Sometimes it is the destinations that are out of our reach that create the circumstances God uses to remind us that we are never out his reach. Andy Stanley

Snow!

As anyone who knows me knows, I hate cold weather. Most people who know me think I really hate snow, too. I don't hate snow - as long as I don't have to spend any time in it. After living in it for a while, all I see is grey, dirty, cloudy, depressing . . . well, you get the picture! lol

However . . . (ready?), when it's falling, and just after it falls, it truly is a spectacular beauty that takes my breath away. We left Mississippi Monday about 9:30pm and drove straight through to northeast Ohio, arriving about 1:30pm central time. It was raining when we left home, and still raining when we arrived in Ohio. Yep, that's right. Sixteen hours of driving in the rain. Fun, huh? But about an hour after we got to my SIL's house, the magic began. The rain changed over to snow and by late afternoon it was all snow, the biggest snowflakes I had ever seen!

Photographing snowflakes is not my forte. But I did get a couple that I thought were neat. Hope you enjoy! This was before dark.

This was after dark with a flash.

Look at the size of those snowflakes! Awesome! As always, the pictures are clickable to get a bigger view! I'll get around to some Christmas posts sometime! Hope your holidays  have been beautiful, peaceful and filled with joy. God is so good!

Blessings,
Renea

Jesus. My friend. Guide. Brother. Hope. Peace. Comforter. Protector. Mighty Warrior. Father. Savior. Redeemer. My Jesus. Thank you.

Change

I hate it. Change, that is. It depresses me, stresses me, and generally makes me angry, unhappy and pretty hard to get along with. The whole lot of it just bothers me. Today marks a huge change for my husband and me. We will be attending a new church beginning next Sunday after 16 years in the same church. I should be excited about the opportunity. I'm trying to be excited. But it's change. I just don't like it. Not that change is always bad. This change is for the best. I know that. I believe that. I'm satisfied that we made the right decision. But it's still change. I have to make new friends. I have to find new things to be involved in. I have to learn a whole new set of things that I need to say 'no' to. (Saying 'no' has never been my specialty. 'Oh, sure, I can handle that!' - whatever 'that' happens to be. Who needs sleep? lol)

Yesterday, Christmas eve, during a communion service at my daughter's church, I was reminded once again that change is often a beautiful thing. Can you imagine the frightening changes that Mary had to go through? How terrifying her future must have looked through her human eyes. She was just a young girl, a teenager! And, Joseph, bless his faithful heart! He must have been crazy in love with her! He wanted to "put her away quietly", ie. send her somewhere to avoid the gossip and ridicule he knew was coming. Have you ever realized that the night Jesus was born, Joseph was in his home town? He had family there. As a matter of fact, his whole family had been ordered to be there to have their taxes assessed. Yet, not one of them could find room in their home to let him and his nine-month pregnant fiance sleep. So, here is this teenage girl, who has never had sex, alone with a man she is engaged to but not married to, in a cave with filthy animals, after traveling about 3 days on a donkey or walking, without a midwife or her mom or a best friend, and she's in labor. Don't you think maybe once or twice she and Joseph had to think, 'God, are you serious? Really? This is your idea of bringing Messiah to our people?'

But aren't we grateful that Mary and Joseph accepted what they were facing and were obedient to God's call on their lives? Because of the changes they were willing to make in THEIR plans, forsaking THEIR dreams and plans and accepting God's plan, the Savior came! Yes, change can really be a beautiful thing. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior then you know this to be true. I'm so thankful that God loved me enough to accept me the way I was and continues to love me as I try to become all that He created me to be. I have much to learn. I never want to stop the changing process. It scares me half to death but I know it has to happen. As my husband and I embark on a new adventure I know there will be challenges. But God will be with us every step. I know I will still have some moments of discomfort. But I also know that every time we are obedient to God's call on our lives, the blessings always outweigh the fears and frustrations. I pray that whatever changes you are facing this Christmas, that you fall on His grace, stand on His promises, and trust in His faithfulness to get you through it.

