance to walk this race! There are more parallels between running/walking a race and our walk with You than I have time to talk about today but the greatest thing You showed me from the Half-Marathon was how much we need Girlfriends... how much we need each other to cheer us on in our faith in You and our faith in who You created us to be. It made me think of all the women in the world who have quit running the race with You because they lacked cheerleaders. Lord Jesus, teach us to be better encouragers... to think not only about ourselves but about those who need a good word today! Fill us with Your overflowing love. Amen.

PS... Extra bonus... I got to check it off my 58 Things List... sweet!

October... A Celebration of Birthdays!

You see, my birthday is next Saturday, the10th, my hubby's is the 14th,
and poor sweet Michelle, our only child... well... hers is the 16th.
I like that they are all in the same week because I'll never forget them...
but it's hard celebrating three different people in 7 days and...
making each one feel as special as they deserve.
Instead they can tend to blur together.

But not so this year... we started early and we started with mine!
Michelle... bless her heart... treated me to an awesomely wonderful day
of artsy inspiration and celebration Saturday which began with a couple
of local vintage sales including Randall Woods and  Uncovered Ruby ...


I loved seeing this chandelier hanging gracefullly in a greenhouse!

This sign was so appropriate as the day was a mix of sunshine and rain
but dancing we did... at least at heart!

Obviously we saw lots of treasures waiting for new homes!

We then headed to Portland to the Local 14 Art Show & Sale which featured
84 women artists with an amazing variety of mediums and styles.
It was fantastic with a few of my favorites being...


Mary Ennis-Davis...

  Lisa Kattenbraker...

and Carrie Tasman.

After this visual feast of inspiration, Michelle knew just the spot
to feed our hungry bodies...

Por que No? It was seriously yummy!

From there we were off to the Art and Soul Vendor's Show where eye candy
was abundant with offerings from many of the workshop teachers
including one of our favorite local artists...

Lisa Kaus... Michelle and I took a workshop from Lisa for my last birthday!

We finished off our day of celebration with a dish of YoCream Frozen Yogurt
topped with chocolate chip sprinkles.


And what a treat it was that on the way to Art and Soul God treated us
with a bit of visual beauty of His own... this brilliant rainbow...
a sign that He was right there celebrating with us!

I AM BLESSED... and THANKFUL for it!

Bless you all...
xoxoxo
Karla

A Sweet Saturday...

So what made my day so special? 

1. Time with those I love... of course! 

2. Watching the Ladybug's sensational first soccer game of the season!

3. Getting to see Jess (my youngest granddaughter) head butt the ball...
 for the first time... and grin from ear to ear for doing it! (PRICELESS!!)

4. Going flea market junking with my daughter Michelle...
  and talking for hours afterward! (Again... PRICELESS!!) 

  

And to top off the day...
  5. A quiet dinner alone with my hubby...
 not unusual but no less sweet... and no less PRICELESS!

........................................................................................

Here's some pics from the Vintage Gathering and the Barn House Sale.
The staging itself was incredible... especially at the Barn House Sale
 even though they were almost sold out by the time we got there!

The Vintage Gathering...
 Michelle really wanted that red canister... but left it there

Love the hen and chicks... but left it there

I always wanted to make a "tool sculpture" similar to this one...
but it won't be long before I won't have a building to put one on anyway!

Okay... these apples are from the Barn House... is that just too cool or what!

Notice the sink they used for the jewelry display... how fun!

Next time we'll have to go earlier when there's even more to see...
we missed out on so much... but most likely saved some $$$...whew

So does this make you want to take your sink outside and fill it with gourds?

 
 Without a doubt... it was a very sweet day... a taste of heaven...
 hanging out with the ones you love!

Lord God, help us to savor the moments You give us with those we love.
Help us not take those special times for granted but to embrace them
and enjoy them as glorious gifts from Your hand to our hearts. Amen.

And the Beach Blessing Winners are...

Really... the winner is me!
To have such lovely friends who leave sweet comments is a treasure. 
Honestly... I figure you could just say one or two words but no...
not you dear ones... you are full of blessing that spills onto me.
I want you to know I read every comment and was blessed
even though I did not have time to personally respond!
And a special thanks to those who visited for the first time...
I do hope you'll come again!
And thank you to those who posted the giveaway on your blog..
you bless my heart!

Okay... have I peaked your curiosity?
Do you wanna know who wins the Beach Blessing Giveaway?
I'm tickled to say that random picker chose Trish from Harmony Hill!! Yippee!

Trish said,

"Hi Karla!
Please count me in ~ These are beautiful items! You are so thoughtful :-)
And yes, I am going to post a link back to this post from my blog.
Blessings to you, my friend...
~Trish

Oh yes... I had two sets of these beachy blessings, didn't I?!?!?!
Yes mam... and the second collection will be given away to... Betty!

Betty said...
Hi, Karla:
I've not posted a comment before, but here goes...
I met you in Washington last October and so enjoyed your talk on "What Happened to the Turkey?"  Since then I've checked in at Karla's Korner from time to time, and always enjoy your comments, your photos, and sharing from your part of the country.  Lately I've been checking in quite frequently, for a refreshing touch.  Thanks so much for sharing your life.  I loved the before and after acccount of your studio, and getting to tour your beautiful garden, with the lavender, daisies and photos of the Queen Anne's Lace.  Today it was a "trip" to the seashore.  Thanks for putting scenes so beautifully into words and pointing out God's many blessings. It makes me feel as though I've been there with you.
Betty from southern California

Like I said... I'm the winner to have friends like you!!!

Okay girls... Betty and Trish... email me with your addresses
and I'll send your Beach Blessings off to you!

