Religion

child abuse2

God Isn’t About Coincidence

I had just a little time available and decided to spend it at the local coffee shop indulging on a guilty pleasure and catching up on some casual reading. This simple cup of coffee would become part of a life experience I would choose to never forget. Others filled the shop making it difficult to find a seat. Glancing around, I saw young and old engaged in conversations and laughter, no empty seats were to be had. “Would you like to sit here?” a soft voice asked. I turned to see a young girl occupying a table, computer on, textbooks opened and cell phone making the occasional chirp. She was alone….until I came along. “Thanks, yes I would” I said. “I won’t be long, I just FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
walkalone1

I Will Walk Beside You

A few years ago I went shopping for a new pair of shoes, I wasn't searching for anything in particular, just something unique and special that I could wear with multiple outfits. I came across a pair of crocheted black shoes and fell in love with them. I loved them even more when I saw they came in other colors so I bought 3 pairs of the same shoe, in black, red and grey! Instead of wearing just one pair, I had the opportunity to wear all 3 pairs with many outfits.....oh, they were such comfortable, beautiful shoes! I created this card in pink which will be one of my "Cancer Cards" for this weeks Crafting for a Cure arts and crafts festival in Tampa. I loved the simplicity and elegance FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
junk journal 1

My Decision to Divorce the World

My decision to "divorce" the world was not an easy decision to make for me. I've been on a journey, and at each bend in the road I've struggled with what path to take, knowing that there was a right one and one that would be not so right. Let me explain how I arrived at this point... Several years ago I left the "corporate" world, desperate to identify where God was leading me on this journey called life. I returned to school to obtain a counseling degree, in my mind I believed that I was destined to work with foster children or broken women, or possibly as a death educator. All these options are unique to themselves but I had this "feeling", deep down inside of me that God was taking FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
Friends Box 1

Friends are Friends Forever

C.S. Lewis said “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” Friendships are so wonderful to have and for some, they are life long relationships which become a precious part of our lives. I was commissioned to create a special gift for my friend Joy which she was giving to her friend as a keepsake. Joy and her family are moving and with that, I'm sure, comes mixed emotions. You are excited for what lies ahead but also go through a bit of grieving for relationships that change because of the miles that will be between you. Joy mentioned that her friend was a support and encouragement FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
sweethourofprayer1a

Sweet Hour of Prayer

What began as a desire to use a song sheet in a card, turned into a day spent pouring over the words of this hymn, and recognizing the opportunity for a deeper, more meaningful prayer life with God. When I decide to create a card / card set that shares my faith, I am able to spend time reading Scripture, listening to music, talking with my Heavenly Father and creating. I've learned that if I don't willingly enter into a place where I can close off the world and be alone with God, my ability to create is affected. I'm blessed to have this special time with Father, it is precious and sweet to me. I grew up singing this song and hearing my father play it on the marimba. If I close my FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
cherishframe1

The Family God Plants Us Into

Have you ever wondered why God placed us into the families we belong to? Have you ever looked around at your family and thought to yourself "boy, are we different from other people..." or, "I have empathy for anyone entering into our family!" Families are a little like puzzles aren't they....each person is a part of the whole and without them, it just seems that the puzzle would never be complete. I've been blessed with an incredible family and I love everything about them. Ok, well maybe not "everything" but it's pretty darn close! lol! {They could say the same thing about me I'm sure!) The older family members are very special, they have been a part of our lives as we have grown up and share FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
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Lord, my Rock and My Reedemer

Wherever you hail from, I trust your weekend is going well! Living in Florida, we are blessed with sunny skies, a cool breeze and plenty to do! Today is a busy day for me, on my list is this post which is more of a "how to" post at the request of several followers. The "how to" is regarding this card which was displayed on our week #5 Publication Call for Parables of a Crafter! Rather than answering multiple emails, it makes better sense to just write up the "how to" for anyone wanting it and post it here!! To read more about how this card came about and the week #5 Publication Call, visit our post from yesterday! Now, on to the card! This is a squared card measuring 5 1/2" x 5 FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
thank you orange

“Thank You……God’s Special Servant”

What began as a typical week with a typical challenge became not so typical when I sat down to write this weeks blog post. I made this weeks card for the Perfect Sentiments challenge but didn't know that the two simple words used as my sentiment would create such a stirring reminder in my heart today. Please let me take a few moments to share with you the story of a mans life and the legacy he leaves behind..... "Pastor Vondel Allen" is known by many who grew up in my old home town in Maine as a pastor who had an extra special heart. I remember Pastor Allen as I traveled through life as he played a key role in several of my life experiences. The first time I walked down the aisle at FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
Ampy6

“His Voice Will Go On…..”

Time really passes by quickly doesn't it? Today, as I remember the life of my son Anthony I realize a little more than usual just how quickly we journey through our lives. Things are moving so fast it seems, as we rush through each day taking care of "things" that have made their way to the top of our list. Things such as work, cleaning, paying bills, spending time with family...this list could go on quite a bit because we fill our days with all kinds of things don't we? I had the blessed opportunity the other day to sit and listen to a beautiful lady share the story of the life and death of her own son. She voiced things that resonated with me which I've pondered over the past few days. After FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
never give up

The Dad who Could……

"I think I can, I think I can".... Wally Piper's The Little Engine That Could is one of the greatest tales of motivation and the power of positive thinking ever told.   In this well-loved classic by Wally Piper, a little train carrying oodles of toys to all of the good boys and girls is confronted with a towering, seemingly impassable mountain. As nicely as they ask, the toys cannot convince the Shiny New Engine or the Big Strong Engine--far too impressed with themselves--to say anything but "I can not. I can not." It is left up to the Little Blue Engine to overcome insurmountable odds and pull the train to the other side Fast forward to adulthood.......all grown up, feeding our FULL STORY HERE....... Read more