Blessings and a very merry Christmas,
Renea

Jolie - Grammie! Is that Rudolph the nose red reindeer?

There are still 15-20 lambs not adopted on the tree at Walmart in Flowood. Any help would be appreciated!

Incredible give away!

This is an awesome give away from Courtney at Webster's Pages! You should totally check it out!
http://courtneywalsh.typepad.com/telling_stories/2011/12/handmade-holiday-giveawayfor-the-creative-in-your-life.html#comment-6a00d8341c1a6753ef01675e9a7b1b970b

Life isn't fair . . .

In Dec 2008, our middle daughter gave birth to the most beautiful little creature I had ever seen. Just in case you don't know the background, Jolie was born premature and with a lateral cleft. The surgeon did a magnificent job of repairing her little mouth, so much so that most people don't even notice the scar. I knew the day would come when someone, or she, would notice it. I wish I could say I had prepared for that. But, truthfully, she is so beautiful and full of life that I just hadn't thought about it much.

Well, the day arrived. I don't know if a child in her class said something or if she just looked in the mirror and saw something that was different from the other kids. But it happened. A few weeks ago I was on the phone with my daughter when Jolie asked to cover her scar with a bandaid. I can't tell you how many people told me how different your feelings are for your grandchildren than they were for your children. I adore my kids. But my grandkids hold a place in my heart that I can't even begin to put in words. It hurt when someone was mean to my kids. Or when life just wasn't fair. But in comparison, oh just rip my heart out and stomp on it! I know Jolie will be ok. She is resilient and smart and funny, and she truly is beautiful. But the thought of her being hurt literally reduced me to tears, lots of tears. All the mama lion instincts in me rose up like a raging storm. I wanted to go marching up to her preschool and scream at the kids in her class. Now how silly is that? I opted instead to tell my daughter to let Jolie know next time she brings up her scar that Papa, (her hero), thinks she is the most beautiful little girl in the whole world, even prettier than all the Disney princesses, (her idols). That seemed a little more reasonable and healthy than beating up a bunch of four year old kids. 

I always told my kids, "life isn't fair; deal with it." I know that sounds cruel but it's true. Expecting life to be fair is unrealistic. People will do mean things. Problems will arise. Bad things will happen. A couple of months ago I heard a quote on "Blue Bloods" that has replaced my 'deal with it' mantra. "Life isn't fair, but you can be." Gotta love wise words coming out of the mouth of Tom Selleck, right? lol

We can't always expect 'fair' from others. But living with the assurance that God is always fair, that His love is never conditional, that His mercy is unending, and that His grace is sufficient, makes being fair with others much easier.

Blessings!
Renea

He'll break open the skies to save those who cry out His name. The One the winds and waves obey is strong enough to save you!

Never forsaken

"Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you." Joshua 1:5b

My husband and I both have had a tendency in the past to hoard 'things.' His stemmed from a lifetime of moving around. His father was an amazing man who dedicated his life to ministering to others. He was one of the most brilliant men I've ever known. His incredible gift for seeing things as they really were, and how to make them what they needed to be, covered every imaginable skill. Building things, repairing just about anything, and seeing deep spiritual solutions that others couldn't even comprehend, made him a sought after pastor for churches in crisis. He could walk into a board meeting with heated division and see what needed to be done. And he set about to make it happen. Once that had taken place, he was called to go somewhere else. My husband learned by experience that nothing remained the same. So his solution was to just keep everything in stacks, or as I affectionately refer to them, piles, because he didn't see the need to put away what was just going to be moved again. I can laugh about it now but it used to really drive me crazy!

