Cast All Your Burdens

As I write this blog post, my heart is a little bit heavy.  Which leads me to the verse 1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your burdens upon Him, for He careth for you."  I have to remind myself sometimes that I don't have to carry it alone.  He has ASKED me to lay it on Him, and I am SO grateful to serve a loving caring God who will allow me to cast my cares upon Him.

My Dad called me this evening.  He told me that he may have colon cancer.  It's not certain yet, and he will require further testing, but it still weighs on my heart.  I had the privilege and honor of praying with my Dad, and knowing that he is saved.  What a wonderful thing to know my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is in control and wants me to let Him handle what I cannot handle alone.

Today is Word Art Wednesday.  I am SO grateful for Cassandra who had the vision of starting this Christ-honoring challenge blog, and for inviting me to be a part of her Design Team where I can take God's precious Word and make it into art.  I hope that all of you will visit Word Art Wednesday and be a part of our exciting challenges.  Every week, there is a free piece of Word Art you are welcome to use (if you wish) on your project.  Here is the card I made with this week's free Word Art.

I used all Basic Grey Lemonade products, with the exception of the journaling tag which is My Mind's Eye, and some miscellaneous trims and machine sewing.

I'm entering this card in the Anything Goes Challenge at Simon Says Stamp.  Here's a link:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/02/simon-saysanything-goes.html

I'm also entering this card in Abby's beautiful and Christ-honoring Scripture Challenge.  Thanks, Abby, for being such a constant encouragement.  Here is her blog link for her challenge:
www.littlebirdieblessings.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope that when YOU are having a bad day, that you will remember to "cast all your cares upon Him".  He really does care about you.

Blessings,
Karen

Train Up a Child

Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  This is such a wonderful promise from God's Word.  Yesterday, my 12-year-old son was on Skype with his best friend, and they were doing their daily devotions together, studying and reading scriptures, reading their devotional lesson (from a book), and then prayed together. I watched silently from the doorway as tears ran down my cheeks.  I was SO blessed to see him doing this, without being asked by anyone, and knowing he has a friend who loves the Lord as well.  What a blessing to a mother's heart.  And God's Word promises me that when he is old, he will not depart from these lessons.  When I say "my cup runneth over", I really mean it.  I couldn't have felt more blessed.  The lesson they were reading was about how when they surround their lives with God's goodness, how Satan will leave them alone and God will protect them.  What a tremendous truth.  I may not be the perfect mother in many ways, but I know I've done something right.  All praise to God for children who love the Lord and live for Him.

I made this little card last night for my niece, Alexa.  I never grow tired of telling her how special she is, and how much God loves her.  She doesn't hear it from her Mother.  My brother, her Dad, takes her to Sunday School, and tries to teach her of God's love for her, but it's still good for her to hear it over and over again,  She is so special in God's eyes, and He loves her SO much.  I want her to know this beyond any shadow of a doubt, so I made this card to send this week.

I am entering this card in the challenge at Simon Says Stamp since I used three different patterned papers.  Here is the link for that exciting challenge:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/02/simon-says-use-3-different-papers.html
I'm also entering this at Paper Take Weekly.  They have a cute sketch:
http://www.papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/2012/02/sketch-65.html

I also wanted to share (at least the front cover of) this little paper bag album I made while my friend was here with me.  It's super cute, and has an insert tag for a photo or journaling.  It turned out really nice, and I can't wait to give it to someone special.  I'm entering this paper bag album in the challenge at Anything Goes Challenge Blog where you're asked to make an altered project.  I just LOVE making cuteness out of paper bags.  Here's a link to that challenge:
http://anythingchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/02/challenge-61-altered-projects.html - Altered Project

I hope you're all having a great week.  I am so grateful to be able to share the joy that I experienced yesterday through my precious son's devotions.  I hope that you all take the time to "train up a child in the way he should go" because the benefits are eternal - praise God.