Love you all... you're all winners in my book... and definitely in God's Book!

xoxoxo

A Weekend Away...

My hubby left Thursday night for his annual Canada fishing trip...
so Friday morning my sis-in-law/love Cindy and I headed to the beach
for a little fun, food and frivolity!

Our destination... Lincoln City.  Our first stop... lunch at Mo's!


Their famous clam chowder was a perfect way to start the fun!!

 
It was mostly cloudy with a touch of blue hovering just above the horizon...


but the cooler ocean air was a welcome break from the 100+ temps at home!


This quaint little quilt shop, one of our many shopping stops,
 was an inspirational treat for Cindy...

 
while a visit to the Pacific Artists Alliance Gallery, a co-op of 41 artisans,
 stirred my creative spirit. This fish was amazing and I could hear him
luring me to want to play with copper!


We stayed at The Coho Lodge where one of the perks was drinking french
press coffee made from freshly ground gourmet coffee... a first for me.
The even greater perk was that Cindy and I had the pool, sauna
and jacuzzi all to ourselves for a leisure afternoon spa retreat!
Nope.. sorry... no pics of us in swimsuits!!! LOL!!




On our hike around Devils Lake (no idea why they named it that)
we discovered flowers we'd never seen before and...


and houses we'd like to visit if only we knew the folks who lived there!


We ate at lunch at Tiki's in the historic Taft District on Saturday...


and the fish tacos were sooooo yummy good!


We also met Gypsy there and it was so fun to see Cindy get her talking
and hamming it up for the camera.


Saturday's beach walk included the fun of seeing a few sand sculptors
at work... isn't that amazing! I've always wanted to try that... maybe next time.

And I'm sure there will be a next time!
Cindy and I had so much fun together... just laughing and loving life!
And best of all, we spent some good time encouraging each other
 in the Lord because what a great place to be reminded that our God...

He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.
He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
miracles that cannot be numbered.
Job 9:8,10

Thank you for letting me share my little weekend adventure with you!
Oh yes... and I brought back a few keepsakes I want to share with you too
so make sure you come visit tomorrow to see what they are!

Blessings and hugs to you... xoxoxo...

Love is in the Air...

Today I am reflecting back on last Sunday...

and how thankful I am to be mom to Michelle
and grandma to Lex and Jess... I am blessed!


And I am so thankful to have Cindy as, not only my sister-in-law, but also a friend...
and thankful that she and my niece, Monica, decided to join us
for a wonderful day of craftiness at Michelle's to celebrate Mom's Day!

I am also thankful for the creativity God has given Lex and Jess...
and that they are just so much fun to hang out with!
Check out the shoes Lex is painting!  They were light blue!
And Jess painted that picture as her Mother's Day gift to her mom! Sweet!

Sorry I can't show you the dolls that Michelle and I made...
mine is still not finished
 and hers is a gift for someone so it needs to be a suprise for now!



Most of all, I am thankful that God has poured out His love into our hearts
and given us a love for one another that is so much more than I could have
ever hoped for.  Thank You Lord.

Creative Day #7...

Okay... I skipped a few days of blogging...
good thing I didn't say 30 consecutive days of creativity!! LOL!

But I have been very creative... with much to share but little time to share it.
I did create this Thankful Thursday Banner
and you are very welcome to use it on your own blog if you'd like...
(let me know if you do so I can come visit you!)
 the more we all share our thankflul hearts the more we are mutually encouraged!


I am always thankful for my granddaughters... this one loves to make you laugh! 


I am thankful for my daughter who ran the Eugene marathon last Sunday
and her time qualified her to run in the Boston Marathon next spring.
Her post about running is very inspiring!

And I am thankful for the gift of creativity...
to play with shapes, lines, textures and patterns just for the fun of it. ..
to reflect on the blessings of God in the secret places of my heart
and imagination... and then be able to share them with you!

I am speaking at Mother's Day Brunch Saturday morning so I doubt I'll be posting tomorrow but would
appreciate your prayers for God to speak blessing and encouragement to the hearts of the women there and that if any of them do not know Christ as the Source of all Joy, they might be drawn to Him there.

Love you all... bless you and all you put your hand to...
In His love and for His glory...
Karla

Frugal Friday Finds - Creative Day #5

Spring is the best time of year for garage saling and garage sales are a fabulous resource for being creative on a budget! Today's Creative Day was about going saling with an eye for possibility... the potential to turn someone else's trash into treasure. I went with my daughter and we had great fun together and came home with a few frugal finds.

 

I am guessing the wire holder is either for eggs or votive candles... really not sure and not totally sure what I'll use it for but it was too fun to pass up for a buck. And then I found the green balls at another sale... they are like miniature bowling balls... and have no idea what they were for originally but they look fun in the wire holder for now! I have a creative idea for the little wreath and the small stool will be perfect for displaying some finished artistic endeavor some day.

I want to use the pretty plates for a girls luncheon, the vintage book covers to create hand-bound journals, and I have a great idea for turning the crocheted bed pillow shams into cute throw pillows for my sofa... I can hardly wait to show you what I'm envisioning.

Creativity begins with the seed of a vision,
planted in the soil of the imagination,
and watered with the love of expression.

Today was all about the seeds.

**For you artists out there...
check out Michelle's blog for an sweet trick to stretch your art supply budget!! 
She is such a clever girl!

Hugs to you for a wonderful weekend.
May the Lord bless you and keep you...
In His love and for His glory!

On My Way Home...