My experience was just the opposite. My parents lived in the same house from the time I was 2 years old until I was in my 30s. Every year during the holidays we did the same thing. Thanksgiving at my maternal grandparent's house, Christmas eve at home, Christmas day at my dad's sister's house. All of these holidays were filled with aunts, uncles and cousins, the same ones every year. We attended the same church my entire life. I had the same neighbors for most of my life. I had the kind of stability as a child that most people can't even comprehend these days. But my life fell apart just before my 30th birthday. Divorce. Single parenthood. A date rape and pregnancy. More single parenthood. Then I met my wonderful husband, fell in love, got married and lived happily ever after! Well, at least mostly. lol

So why did I hang on to so much 'stuff' from my past? While my husband clung to things because they were fleeting, I clung to things because they had been what I saw as my stability. I wanted my children to see the 'stuff' they had as children, smell the holiday meals that were so familiar to me, sense the everyday commonness of the iron bed I slept in at Grandma's house, hear the mantel clock strike the hour in the main room of her house. I wanted little old ladies to hug my children on Sunday mornings and tell them they remembered when they just little and still in diapers. My sense of loss had been so frightening to me that I was afraid if I let go of the 'things' that I would have nothing to hold on to. My husband and I both, unintentionally and unknowingly, confused the lines between what is of value and what matters.

As we head into the season of Christmas, I challenge you to look for the things that really matter. As it has been said, no one will say on their death bed that they wish they had spent more time at work, or whatever it is that keeps you from participating in the activities that will make life-long memories for your family. Make time to snuggle with your spouse, read a book to your child or grand-child, make cookies for the senior adult in your neighborhood, sing Christmas carols, go look at some pretty lights. After all, Christmas really does only come once a year. You don't want January to get here and you realize you missed all the fun!

All the stuff will go away sooner or later. But God will never leave you or forsake you. Enjoy the beauty of the season. But most of all, steal away for a little while just to be alone with God, and be amazed at who He really is.

Blessings!
Renea

Tim's tags, day 3

This man is a genius. That's all I can say, except, wow . . .
http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/12/12-tags-of-christmastag-3.html

A joyful heart . . .

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 NASV

I found all of this in an old box that has been stored at my house for, (embarrassed cough), about 25 years. Wow. I sewed for many years before I was a scrapbooker. They've all been washed and cleaned up now, ready for my craft room. As I was going through these, (side note - Boxes are not good places to store things long term. It was gross!), several things occurred to me.

This box was from a very different time period in my life. Back then money was so tight that I literally never threw anything away. I was reminded of how resourceful I can be when necessary. These are some of the 'containers' that I had used for storage. 

Necessity is the  mother of invention, right? It was a rather comical reminder to me that even in the hard times, God is still faithful. We were so poor back then that I'm amazed we didn't starve to death! One year as we were wrapping presents, (ie- clearance items I had picked up over the entire year so the kids would have something to open Christmas morning!), we ran out of tape. We had no money to go buy more. My mom owned a florist so I did have an abundance of ribbon. That year I taught our oldest how to wrap presents without tape by tying the ribbon around the box! We still laugh about it.

Marie Osmond's book, "Might as Well Laugh About It Now" is one of the current books on my stack of reading material. The title is from her outlook on life: "You're going to laugh about it someday . . . Might as well laugh about it now." My husband has told me about a million times over the last 22 years that 'it's' going to get better, referring to whatever 'it' was troubling us most at the time. Usually I've doubted his sanity. He's been right every time. Granted, things may have gotten much worse before they got better. But eventually, 'it' always got better.

Funny how that happens. The truth is that life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes those downs are extremely painful. Loss hurts. Fear can sometimes grip us so tightly that we can't even breathe. In those times, I'm trying to take Marie's advice these days. Go ahead and laugh, even if it's through the tears. Look for the bright spots through the pain. Cherish the happy memories but don't forget to make new ones. Let go of yesterday's hurt and look forward to tomorrow's sunshine. And just remember, like my sweet hubby says, it's gonna get better!

 Blessings!
Renea

The riches of Your love will always be enough. Nothing compares to Your embrace. Light of the world, forever reign!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I've been a little MIA for a while. Just so busy with work, home, family, all the usual. But I wanted to take a minute to say I hope everyone had a wonderful day. I hope you took a minute to count your blessings and reflect on God's gracious love for you. And, I hope you didn't eat so much that you're miserable now! lol

We will actually had a quite day at home working on a few projects. My family is getting together Sat for the big turkey meal, after which I'm sure I will be miserable!