Blessings,

Karen

For My Mama

When we moved away from our families in 1989, I didn't know HOW I would possibly cope without having my precious Mom around me.  I know it's been hard on her (as well as me) not being around the kids as they grew, and not being able to go for coffee or lunch, etc., but I think of her every day.  She is a tremendous blessing in my life, and I miss her so much.   She told me this morning that her shoulder has been sore.  She had a full shoulder replacement surgery about a year ago, but it looks like she will need a rotator cuff surgery to repair it.  So, my poor little Mama will be out of commission for a while.  I sat right down at my scrap table, and made her this card using her very favorite scripture:  Matthew 11:28-30.

I used THREE different Pebbles patterned papers, a MME journaling tag, two October Afternoon journaling stickers, some leaves cut from Pebbles patterned paper (that's my third patterned paper for the challenge at SSS), as well as a felt leave from Stampin' Up, some pearl stickers, jute and machine stitching.

I am entering this little card in the following challenges, and then popping it in the mail to Mama:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/02/simon-says-use-3-different-papers.html - Use Three Patterned Papers (which I did)
http://www.littlebirdieblessings.blogspot.com/2012/02/scripture-thursday-linky-party-17.html - Abby's Thursday Scripture Linky Party
http://www.stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/2012/02/challenge-127-2-cor-216b.html - Use a Flower
http://skippingstonesdesign.com/skipping-stones-sketch-challenge-116/ - Challenge #116
http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-23-2012thursday-dlart-thankful.html - Anything Goes
http://www.papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/2012/02/sketch-65.html - Sketch

Thanks so much for taking a peek.  Let's all take time today be thankful for our Moms; whether living or not - they have a profound impact on our lives.  I know I am very grateful for the Mother that God gave me, and I take very seriously MY role as a Mother.

Have a blessed day,

Karen

Word Art Wednesday

Today is Wednesday, February 22, which means it's time for a fun new challenge at Word Art Wednesday and as always, there is a free piece of scripture in word art form on the blog for you to use in your work if you want it.  You aren't required to use it, but you just need another scripture or an encouraging heart-felt sentiment for your project.  You have all week to link up, and you can win an amazing prize.

Here is the card I made using the free word art.  I hand cut some flowers from wool felt, did some stitching, and added little bits and pieces of cuteness here and there.

We really hope you will choose to play along in this week's challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  I know for me, it's such a blessing to make cards using scripture.  They can be such an encouragement.  I use them for friends at church who I know are struggling or having a hard time with one thing or another.  It's always nice to know someone cares.  Right?

I'm entering this card in two challenge.  First, in our Sister Site, Stampin' Sisters in Christ here:
http://www.stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/2012/02/challenge-127-2-cor-216b.html - Use a Flower
And also, cuz you know me SO well, at Simon Says Stamp here:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/02/simon-says-tag-it.html - Tag It
Thanks for visiting, and I sure hope to see you this week at Word Art Wednesday.
Blessings,
Karen

The Desires of Your Heart

I've always loved this verse.  When I first memorized it, I thought it meant that if I delight myself in the Lord (please Him and live for Him), that He will give me all the things my heart desires.  That's NOT what it means.  When you think about it, that way of thinking is pretty self-serving anyway, right?  What this verse really means is.....when we delight ourselves in the Lord (living right, walking with and pleasing Him in all we do), then the things we desire will be things that God causes us to desire.  Our desires will be "of God", and He will call us to desire things that are best for us.  We will be happy and blessed, but it will be because we've submitted to HIS will for us, not our own carnal desires.  I hope I explained that clearly so everyone can understand what I mean by that.  It was such a blessing to me the first time I had that verse correctly explained to me.  It makes great sense, and it also really explains HOW to obtain true happiness in our lives.  I praise God for giving me the desires of my heart.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
www.littlebirdieblessings.blogspot.com - Thursday Scripture Challenge
http://www.stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/2012/02/challenge-127-2-cor-216b.html - Use a Flower

Also, I did not hear from my original winner of the Heidi Grace stamp set.  I drew another winner, and that lucky person is Jennifer Dunn.  Please send me your mailing address, Jennifer, and I will get your stamp set in the mail.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a blessed day as you delight yourself in the Lord.