Here I sit at the Galesburg, IL Airport headed home with a grateful heart... and for many reasons! I arrived here one week ago and spoke for HeartSeekers Retreat here in Galesburg. I know, without a doubt, that God poured out His Spirit in answer to the prayers of His girls and touched and changed the lives of many, if not most of the women, in that place! Thank You Jesus! A special blessing was seeing my  best friend from high school, Janice Rokita (now known as Jenny Kelley)... a little extra gift.

Teresa Muller was our worship leader for the weekend and she was awesome. What a surprise and joy to meet the writer of "You Are the Rock of My Salvation!" I have always loved that song so was honored to meet Teresa and enjoyed the sincerity of her heart for the Lord.

After the retreat I rented a car and headed to Quincy where I grew up to see my sister Margie who had been in the hospital.  I am thankful to report that she is home and doing well. I did take a few hours to go junking on Tuesday with Matt and Melissa... my wonderful, patient nephew and his wife... and I'll show you my treasures later!

Art Journaling Friday

My daughter Michelle has been trying to get me to Art Journal for a very long time... bless her heart! I am convinced the timing simply wasn't right until just recently because now I'm loving it!  

Michelle and her friend Teri have been getting together every Friday for a few weeks now to share what they've been doing in their journals, what they've been learning and what new supplies they've been trying out and they've invited me to join them. Today, they brought their journals and art supplies to my studio and for 3 hours we chatted and painted and played! I had a great time... they are such an inspiration! Thank you girls!

We met two weeks ago at a coffee shop and left with a challenge to use the brown paper coffee cup sleeves in our journals before we met again. This was Michelle's page when she arrived. Can you find the sleeve?

This was her page when she left. Notice the frames around our pics? VERY FUN!

This is Teri's page and she picked up on the wording on the sleeve about "a greener future for our planet"... isn't that great? So creative!

Can you see the holder in mine? NOT! I started a page with the sleeve but it's far from finished and is rather boring at the moment! But I did work on this page this morning and I love it! I promise to show the coffee sleeve  page when it's done... really I will!

This is actually what I spent most of my time on this morning... hand carving four mini stamps and this cute little flower pot. Too fun!

I was reading Psalm 150 this morning and got to thinking about the last verse...

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!

What struck me was that the breath we inhale is a gift from God and it is with that very same breath that we give Him praise. We inhale life and exhale worship. Whether we breathe in what is fragrant and sweet smelling or stinky and distasteful... with every exhale we are to praise the Lord! This verse reminds us and even commands us to praise Him for His mighty acts and His excellent greatness. Do you want to bless the Lord? Take a deep breath and as you let it out... praise Him!

Oh Lord... I am much better at praising You when my life is good and the air I breathe is sweet. Would you work in my heart to praise You even more when life stinks... because even when life down here on earth does stink, praising You lifts me up into heavenly places where the air I breathe is pure and holy... where the air I breathe is You! My our praises fill the earth with Your glory. In Jesus' Name... amen.

Michelle's Goody Giveaway!

You don't want to miss out on my daughter Michelle's Goody Giveaway #5

I absolutely love what she's giving away this time!
Hmmm... maybe I should enter!!

Hurry over to her blog to enter to win...

Flutter Clock, Flower Tea Ful Print, Bloom Frame and a Time Flies Clock!

A $164 value (and she takes care of the shipping)!

I HOPE YOU WIN!!

Check Out Michelle's New BlogStore!

Michelle recently got her Blog Store up and running!
Just in time for some Christmas shopping savings! Yeah! 

She will continue posting her Handmade in the USA-close outs/retired items on her Etsy site.
But, since Etsy is only US handmade she will be using
the Blog Store to sell the items that she make overseas. 

Here are a few samples of what you'll find!  FUN... very FUN stuff!

 

Creativity Galore at Lisa Kaus Workshop!

My sweet daughter Michelle gifted me a Lisa Kaus Workshop for my birthday this year... that's Lisa in the center... a truly talented artist! You could feel the creativity in the air the moment you walked into her fun filled studio... it was amazingly inspiring... a delight to the eye everywhere you looked! She not only shared her talents with us but her home and a wonderful lunch on the patio. I was so blessed to be able to spend the day with Michelle in this creative atmosphere and to add another layer of learning to my repertoire of new skills!

There were nine of us altogether and each one's house was so unique... that's what makes art so much fun! Here are 3 of the other gals who were there including Lani (below on the left) who Michelle had met recently at the newly formed Art Journaling Group she's started going to.

I thought for the fun of it you might like to see the details of my house and I know Michelle is going to post the details from her house soon so you'll want to go see hers too! 

I decided my house would be a memorial of the day so every time I look at I'll remember not only that it was a birthday gift but more importantly it will make me think of the giver of the gift and the great day we had together!



My House!

My Birthday is 10/10 so I played on those numbers with this flash card
and stamped my age... I've had 57 yearly new beginnings in my life and God's not done with me yet!

One of the children in this photo is my precious mom-in-law who went home to be with the Lord several years ago and the man watching over the flock is Mike's grandfather. We wouldn't have this photo if Michelle hadn't sent for a family album from one of Mike's aunts... thank you Michelle! And notice the circular stamps?  Michelle hand carved this stamp herself!  Fun!  And even the roses are special because Alexis and I found these and a box of other goodies at a yard sale just the day before!

Here again... my BD... BirthDay... is 10/10... marked by these BINGO markers! Isn't that fun? Michelle gifted me the "doorknob" from her stash of ephemera and the key was amongst the yard sale treasures Alexis, Jess and I snatched up Saturday.

All in all... it was a GRAND BIRTHDAY GIFT I will treasure in my heart forever!
THANK YOU MICHELLE!!