And remember, don't spend all your money on the black Friday sales! I've got some goodies coming up soon that you're going to want!

Blessings!
Renea

Just saw the most beautiful thing, a man walking to church with his 2 children, bible in one hand, his little girl's hand in his other.

It's official!

The holidays have officially arrived at the Smith house. My first batch of pumpkin bread, partially iced here, to send to my husband's office and my daughter's office tomorrow. (I forgot to photograph the blueberry pie my other daughter took to school today.)

Christmas is right around the corner!

Class Calendar!

The north Jackson Michaels class calendar is now available on-line! W00T!!!
http://www.michaels.com/on/demandware.static/Sites-Michaels-Site/Sites-Michaels-Library/default/documents/calendars/stores/Event_Calendar_Store_2877.pdf

Cool tutorial on using Tim Holtz' Rock Candy Crackle

This is so neat! A new way to use Rock Candy crackle!

http://tammytutterow.typepad.com/tammy_tutterow/2011/11/tuesday-tutorial-frosty-deboss.html

'There is no pit so deep that my God is not deeper still.' Corrie ten Boom

November classes

I'm working on getting my Nov classes posted. I have next week up now. Not too late to sign up! All classes listed are at Michaels North Jackson, corner of Ridgeway and County Line Rd.

Oops.

I'm trying to rework my blog. Not working out so well. Patience, please, as I try to figure out what I did wrong. (That was more for me than anyone else. lol)

I'm wearing my own personal costume creation: band wife. Lol

Headed to Underground 119 to hear my hubby play with Raphael Semmes and other cool guys!

I found a sticky that sticks to the non-stick craft mat. Stencil spray adhesive. You can get it off but takes effort. Leave it to me! My gift! Lol

My classes today, Michaels N. Jackson: 1pm Cricut Test Drive-learn the Cricut; 4pm Christmas Tags Tim Holtz Style-fun techniques.

Better is one day Your courts, better is one day in Your house than thousands elsewhere.

He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures. My chains are gone. I've been set free. Unending love, amazing grace!

Praying today for Pastor Dave and Pam Garner as they embark on a new adventure with God that takes them closer to grandkids!

Warning. When using Mexican vanilla in uncooked recipes, you might want to use less than called for. Powerful stuff. Oops.

Texted my husband that the bridge on our street is closed. His reply, 'take the long way home.' #Marriedtoamusician

Lions! Tigers! And bears, oh my! Running lose in Ohio!

There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary, love for the broken heart. There is mercy and healing, grace and forgiveness. Cry out to Jesus.

My dad has lost 2 siblings in 4 weeks. So thankful today for my family's Christian heritage and the promise of heaven.

My thoughts exactly. 'I cannot imagine life without books any more than I can imagine life without breathing.' Terry Brooks

My knight! My prince! Hubby is finishing the bacon. I love you more than you know right now, Dear!

Aloe vera plant growersand producers rock. Amen.

When I fry bacon, I'm sure there's a pig somewhere with a voodoo doll of me. Hot grease just landed on a paper cut. Evil pig.

Frying bacon is Extraordinarily stressful for me!

@louiegiglio: Continuing to stand with Iranian Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, sentenced to die for faith! Let's speak up! bit.ly/pyjlAB

'We don't find answers so much in what we already know as in what we think might be.' Terry Brooks

Lol. 'Actually my family and friends like me well enough, but they think I am weird. Or at least peculiar. I can't blame them.' Terry Brooks

Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Thy commandments. Ps 119:66

Praying today for students who had the courage to stand for their beliefs and pray for their schools this morning at 'See You at the Pole.'

My chains are gone. I've been set free. My God, my Saviour, has ransomed me. And like a flood, His mercy reigns. Unending love. Amazing grace.

Are you a more advanced scrapbooker? Want to try something new? Altered canvas trio class today,6pm Michaels N. Jxn.

Want to start scrapbooking? Don't know where to start? Come take my workshop tom 10-5 at Michaels N. Jxn!

Got dessert and drinks delivered to Crys' class. She was thoroughly embarrassed. My day is complete. Lol

MY BABY IS 21 TODAY! Happy birthday, Crystal!