Blessings,
Karen

A Friend Loveth at All Times

Proverbs 17:17 tells us that "A friend loveth at all times".  So, I consider myself very blessed to know that I have at least one true Biblical friend.  I met Patti Lyn when we were 4 years old - that's 42 years ago now.  I picked her up at the airport yesterday evening and we've been having fun since then, and I'm looking forward to a precious week with her.  Last night when she got here, she gave me this card that she made for me.

This photo doesn't do the card justice.  It's just beautiful.  I consider myself beyond blessed to have this precious friend.  We've shared a lifetime of memories, songs, joys and triumphs and life's valleys as well - she's just always been there for me.  What a blessing to have a Proverbs 17:17 friend for life.

I'm entering this card at Diana Larson's challenge here:
http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-16-2012-thankful-thursday-new.html - Yellow with a Butterfly
My Cup Runneth Over,

Karen

A Gloomy Day Made for Snuggling and Crafting

Today is one of those "gloomy" winter days here in Las Vegas.  I know that people tend to visit Las Vegas, and that many of them have the preconceived, and wrong, idea that the weather here is always sunny and beautiful.  That's simply not the case.  Much like everywhere else in the world, we do experience "winter", or at least our version of winter.  What we occasionally get is a day like today; one with scattered showers, gloomy clouds, and a cold breeze.  We're all cozy inside, and think that's where we will stay today - all snuggled up on the couch or near the craft table.

I made this card using a beautiful line of papers and notions from Authentique.  I added some seam binding, machine stitching, the adorable new Toggle Buttons from Prima, some Bo Bunny gems, two 7 Gypsies tags, a Recollections flower, two Maya Road stick pins and a piece of Girl's Paperie patterned paper on the background.  The reason I incorporated the 7 Gypsies vintage tags is because I am entering this card in the challenge this week at Simon Says Stamp where they are asking you to use tags.

You can read all about their fun challenge by clicking on the following link:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/02/simon-says-tag-it.html - TAG IT
I'm also entering the Authentique Challenge since most of my supplies were Authentique products.
http://blog.authentiquepaper.com/2012/02/february-sketch-challenge.html - Sketch Challenge

Thanks for stopping by.  It's always a blessing to hear your sweet comments.  Have a wonderful day.

Hugs,
Karen

Word Art Wednesday

Today is Wednesday which means it's a new challenge at www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.  Each Wednesday there is a new piece of free scripture/word art for you to use on your project if you would like to.  You're not required to use it, but it's there for you if you would like.

Here is the card I made using this week's art.

Thanks for stopping by to take a look, and we really would love to have you join in the challenge this week. 

Blessings,

Karen

Blog Candy Winner

I would like to personally thank all of you who participated in the Word Art Wednesday/Stampin' Sisters in Christ Blog Hop.  You all worked so hard hopping and commenting.  We really appreciate your involvement, and the winner has been posted on the Word Art Wednesday Blog. 

The winner of my Blog Candy - The Heidi Grace stamp set - is Kathy W from Winter Creations.  I hope you will leave me a comment here by Sunday, February 19, Kathy, so that I can contact you for a mailing address.  I really do appreciate all of you for commenting.  I will be visiting every single blog; and I look forward to getting to know some of you better.  I hope you will also continue to visit me here as well.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
http://www.stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/2012/02/challenge-126-job-821.html - Celebrate Life
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/02/simon-says-love-is-in-air.html - Love is in the Air

Thanks again for stopping by today, and a special word of thanks to those who commented or hopped in the blog hop.