Every good and perfect gift is from above.
James 1:17

Lord God, I cannot thank You enough for the gift of creativity but even moreso for the gift of my daughter. And just like I will always cherish the gift of this workshop but the giver of it even more... I pray that I will always cherish You, the Giver of All Gifts more than the incredible gifts you shower down on my life. May it be so for all of us. Amen.

Good Friends!

I have been accused of being a workaholic... and sometimes that description fits. But I just love what I do! However... since what I do requires me being alone at my computer or drawing table or reading or dreaming... I have to purpose to set aside time to just be with friends. And I've been having a good time doing it recently!

So I thought I would introduce you to a couple of my dear friends, Beth and Sandi.  We all used to be in the same church years ago and involved in women's ministry together.  Today we live in different worlds... different churches, different parts of town, different schedules, different ministries... but one heart... a heart for God and a heart to see women grow in the Lord. So about every three to six months we get together to catch up and encourage one another.  The other day we had breakfast together and it was a joy to hear our laughter waft through the restaurant like the fragrance of a beautiful bouquet.  It has not always been so as we've each gone through our seasons of sorrows and struggles but that day was a blessing because we all agreed... we were all in a sweet place... and it was good to rejoice in the Lord together and be glad.

And Joan is another precious friend... she and I met just a few days ago for coffee. Can you guess where? (Sorry I stood right in front of the display!) Joan and I have been in the same Home Group together for most of the past 5 years. She is a hospice care giver and one of the most compassionate and giving women I've ever met. I am so thankful to God for bringing her into my life and using her to stretch me and bless me in His ways. We just had such a good time sharing and encouraging one another... and the coffee was good too!

Encourage one another daily...
Hebrews 3:13

Who have you encouraged lately?  We need each other even more so, in this busy chaotic culture we live in. Call someone and invite them to coffee or to take a walk or to just come sit in your kitchen for a good visit!  Make it your purpose to encourage someone today and as you do... it will come back to you!

 

Just So You Know...

I know some of you have been waiting patiently for me to make up my mind about the angel policy with the use of my digital art kits.  Well, I finally decided in favor of the angels... angels being YOU!  The Angel Policy is designed to allow you to use my art to create crafts and projects, not only for your own personal use and gift giving, but also for selling in limited quantities and with certain requirements.  I posted my Terms of Use over at Karla's Korner Shoppe, so if you'd like to use my art to make some crafts to sell at your church's Christmas bazaar or even on your own personal blog or website, you'll want to read it first.

I can still remember selling my crafts, especially at Christmas, to make a little extra money when I was a young stay at home mom and I'm blessed to be able share my art with you to help you do the same.

Also... I am pleased to now offer a CD Burning Service for those of you who want to use my digital art collections but are still on dial up. I know how it is... been there... done that!  I know that to download some of these size files would take days... and in most cases, you would disconnect before it ever finished. So now you can just add in the service and I'll put the files on a CD and pop in it in the mail to you... sweet!

And the third thing I wanted you to know was that my sweet friend Audrey of Audrey Jeanne's Expressions has opened her own Blogstore. She is so talented... just look at this scrumptious looking chocolate collection... YUM!!! I just updated her link in my sidebar so you can once again go visit her from here and be blessed by her life and her art!

Thanks for stopping by and I'm working on three things to share in the next few days... a new contest... a new coloring book page... and a freebie download!  Not sure in which order yet but they're all coming your way to encourage your heart in the things of the Lord!  Bless the Lord and bless you my friends... in His love and for His glory... Karla 

Cattails for the Carnival!

I couldn't let this masterpiece slip by without sharing it with you. Alexis was asked to paint a pond asthe backdrop for a frog toss game for the children's carnival on the last day of VBS. I was so glad she called me to come paint with her for two reasons...  first because it was just so much fun hanging out and painting with her and second because it would have taken her so much longer by herself!  The cattails were her idea and so were the wonderful textured clouds... I just through in the rocks for the fun of it... so together we made a fine team... and not too much of a mess.... LOL... I'm sure she would agree!  You can see it set up on Lex's blog.

A Morning Glory Gathering...

This is a beautiful example of a "Morning Glory Gathering"!  This is a table setting from "Every Woman's Grace" Spring Luncheon, held at Grace Community Church, Sun Valley,CA  on May 21, 2008. It's so inviting, isn't it?  A couple of things I really love about this is the use of paper plates and plastic cups... a fun and beautiful setting doesn't have to be fine china and glass. And I LOVE the white picket fence down the center of the table... short enough not to block the view of the women across from you, simple to do, and just downright CHARMING!  Carolyn wanted to use more of the art from the  "Morning Glory Garden" Clip Art Kit but I just couldn't get it finished in time but you'll see she was able to use a little here and there.

This is Carolyn's assistant leader and she told me, "I have given my assistant leader almost all of your books now, and she has given me most of your cards. We always try to find new "Karla" items to surprise each other with. It's one of the joys we have serving the Lord together and serving our women." You two did a great job... thank you for sharing your inspiration and heart for ministry with us through your photos!

These are the women who were seated at Carolyn's table... I love how the fence created a frame that says it all... in the garden with the God of glory!  I feel like I already know these ladies... isn't that one of the great thing about being sisters in Christ! Thanks again Carolyn for sharing your love for the Lord and your love for other women with them... and us!!  Bless your heart!

I hope you've been inspired... I know I have.  I can see setting up a little fence like that on the island in my kitchen as a backdrop for my buffet serving dishes. And I love how the seed packet is sticking up out of the little pail... of course I would want to use my own! teehee. It's just so wonderful to see how using a color theme can be so dramatic and beautiful... even in plastic and paper! If you are in Women's Ministry and considering a "Morning Glory Gathering" you might want to bookmark this as a reference for next spring and also know that the "Morning Glory Garden" Clip Art Kit is a great resource with lots of useful art to help you promote your event as well as create table settings and favors. I will soon be adding a Tea Party Printables Kit to coordinate as well as other helpful ideas.