Wondering if panic mode is justified because they forgot my extra espresso shot in my latte. I may need therapy.

Thankful today for love, life, and freedom from the debt of my past sin.

'Down these mean streets a man must go who himself is not mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid.' Def of a hero quote from Blue Bloods.

'Down these mean streets a man must go who himself is not mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid.' Def of a hero quote from Blue Bloods.

Today I have been married to the man of my dreams, my own personal Prince Charming, for 22 short years. So blessed.

Love this quote

This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind…let it be something good. Author Unknown.
 

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing. Our helper, He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.

Numbers . . .

Numbers fill our lives. So many areas of our lives are dominated by them. This past week, like most Americans, I was consumed with the numbers of 9/11/2001. The date. The time. The flight numbers. How many died. How many were never accounted for. How many rescued. How many still deployed fighting for our freedom.

But the number I was most consumed with this past week was ONE. On that dreadful morning, I was glued to the TV with my husband and father-in-law. I saw the second plane hit, live. It was all so surreal. Then a few minutes later I was jolted out of my state of shock and filled with complete horror. It was only a few brief seconds. But there, right in front of me, on live tv, I watched as one person jumped to his death from around the 100th floor. THAT ONE person is what I remember most from the whole day. I don't know his name, race, social status, family history, or anything else about him. But I watched as he chose to end his life by jumping rather than burning to death in the inferno of the tower.

As I pondered this for most of last week, it struck me how most numbers have a greater impact on us as they get larger. Weight. Blood pressure. Bank account. Age. Miles traveled. Years married. How many grandchildren. But it struck me as odd that the incredibly large numbers related to human suffering seem to be so overwhelming that they just float off into the oblivion of memory.  How many people die every year of starvation, disease, abuse, murder, war? Yet for most of us, it doesn't really affect our daily activity unless it involves that ONE that we know, love, care for. For me, 9/11 is all about that ONE man. Every one who died that day was that ONE for someone. A spouse, child, brother or sister, co-worker. I believe this is much like how our Father sees things. We see a huge tragedy, thousands killed, our nation rocked to it's core. God sees that ONE, every single ONE, individually, as his child. Not just on 9/11, but every day.

There is no real comforting thought here that makes everything ok. Horrible things happen, even to the best of people. Yet I know that above all things, God is sovereign. I am so overwhelmed and in awe of how He loves. And I am confident that I can believe in things hoped for and things unseen because He has proven His faithfulness to me. My heart breaks for those who lost loved ones on 9/11 and since then. But I hope that the lesson in all of this for me is that, like that ONE who has kept those memories so real from that day, that I will view other tragic events in the same light. I don't want to get lost in the large numbers. Every life lost has meaning. Every soul saved is reason for rejoicing. We live in a world that is dying to find hope and I know where it's found. I pray that I find courage to share with those I come in contact with. Make me a light in the darkness, Father!  

May God continue to bless America, but mostly, may He have mercy on us.

Renea

Praise be to the Father who is able to do exceedingly more than we could ever think or imagine! And imagine pretty well. L3, Eph 3

Great open house today at Michaels north Jackson store. Looking forward to awesome classes this month and in Oct!

'Every blessing You pour out I'll turn back to praise. When the darkness closes in, Lord, still I wilk say, blessed be Your name!' Tree 63

Just in case you didn't see - Michaels is having open house Saturday, Sept. 10th, 1-3pm for the classroom. All class registrations will be half price, even for Oct classes! Come sign up for scrapbook classes! We have a bunch of them to choose from! I teach at the County Line store in north Jackson.

So cool to hear Tim Holtz's voice on the intercom at Michaels!

Praying for those who've suffered from the wildfires in Texas.

Come to Michaels tomorrow! 10am-noon for demos and MITI. Class open house 1-3. Class reg for Sept and Oct half price!

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, oh Lord, my rock and redeemer.

Oh, my God, He will not delay. My refuge and strength always. Always.