Blessings,
Karen

It's BLOG HOP Time

Welcome to our first ever BLOG HOP at Word Art Wednesday and Stampin' Sisters in Christ.  This hop was created to celebrate LOVE - the LOVE of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  We hope you are enjoying the hop so far.  If you came here from Wendy's Blog, you're in the right place.  If you just found the hop, please go back to Word Art Wednesday to start again.  You need to leave a comment on each blog to be eligible for the Grand Prize.  The Grand Prize winner will be announced February 14 on the Word Art Wednesday Challenge Blog.

We really hope that you will become familiar with Word Art Wednesday and stop by each week to play along in our challenges.  We offer a free piece of word art each Wednesday to use on  your project if you want it.  We just want you to make beautiful art using scripture or encouraging sentiments.  We hope you will join the fun.

In addition to the Grand Prize, I am also giving away this beautiful stamp set from Heidi Grace.  It is the Wild Daisy Road clear stamp set.  All you have to do to be eligible to win this beautiful stamp set is:
1.  Become a follower of my blog (if you aren't already)
2.  Leave a comment
3.  Check back on Tuesday, February 14, to see if you're a winner.

OK, next on the Blog Hop is the talented Marilynn DeGroot.  Here is a link to her beautiful blog:
Marilynn's Blog

We sure hope you're enjoying the Blog Hop. We hope to see you again soon at Word Art Wednesday.  By the way, here is a link to enter our current challenge:  Challenge #14

I'm also entering my project in the challenge at Simon Says Stamp:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/02/simon-says-love-is-in-air.html
Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy the hop.

Karen

Love Is In The Air

Today starts a new challenge at Shelly's Images Blog and our theme is a Color Challenge:  Red, Pink and White.  The Design Team used Shelly's darling "Love" image.  This image is perfect for making that special card for your sweetheart on Valentine's Day.  You can purchase this, and dozens of other lovely images, at Shelly's Images Store - there's a great selection.

I hope you will stop by to enter this fun challenge and see all the beautiful inspiration from the Design Team at Shelly's Images.  We always have something fun going on - so please join us for another amazing week.

I'm entering this card in the challenge at Simon Says Stamp:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/02/simon-says-love-is-in-air.html

Have a blessed day.

Karen

I Know My Redeemer Lives

It's Word Art Wednesday, and time for another challenge at our amazingly fun Challenge Blog that you can read all about here:  www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com and you're welcome to use this free piece of word art for your project.  The only requirement we ever have for our challenges is that you use a Biblical scripture or an encouraging quote.  That's why Cassandra offers the free word art each week, but you're not required to use it.  We always offer a great prize to one of our lucky entrants, so please stop by and play along.  We're always blessed by your beautiful art, and we appreciate your participation.

When I saw the word art for this week, it immediately made me think of the beautiful song by Nicole C. Mullen.  It's a powerful and beautiful song, and a wonderful piece of scripture.  This is what separates Christians from other religions.  We don't worship a figure who is dead, like so many other world religions.  We worship a risen, living, powerful Savior.  Jesus Christ, God in human flesh, Who came to earth to pay the penalty for our sins so that we could get to Heaven, and when He rose from the grave, He was seen by hundreds of eye witnesses.  I KNOW MY REDEEMER LIVES.


Because Jesus is my FIRST LOVE, and I want to share His love with others, I am entering this card in the Simon Says Stamp Challenge.  http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/02/simon-says-love-is-in-air.html - Love Is In the Air

Thanks for stopping by today, and I hope you will stop by Word Art Wednesday to play along and to check out the inspiration from our wonderful Design Team.  We also have our Valentine's Blog Hop coming up this Thursday, February 9-13.  We have several awesome prizes to be won, and we hope YOU will join in the fun.

Have a great week.