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Psalms 3:3

Father God thank You for being a shield around me... my protector against the enemy and the keeper of my heart, thoughts, and life both now and eternally. You are my glory Lord... there is nothing I desire more than You. Thank You for reaching down from heaven when I am downcast and focused on the things of this earth... and with the tender touch of Your Spirit you lift my chin to look up and see You... high and lifted up above all the world... and the things of this earth do grow strangely dim when my eyes are on You! Be glorified Lord... in me and through me... amen.

Here Birdy Birdies

It's great to be feeling good again... back to work... enjoying life... and savoring some moments with my girls. A big thank you to all of you who sent your prayers and encouragements during my down time... I love you all!

There's so many things I want to share with you but this is a favorite.  Last weekend Jess came over and we made suet bird feeders together. It was a fun and easy project, filling the scooped out orange halves with all kinds of seeds, nuts and fruits held together with a peanut butter and lard mixture... a tasty treat to truly delight our fine feathered friends.

I kept four of the feeders here and she took the other four home with her.It took two days for this black headed grossbeak to find the one outside our dining room window... but how much fun to watch him enjoy this special treat.

Look at the birds of the air;
they do not sow or reap or store away in  barns
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they?
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Matthew 6:26-27

Heavenly Father,
It brings a smile to my face to stop for a minute and let myself remember and reflect on the fact that you not only love me but value me. I think about how much joy these birds bring to me as I watch them simply go about their business and I cannot help but hope that we bring the same joy to you and even more. I also realize Lord, that just as you are the ultimate feeder of the birds, I used what you have given me to feed them too... much like how you use each of us as vessels of your love and blessings and provision to one another. So many thoughts to be gleaned from such a short passage Lord... let my heart consider to meditate on promises of your Word... and today... I choose not to worry but to trust you more! Amen.

Playing Around and Loving It!

Yesterday morning I just had the urge to play so I took some of the elements from the Morning Glory Garden Kit and just had fun with it. In my playing, I also created the fun and "messy" overlay with the transparent butterfly so I may just have to add that to the kit as well.

The frame would be worth nothing apart from the girls in it... from left to right... my daughter Michelle, my granddaughter Alexis (who just started blogging last night so please pay her a visit), and my niece Monica.

Praise be to His glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with His glory!
Amen and amen.
Psalm 72:19

Heavenly Father... may we be women who will praise your glorious name from one generation to the next forever and ever... and may we be instruments of your grace here on earth advancing your gospel and your glory! Amen and amen.

Refreshing Others

I wonder if you would agree that there is nothing so satisfying than knowing God used you to pour out a refreshing drink of His love to another person. I had the privilege last weekend to speak into the lives of some wonderful women in WI and , even though I know God poured out His Word and His love into their hearts and blessed them there, I was equally if not more blessed in being the vessel God used to pour from. Two women accepted Christ for the first time and many left that place different women from when they had arrived... thank You Jesus for Your love, grace and power to transform lives!

Here's a peek at a few of these women from Spring Creek Church in Pewaukie, WI as they enjoy being in the presence of the Lord... just look at those beautiful faces... they were/are great ladies...

What a privilege it is to be God's vessels of refreshing... and He gives each of us so many opportunities every day to pour out His love and encourage others... no matter what gifts and talents we have or don't think we have. Sometimes it's just a matter of looking around us and being willing to be used.

I love having the opportunity to partner with women like you all over the world by offering ministry gifts... my books and products... tools that you can use to bless and refresh other women in your world. I just want to say THANK YOU for letting me be a part of your ministry to other women!  And I am excited to announce that I have recently made the decision to introduce a new product that I used to offer several years ago to help you do just that... Ministry Magnets! 

I love these Ministry Magnets because they are an affordable way to share God's love and His Word with others. They tuck into an envelope along with a letter or card and become a small gift. And they make a great ministry tool to give each woman in your Bible Study or the women who attend your Ladies Tea or Retreat as a remembrance of the event and what God did for them there. Right now there are just a few designs available but I plan to add more to the offering every week. There are also quantity discounts available if you're interested in these Ministry Magnets for your group... large or small.

It is such a privilege to be God's vessels, isn't it? To be His girls who He can pour into and out of!  And there are so many ways we can pour out a refreshing drink of God's love into the lives of those around... the women God has sovereignly placed along the path of our lives.  Here's just a few to consider...

1. Write a note of thanks... not for what she's done but simply for who she is.
2. Give a listening ear... call her or get together and purpose not to talk about yourself... ouch!
3. Share a recipe... and better yet... prepare it for her as a gift.
4. Pray for her... and then let her know you've been praying for her... it's nice to know someone cares.

Or maybe she needs one of these gifts of refreshing and blessing...

The list of ways to bless one another is almost endless.  What are some of your favorite ways to pour out God's love to others?  Leave a comment and share your favorite ways... maybe you'll be the inspiration someone else needs!  May we never quit refreshing one another... and as we do, God's promise is that we too will be refreshed!

Be encouraged in heart and united in love.
Colossians 2:2

Dear Lord... thank You for being our greatest Encourager... our eternal cheerleader. Thank You for pouring out Your love into our hearts and bringing refreshing to our souls. Open our eyes to the needs of others and show us new and creative ways to share Your love and blessings with those around us. For Your glory! Amen.