Howard Jones Jazz featuring my most amazing Hubby on keys playing today at Tommy Jones Blues Festival in Terry at 2:15!

Don't let where you are now keep you from going where God wants you to be. Craig Curtis

A couple times a year I just give in, take migraine meds and eat a big bite of Hershey's. Mmmmm. Consequences will follow.

In the dead of night whenever you call, please don't fight these hands that are holding you. My hands are holding you.10thavenorth

So excited that I can set my alarm to 'off' for in the morning! It's the little things . . .

Praying today for families in crisis. For wisdom and peace that only comes from the Father.

I must learn to step away from the bling on projects! But isn't more always better? Lol

Turn your ears to heaven and hear the noise in silence. Oh, how constant, how divine! Oh, praise Him! He is holy! David Crowder

His mercy is always greater than all your wrong choices. You can come as you are and hear the sound of love. -Pocket Full of Rocks

All of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory.

COME CROP WITH US TODAY AT MICHAELS! North Jackson location. 1 to 7.

Wow. Almost 1000.00 in HCC bookstore and still counting. I'm in the wrong line of work. Need to go into college textbook sales.

A desperate need right now!

My dear friends, Charlotte and Roy Wingard, inner city missionaries in Jackson, are in desperate need of some financial support right now. Due to the economy, they have lost some of their support and are really in a bind. Please consider helping. They do an incredible work with people that many of us wouldn't let near us! My family has worked with them for many years and continue to be amazed at how God uses them.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions! You can copy and paste the link below to see the note from Charlotte. The second link is to their website just in case you don't have facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/?sk=inbox&action=read&tid=id.180194095386732

www.wingardhome.org

To all plumbers, let me just say God bless you for your service to humanity and may you live long and prosper. Dirty job. Seriously.

So incredibly sad what happened in Indiana last night. Praying for the injured and the families of those who died in this tragedy.

God's timing is perfect. So is His sense of direction.

Praying today for families in crisis. From abuse, abandonment and addiction to hope, healing, and security in Christ.

I seriously think that was the best concert I've ever been to! And sitting with 3 musicians who knew every song made it even more fun!

So excited! Headed to hear CHICAGO with my sweet Hubby! Woot! Thank you, J.P.!

Into the darkness You shine. Out of the ashes we rise. There's no one like You! Our God is greater, stronger, higher than any other!

Don't forget . . .

You can still get in on a couple of classes this month! And don't forget the Crop on Sat. this month instead of Fri.

Punch Around the Page, Martha Stewart Crafts, Friday, August 19th, 3:00-5:00 - Learn how versatile and fun it is to use Martha's Punch Around the Page and go home with a couple of gorgeous cards! These are beautiful punches that add so much to your pages and cards, even home decor! $10.00 plus class kit
*Punches do not come in the kit. You may use the ones we have in the classroom before you buy.

Glitter Class, Martha Stewarts Crafts, Saturday, August 20th, 10:00-Noon - Did you know that there are several different types of glitter? Learn the differences and how they work in this class and some cool techniques for applying glitter to your projects! $10.00 plus class kit

CROP! Saturday, August 20th, 1:00-9:00 - A whole 8 hours of fun cropping time!!!!! Come on out and play! $5.00

Praying today for fatherless children, particularly in Jackson. 'The fatherless find their rest in Your great name.'

Praying today for students, faculty and admin who returned to school today, specifically for safety and protection this year.

You make beautiful things out of the dust. You make beautiful things out of us. You are making me new!

Today praying for Pastor Bob and Carolyn Lanier and their family as they minister at One Accord Church, church plant in south Jackson.

Finally pics of the Paper Bag Mini Album

This is my cover. I made mine about my family trip to D.C. last year.

There's lots of hidden pages for extra pics and journaling! (And, of course, I had to pick the page that I messed up with a stamp to photograph! lol

Each of those half circles pulls out another page!

And there are little slide out pages, too!

Texture Wow Class pictures!

Daniel, my nephew this spring at Bellingrath Gardens.

The always adorable Jolie, my granddaughter, eating candy from her Easter basket. This is her, "I'm done smiling now" face! lol

New Classes!