Karen

Awesome Products

I just wanted to make a quick post to mention some of my favorite products. First, I wanted to tell you about The Twinery where you can get high-quality beautiful colors of Baker's Twine.  I also wanted to say that a new friend I met on-line has a LARGE QUANTITY of The Twinery's delightful Baker's Twine for sale at discounted prices.  Her name is Devon Hickman, and you can purchase her beautiful baker's twine by contacting her at dvnmre@yahoo.com - She has all 18 of their beautiful colors available for sale in quantity.

Next, I want to mention Papertrey Ink where you can buy gorgeous vintage buttons, wool felt, AWESOME metal die-cuts, darling stamp sets, and SO much more.

Another great web-site is Prairie Point Junction Wool Felt where I've purchased the most beautiful vibrant colors of quality wool felt at tremendous prices.  If you sign up for their newsletter, you will get  a discount coupon for a special savings off your ordrer.  These beautiful wool felt sheets are superb for use in your die-cut machines.  Cheaper felt will usually not cut properly in your Cuttlebug (or other cutter), but wool felt can be cut through beautifully, and theirs is the best I've ever found (besides PTI, but in larger quantities).  This wool felt is truly awesome.

Last, but certainly not least, is my favorite on-line store, Simon Says Stamp which carries almost everything a scrapper/card-maker could possibly want.  They have great prices, an incredible selection, and the most popular new items - as well as some of the old favorites.

Another favorite is my hand-made scrunched seam binding, which I use on so many of my projects. I make my own, and if anyone wishes to order some, please let me know. I make a rainbow of colors, which you've seen on my work.  I'd love to make some for you.

These are a few of my favorite things, and I just wanted to share them with you.  I also want to shout,"WOO HOO" from the mountain tops.  I won the challenge this week at Paper Take Weekly and won myself a $20 gift voucher to Simon Says Stamp.  I'm so happy, grateful and honored.

I hope you get a chance to check out these great sites.  Blessings to you all,

Karen

Believe

I never want to stop believing in the things God has promised me.  Life often gets difficult, and your faith us shaken, but I want to keep my faith as strong as God's unchanging love for me.  It's so easy to BELIEVE when you  just think about all the things in our lives where He continually blesses us.

I've been having such fun with the sketch at Paper Take Weekly that I wanted to make just one more card for the challenge.  The colors are very different for  me, but I like it.  It's nice to have something different.

http://www.papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/2012/01/sketch-64.html - Sketch #64 is just SO cute.  Please stop by and check it out and play along.  Here is my card.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog to say hello.  I hope that you will always BELIEVE in the things God has done for you, and show your faith to others.  You never know how much you will encourage others just by believing.

Have a great day!

Karen

Loving Papertrey Ink

I just love paper crafting, and along with that comes falling in love with certain products and certain companies.  One of my very favorites, way at the top of my "must have" list is Papertrey Ink.  They have gorgeous products.  If you've never seen them, you will most definitely want to check them out here:
www.papertreyink.com - Some of my most favorite of their products include their awesome metal die cuts.  They are very reasonably priced, too.  I'm also in love with their wool felt, vintage buttons, and so much more.  I would buy one of everything (if I could).

This card was completely inspired by one of their awesome Design Team Members, Ashley Cannon-Newell.  She did a tutorial on this card showing how to make the flowers from the PTI wool felt.  My card didn't turn out as cute as hers, but I still love it.  She gets the credit for creativity on this one, but it was just too cute for me not to attempt recreating this one.   It also uses their awesome  button card die cut and stamp set - another "must have".

I also made another project using a floral die cut set and more of their precious wool felt.  I placed it all on a glassine bag so that I could tuck a gift inside for someone.  The ideas are simply endless.  You can read all about the challenge here:  http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/papertrey-my-favorite-things.html - Favorite Things

I'm playing along in their new release give-aways in the hopes of winning ANYTHING from this amazing company.  I could almost cry just thinking of all the beautiful things I woud love to own from their collection.  I'm sure you will feel the same way once you stop and check out their products.  A special THANK YOU to Nicole Heady and the awesome PTI Design  Team for all their inspiration.