A "My Cup Runneth Over" Valentine's Tea

My friend Frances has the gift of hospitality and a love of all things tea! Last weekend she, with the help of her friend Kathy, opened her home and invited 12 women to join her for a Valentine's Tea. Together they poured out a refreshing drink of love and acceptance into the hearts of these women and they enjoyed an afternoon of overflowing joy! This is Frances reading the "My Cup Runneth Over" devotional to the women.

One of the things I loved most about the tea was that she and Kathy reached out and invited a few new women in our church... women they had not even met before... along with those who have been coming awhile. So there were connections made and new friendships born.

And of course, it's always fun to see my printables being put to good use! I was told the women loved them.

I love how Frances gathered together a few of her teapots to illustrate the message of the devotional so visually. In the devotional, I share about how we are all God's teapots, created as unique vessels... some of us are short and stout as the children's song sings, some of us are tall and slender and many of us are somewhere in between. And it doesn't matter to God if you're bright yellow stoneware with red polka dots, natural shades of earthenware, or white china with graceful painted roses... because the truth is we are all cracked pots, blemished and chips by life!  I'm sure you would agree.

The sad thing is that sometimes we can get so caught up in worrying about the appearance of our vessel, that we forget all about the incredible treasure that dwells within us... the love and power of the Lord Jesus Christ that is able to flow through us to bless, refresh and influence our world more than we can imagine... if we will only allow Him to fill us up daily and tip us over whenever and on whomever He chooses.

1 Samuel 16:7 says "man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart."

Lord Jesus, thank You for filling us with Your lavish love... so much so that there is plenty to overflow and give away! Forgive us for putting so much emphasis on our outer appearance that we sometimes forget that within us dwells the God of the universe... "Christ in me... the hope of glory!"  We are Your teapot Lord... fill us up and tip us over... for your glory and the blessing of many. Amen

A Great Way to Start the New Year!

Celebrating my sister Margie's 60th birthday with a surprise visit was a fantastic way to start the New Year! I flew in the night before and stayed with Matt and Melissa... her son and daughter-in-love... who made the trip possible. The party was planned for New Year's Eve at her house so we arrived early to help with the finishing preparations only I stayed behind in the car for a few extra minutes while Matt and Melissa went in to prepare my way. After about five minutes, I walked around the block in 18 degree freezing cold windy weather so I could ring the doorbell to surprise her. Well, her surprise... that would be me... almost froze because right before I got to the door she went in to change her clothes!!  As I waited for the signal to ring the bell, I was thanking God for my husband who convinced me to take my long wool coat instead of just a jacket!!  Even though she was surprised and blessed to see me, she did confess she had an inkling I might come since she had come out here to surprise me for my 50th!

Another highlight of my visit and Margie's birthday, was spending an afternoon visiting with our oldest sister Ruth (in the back with Margie) and our two cousins from Hannibal... Linda (center) who is the same age as Ruth, and Maribeth (right) who is my age. We told stories and shared memories, laughter and tears as we reminsced about our childhoods and the times we spent at each others houses two weeks every summer. It was a roller coaster of emotion but an afternoon I will cherish forever!

The greatest blessing was knowing Margie's son, Matt, and his wife, Melissa, love my sister so much that they made all the arrangements and gave up their own mileage to fly me back there.  They are the best! Thank you to both of you! Melissa and I laughed hysterically as we played the video game Frogger... and I just want her to know she will not be the Frogger Queen forever... her sweet aunt be back!

And now I am back home... ready to walk into the New Year with faith and confidence and joyful expectation to see what God... who is able to do so much more than we can ask or imagine... has in store for us in the days ahead!

In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.  Psalm 5:3

O Lord, I praise You and thank You for hearing the cries of my heart... for being a God who is not far off but so close I can lay my requests at your feet and trust You with them... stir up a sense of joyful expectation in my heart every morning to look to and for You and for the evidences of Your love all around me. And may my life bring you greater blessing and glory this year than ever before. Amen.

Lots of Catching Up to Do!

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! Like many of you... I got caught up in the blessing and busyness of the season and that's my only excuse for being out of touch for soooo long... but a good excuse I'm sure you'd agree!  The last few weeks have been full of family and friend gatherings, decorating and now undecorating, finishing up end of the year speaking and business stuff and dreaming, planning and preparing for the new year to come!

Here are some photos from the past few weeks... welcome to my world!

For those of you who have heard my tinsel story... this is my sweet hubby helping me decorate by placing the star on top of our beautiful tree!

This is the first time in many years that I did not place the fun and family ornaments on the tree. I had a desire for simple so only used red and white with a touch of silver. I love the candlestick lights and the berries add a touch of fun and elegance.

I couldn't stand not having any family ornaments out though... so I decorated a small tree and had it on the island in the kitchen... it was the perfect place for it as everyone who hovered around the food throughout the season also enjoyed looking at some very old and very handmade family ornaments!

After just a little bit... I began to miss my snowpeople so I took inspiration from my daughter Michelle and attached all my wonderful snowpeople to a wreath and I LOVE it!!  It is so festive and fun!

 This year I hosted an ornament party to celebrate the women God has blessed my life with. As expected this time of year, not all of them could come... but for those who came...we had a blast. We played a game "Name That Christmas Carol" and I surprised them by having them stand up every few songs according to the stars on their name tags and sing the carol whose name we just guessed. They were awesome!!

We are so grateful that we live so close to Michelle and Gary and the girls and even more blessed that they invite us over early every Christmas morning to be a part of their family Christmas. It is so much fun to watch the girls open their gifts and love on one another! Lex bought this doll for Jess and it was the only doll she got... she was thrilled with it!