These are my August classes at Michaels:

Paper Bag Mini Album, Friday, August 5th, 3:00-5:00  - This is a great version of the paper bag album. You can choose any colors or themes you want - bring with you or buy at the store. We will build the basic construction in class plus share lots of fun embellishment ideas! The sample is travel themed and I hope to have pics by tonight. Mine isn't finished (of course!). $25.00 plus supplies

Beginning Scrapbooking by Spotted Canary/Scrapbook Design University, Friday, August 5th, 6:30-8:30 - Week 1 of a 4 week course that goes over all the basics of scrapbooking. This is a great class for those who are just getting started, who think they might want to try this, or who have been scrapbooking for a while but just need a little boost of confidence. $25.00 (covers all 4 weeks) plus supplies

Texture Wow, Saturday, August 6th, Noon-2 - Learn to add lots of texture and layers to a 12x12 canvas project that will look incredible hanging in your home or to give as a gift! Once you've made one, you can continue to recreate these in every color scheme imaginable! $25.00 plus supplies

Sketched Out, Saturday, August 6th, 3:30-5:30 - Create a 2 page layout and 2 cards. If you've never used a sketch, you should try this class! Learn how easy and versatile sketches can be! $25.00 plus supplies

Beginning Scrapbooking, Week 2 of 4, Friday, August 12th, 6:30-8:30

Punch Around the Page, Martha Stewart Crafts, Friday, August 19th, 3:00-5:00 - Learn how versatile and fun it is to use Martha's Punch Around the Page and go home with a couple of gorgeous cards! These are beautiful punches that add so much to your pages and cards, even home decor! $10.00 plus class kit
*Punches do not come in the kit. You may use the ones we have in the classroom before you buy.

Beginning Scrapbooking, Week 3 of 4, Friday, August 19th, 6:30-8:30

Glitter Class, Martha Stewarts Crafts, Saturday, August 20th, 10:00-Noon - Did you know that there are several different types of glitter? Learn the differences and how they work in this class and some cool techniques for applying glitter to your projects! $10.00 plus class kit


CROP! Saturday, August 20th, 1:00-9:00 - A whole 8 hours of fun cropping time!!!!! Come on out and play! $5.00

Beginning Scrapbooking, Week 4 of 4, Friday, August 26th, 6:30-8:30

Coming soon:
A CRICUT CLASS!!! Thinking about buying one but just not sure? Come try it out! Only $10.00!
Christmas Home Decor using the Cricut.
A new Texture Wow class with mini canvases
A new Sketched Out class
Tim Holtz products classes! (So excited for this one!!!)
And more!!!
Details coming soon!

Crop Connection

I'm sooooo far behind! These are pics from my booth at Crop Connection last month. What a great weekend with Nadine, Deanna, Andrea and their whole team of family and friends - plus all the fun croppers and the wonderful vendors! Thanks to everyone for a great weekend!
Oh, and I made my banner with my cricut! You really can cut fabric with that thingy!

I seem to have misplaced my appointment book. Not good. Really not good.

So ice cream for supper should be ok as long as I add fruit, right? #Long day

Praying today for BethAnn Clarke as she prepares to head to East Africa to serve!

'From the dessert sand to the place we stand, He is God of all.' Praying today for those serving in Afghanistan and their families.

As I pour out my heart, these things I remember. You are faithful, God, forever!

MY HUBBY GOT A JOB! WOOHOO! Starts Aug 8th with the State!

Rich or poor, I'm in good company! 'The rich and the poor have a common bond, the Lord is the maker of them all.' Proverbs 22:2

Rango is definitely NOT on my recommended viewing list for children. Should have researched before watching.

I'm thinking the weather just might slow business down a little today at Michaels.

My standard 'mom' line has always been, life isn't fair. Deal with it. My new line, from Blue Bloods, 'Life isn't fair but you can be.'

Awesome worship last night with Shane and Shane. New cd coming soon. Wait till you hear song they wrote for their daughters!

Psalm 38:15. Thank you for Word of the day from KLove.