Thanks for taking a peek, and have fun visiting their beautiful website.

Blessings,
Karen

God is SO Good

God is just SO GOOD - ALL of the time.  Life will always have its ups and downs, and "things" will happen where Satan will try to discourage you.  But God is ALWAYS good, and He will always see you through any struggle that comes your way.  Don't let anything cause you to doubt God's deep and unchanging love for you.  Remember that there is ALWAYS so much for which we should give Him thanks.

I'm just loving the sketch this week at Paper Take Weekly.  This card was made using the sketch.  I used Pebbles, Inc. patterned papers, some Girls Paperie embellishments, a Melissa Frances rub-on, and Websters Pages resin flowers, along with machine stitching.  You can read all about the challenge here:
http://www.papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/2012/01/sketch-64.html - Sketch #64

As I've said before, I need to stock up on thank-you cards.  I always like to let people know (by sending a little card) that I appreciate their kindness.  I think it's important to let people know when they've been a blessing to you.  And don't forget to thank God for His goodness towards you.  It's one of life's greatest blessings.

My Cup Runneth Over,

Karen

Key To My Heart

I've been lucky enough to have been married to my sweet husband for over 26 years.  He's my best friend, and he's always there for me.   His birthday is just four days before Valetnine's Day, so when I make "love" cards, I always think of him.  I am so blessed to have him in my life, and I thank God every day for blessing me with such a wonderful man.

This week at Shelly's Images, we were given the "Key To My Heart" Images to use on our project.  You can stop by the store Shelly's Images Store and check out this, and all her great images to purchase for your projects.  You can also visit the blog here Shelly's Images Blog Challenge to enter the current challenge, and to see the Design Team's awesome work.  We hope you will stop by and play along.

Thanks for stopping by to say hello and for your sweet comments which I appreciate SO much.  I look forward to visiting your blogs today as well.  Enjoy the rest of your week.

Hugs,

Karen

The Joy of the Lord is My Strength

It's Wednesday again, and that means - it's Word Art Wednesday, and today starts a brand new challenge at the Word Art Wednesday Blog which you can enter by clicking on this link: 
www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com and join in on all the fun with us.  We are always looking for people who will join our weekly challenges where the only requirement is to use Biblical scripture or an encouraging sentiment in your art.  Every week, we offer free word art that you are welcome to use on your project, but you are not required to use it.  It's just there to inspire you if you want it.   Here is the card that I made for the challenge using the word art which is a verse from Nehemiah 8:10.  I used a piece of patterned paper from My Mind's Eye for the background, and then three pieces of patterned paper from Authentique, Melissa Frances and Bazzill that were punched using a Martha Stewart decorative border punch and covered in jute.  I cut the journaling spot from a Sizzix die-cut, and cut the flower from the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die-cut.  I also machine stitched the card.

I'm entering this card in the following challenge:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/01/simon-saysanything-goes.html - Anything Goes

I also made this Thank You card.  It seems that every time I need a thank you card, I never have enough on hand.  Perhaps that's a good thing, since it means I'm grateful A LOT, and constantly sending out cards to thank others for their goodness towards us.  No doubt, this one will find its way to someone who has been a blessing to me.  God is just SO GOOD.

This second card is based on a delightful sketch at Paper Take Weekly, and I am entering it in their challenge, which you can read all about by clicking on this link:
http://www.papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/2012/01/sketch-64.html - Sketch #64

I really hope that you will stop by Word Art Wednesday and get involved in our weekly challenge.  We need "regulars" in our challenges, and there are some awesome prizes to be won,  We also have an amazingly fun Blog Hop starting February 9.  We would be thrilled to have you be a part of all the fun at Word Art Wednesday.

Thanks for visiting, and have a great day.  May God richly bless your day.

Blessings,

Karen