Then it was back to our house for the family gathering. This is Mike's sister Cindy with the girls and one of the beautiful quilts she made... one for each of the girls! She is amazing! She and her husband Kerry and their daughter Monica were here along with his other sister Debbie, below, with her friend Lyle. They drove down from Hood River about 80 miles... we were so glad to have them!

I leave early tomorrow morning to fly back to Illinois to celebrate my sister Margie's 60th birthday. I'll try to fit in a few minutes to blog and keep in touch while I'm there... we can only wait and see!

Thank you to all of you who continued to check back while I was away... you bless my heart. I believe God has great things in store for us all in the coming year ahead. I look forward to sharing some of where He's taking me as we journey into 2008 together!

Heavenly Father,
The photos show the celebration of the blessings you've given me here on earth but they don't show the celebration of my heart for the greatest blessing of all... and that would be Jesus! Thank You for the opportunities you give us during this season and all year long to proclaim your Name and the reality that You did come to earth and walked among us so we could know You... and that You died on the cross so we could have relationship with You... and You rose from the dead so we could be born again and live with You into eternity! Thank You God for the Gift of Jesus!

Announcing November's Contest Winner... and Catching Up on the Week!

I can hardly believe it's already December 14!  I have had a phenomenal season so far... very full but very blessed. The highlights of this week (and why I haven't been able to post again) included speaking for the Hinson Baptist MOPS in Portland on Tuesday and then for the Laurelwood Baptist MOPS in Vancouver just yesterday. Both groups were awesome... and we were mutually encouraged... encouraged to keep Jesus as the center of all their Christmas activities. And we all need that reminder, don't we?

Sandwiched between these two events was Wednesday and I had so much fun spending the day with my twelve year old granddaughter Alexis!  She is going to an all night Christmas Costume Party at church and we worked together to make a gingerbread man costume for her to wear. We had such a great time together and, even though I didn't have a clue what I was doing, the costume actually turned out quite cute.

Today I'm off to help my daughter with a project she's working on but I told her I have to be done with her by 3:00 because my younger granddaughter, who is seven, called me last night and asked me if I could pick her up from school and take her Christmas shopping. Now how can I pass that up? So I'm meeting her at the flag pole at 3:15 and we're going to go have a fun time together!

So now... the moment we've all been waiting for... including myself... the winners of last months contest is... by a random draw... Jen Jahromi from North of Baltimore!  Congratulations!!  Yippee!!  Yeah!  I love contests and love picking winners!!  Jen, you are the winner!  I decided to have two winners for this contest since it's too late to do a new contest for December so the second winner of last months contest is... Kasie and I'm not sure where she lives but what is fascinating is that both of these gals are artists! Take a minute to go check them out... they both love God and love glorifying Him with their art!  Please email me with your addresses and I will send you each a Thanksgiving/Christmas Package on Monday filled with goodies from my heart and home to yours!

Well... gotta run... full day ahead!  But as you and I are busy with Christmas and the business of everyday life... I simply pray...

Heavenly Father... may the words of our lips and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing... and glorifying... to You!  Fill our mouths with praises to You... and with words of blessing to all those who cross our paths... our families, friends and even the strangers we encounter on the roads and in the stores as we go about our Christmas business!  Praise you Jesus!

A New Prize Added to the November Contest

What would our Thanksgiving Celebration be without good food and friends and family to share it with? In fact, our CARE group will be enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving feast and taking time to rejoice in God's goodness together tomorrow night... and then we'll be doing the same thing again on the 24th at Michelle's house with family. I look forward to spending the time remembering the good things God has done for each of us throughout the year and giving Him the glory and praise!

I also love knowing that both "the meals we share will be sprinkled with Love" because the love we share with one another is the greatest gift God has given us through His Son... the heart to love others as He loves us. And because this gift is one that keeps on giving... I thought how appropriate it would be to add this beautiful recipe binder to the November Contest Gift Bag!

Inside this Deluxe Recipe Binder, you'll find color coordinated paper to print or write your favorite recipes on, lots of helpful cooking tips, pocket pages to store your loose recipe clippings and cards, a shopping list and some refrigerator magnets... it truly is a beautiful gift to give and to receive. I know whoever wins it will love it for sure!

If you're trying to think of the perfect present for your kids or grandkids, I have a heart-warming idea for you to consider. How about passing down your tried and true recipes to the next generation of your family? I have had several people, over the years, buy my recipe binders for doing just that and each time someone tells me that, I think what a wonderful way to hand down a legacy of love.

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of love that you have handed down to us. How different our lives would be today if it weren't for Your Presence with us. Jesus... help us stay focused on You during this holiday season... and be your heart and hands and voice to those who need a touch of Your love in their lives. Amen.

Emmanuel Baptist and Freedom... A Privilege and Honor

I'm back... and so thankful for all God did in the hearts and lives of the wonderful women of Emmanuel Baptist Church! Jesus tells us that when we hear and receive and believe the truth... the truth will set us free and I know, without a doubt, that there are women walking around in Idaho this morning in greater freedom in Christ than they were last week! Thank you to all the women there who showed me such hospitality and opened your hearts to me in very honest and vulnerable ways.  I'm sorry to say the photos I took did not turn out well so I have none to post here.

I wrote this yesterday and got sidetracked and never pushed the publish button... so a day late but the same heart...
This morning as I continue to contemplate all that I have to be thankful for, the recognition of this Veteran's Day reminds me of all the earthly freedoms we have and I thank my God...

    1. ...for veterans and every soldier... past and present... who have served and sacrificed to protect the freedom of this country... we thank you and God bless you!

    2. ...for the blessing of living in this country where freedom is a privilege... and so often take for granted... especially the freedom of religion... the freedom to worship Jesus and gather together in His Name.

    3. ...for the freedom of choice... to choose our president and other governing officials, to choose where I live and the kind of work I do, to choose how many children I want to have, to choose when and where I want to go, and so much more.

    4. ...for the freedom of speech... being able to share my faith in Christ openly at retreats, blog it on the internet, or have a conversation at Starbucks without fear.

    5. ...for the freedom from sin and death that Christ died to give us... a freedom far greater and more glorious than all our earthly freedoms put together.

 

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
John 8:38

Thank You Father for all the freedoms that are ours in Christ and on this earth. Stir our hearts to remember more often the freedoms we take so for granted and those who fight for our freedoms... both here on earth and those who fight the fight of faith. Amen.

A Circle of Thankful Hearts and Contest Entries

Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving
and His Courts with praise!

And something wonderful happens as we hold hands... even in cyberspace... and rejoice in the Lord together!  If you have a blog and want to share your heart of thanksgiving with us and be entered in the November contest... just do a post with the title "A Circle of Thankful Hearts" and list 5 things on your blog that you're thankful for... or as many as you want... and let me know by leaving a comment and I'll add your blog to this list.  It's an incredible thing to know we can hold hands all across the country and even the world through praise and thanksgiving!  Also it would be fun to know where you're from too... so let us know!!

If you don't blog and want to be entered in the November Contest... don't worry... I would never leave you out... just see yesterday's post and comment there.

So just click on the links below to see what some of our other blogger sisters and friends are thankful for...

http://www.allendesigns.typepad.com/  Michelle... Battle Ground, WA

http://journals.aol.com/hwoodred/everyday-cookies/  Heidi... Coos Bay, OR

http://encouragementfrommyheart.blogspot.com/  Lorie... Honolulu, HI

http://girottifamily.typepad.com  Deb... Shenandoah Valley, VA

http://www.jpd.typepad.com  Jamie... Foster City, CA

http://jenjahromi.typepad.com/visionsverses/  Jen... North of Baltimore, MD

http://www.morgandenise.com/  Morgan... Kentucky

http://mrsrabe.blogspot.com/  Mrs. Rabe... PA

http://myblog2002.blogspot.com  Pia... Manila, Philippiines

http://www.geoffandmelissa.blogspot.com  Melissa... where are you from?

http://acupofjoy.wordpress.com/2007/11/14/daily-dose-of-joy-24/  Deb... where are you?

http://www.homesteadblogger.com/thisiseek  Erika

http://lulashardt.blogspot.com  Sherry... Northern California

http://www.grandmagscottage.com   Georgia

http://www.rebeccastuhlmiller.com  Rebecca

http://www.sunnydaysatthebeachblogspot.com   Carey

http://kasiesallee.blogspot.com/   Kasie

http://www.amothersapron.com   Tracylea

http://melodiesandhymnsongs.blogspot.com   Cathy

http://www.theendoftheroad.typepad.com   Lea

Only Two Days Left to Enter Oct. Contest

The response to October's Contest has been fabulous... but it's not over yet! You still have today and tomorrow to enter! I have been encouraged by every comment and blessed by the overwhelming response. I truly am sorry for not being able to personally respond to each of you but I appreciate each one of you, love to know what you're thinking and hope you know that if time allowed, we could easily become pen-pals! I'm excited to see who the winner will be!! I'll announce it on November 1.

OCTOBER HOSPITALITY
I thought you might enjoy seeing a couple of photos from my sweet friend Margaret from Australia... the land down under!  Last February I offered a digital download for a Valentine's gift box that you could make and fill with goodies for a friend and then in the spring I offered a download for a pretty pink seed packet and encouraged you to have your own garden party. Margaret loved the idea of the garden party but on her side of the world, when we are celebrating spring they are in the midst of winter... no flowers and no garden for a party! So she has held onto the art and the idea and behold... the spring flowers are blooming and so is she and her friends!

I love Margaret's creativity. She used pages from Down a Garden Path to make placemats and each woman got one that was specially chosen for who she is with the art on one side and the story on the other. She used the free stationery from my website as her menu... fun! She filled the seed packets with real seeds and the candy boxes with sweets. Faye read from Down a Garden Path while they were waiting to be served to set the heart of the party.

As each woman arrived she was ushered into the dining room to choose her own Fascinator. Now, I had never heard of a Fascinator before but they are lovely and so much fun... a little handmade hat with flowers and feathers and quite the compliment to these pretty ladies! Margaret did tell them a true fascinator has a little tulle covering the forehead and eyes but I don't think any of her friends minded.

From left to right... Janet, Eleanor, Lyn, Pam, Faye, and Margaret.
Thanks for sharing Margaret... what fun!!

Dear Lord,
I just know it blesses your heart to see your girls come together and celebrate You and the life You've given us. May we be women who open our hearts and our homes and invite into our lives other women who need a touch of love and blessing... and fun... from Your heart and ours. Amen.

Creative Day Cafe Interview

Creative Day Cafe... don't you just love that name?  It immediately makes me think of sitting at a bistro table at a sidewalk cafe surrounded by beautiful flowers with all things in my site being beautiful and inspiring... sipping an espresso and delighting in a menu of fabulous food. Well, that's what my friend, Angela Fox... lover of all things creative... had in mind when she "opened" her blog Creative Day Cafe.  She offers heaping helpings of inspiration... and her menu features people who inspire her, art that moves her, beauty that intriques her and plenty of side orders of encouragement for her fellow creatives.

So what can I say... I am honored to be included on her menu... so if you're hungry for some inspiration and encouragement you can go READ MY INTERVIEW where I talk about what creativity means to me and my creative journey with Angela at Creative Day Cafe. Bon appetit!