Fun night at Crop Connection last night! Open to shoppers tom 10-5 with 5.00 at the door! Come shop my booth!

Prayer Request. Sweet lady named Nadine having eye surgery in the morning.

My Hubby just discovered pop dots. He doesn't get it. He said next they'll make spring dots. Maybe he should iinvent them! Lol.

Jolie-isms: 3 yr old granddaughter sees stretch marks on mommy's legs. With alarm says, 'Mommy! Are you cracking up?'

Covered in glue, paint, and glitter. Thought for a min I was back at Michaels. Oh, wait. I am! Lol

Did you know that the one who calls the dead to life is the one who calls you now? You will be safe in his arms.

Matildy Jane Designs is so excited! Crop Connection next weekend! Pictures of projects up by tomorrow!

Homemade Blueberry Muffins. Yum! Thank you, Crys!

Alone in the night I cried out for You, so ashamed of my life. But You loved me anyway!

Be still. There is a healer. Let faith arise!

4th of July

This post is copied from a young wife and mother whose husband just deployed to Afghanistan. I couldn't have said anything any better. Please pray for this family and all the others who are faithfully serving our country, whether here in America or in foreign countries. May God continue to bless America!
http://lifeonthehomefront.wordpress.com/2011/07/05/the-fourth-of-july/

Awesome view of a complete rainbow on I-40 coming into Memphis. God's promises are forever. Beautiful!

Happy Independence Day y'all! May you find God's blessings all around you!

5:00 is NOT a good time to be on the interstate in Nashville.

God's grace is sufficient. His heart is full of mercy. His love is unconditional. Amazing, even after all these years.

The sun rises on His time yet He knows our deepest, desperate needs.

God's timing . . .

 . . . is always perfect. Not always the way we want it. But, nevertheless, perfect. Last Wed. afternoon was a little disconcerting for my family and my neighbors. We love our house. We love our neighbors. We love our neighborhood. Unfortunately, crime has become a regular topic of conversation in our area of town. We know it's there. We are careful. And most days it's just an 'awareness' more than a 'concern.' Last Wed. brought it into focus as a major reality.

Our next door neighbor's house was burglarized by five guys, mostly teenagers, the youngest only thirteen years old. Our neighbor drove up to see them jumping out the window of his home. He grabbed a gun out of his truck and chased them. One of them shot at him. He shot back several times as he was chasing them. No one was hit. My husband called me at work to warn me. He didn't want me to drive up and find police cars and TV stations next to our driveway and think someone had died!

It was Wed night. I was exhausted from work and with what was going on right next door to my house, I almost didn't go to church. Imagine my surprise when I got there and one of the main topics of prayer was areas around the church that need God's kingdom to come, specifically where I live! As Michael, the pastor began to ask us to call out things that were keeping God's kingdom from coming in the areas around us, I immediately said, 'fatherless children.' I hadn't thought of it before that moment. I know it's a problem but this was a new awareness, a heartbroken burden for me now. I wonder how many of those kids who were being shot at by a frustrated, frightened homeowner had fathers who loved them?

Then another reality hit me. Bullets were flying next door to my house. What if one had gone through a window? My husband and daughter were home. What if? I wrote not long ago about how my life might be different if I never doubted, if I really believed God to be sovereign and acted on that belief. This night was just a small token of Him showing me that He always goes before me. Why did Michael specifically have prayer that night for Jackson? He had no idea what had happened in my neighborhood. At some point the potential danger my family was in would have hit me and it would have terrified me. But by using this prayer time, with dozens of others praying around me for my city, I was comforted by the presence of my Father. He already knew what would happen that afternoon. He knew that my daughter and I would need reassurance at that precise moment. He knew. And He provided. Yes, His timing is indeed ALWAYS perfect!

Heidi Swapp- do you ever feel like you need to add another bag of MandMs to the trail mix?

If  I ate chocolate, today would be one of those! Lol!

God never says . . .

Since we just celebrated Father's Day, I thought I'd share about my dad. Daddy is a no nonsense kind of parent. As I was growing up, even though he was strict, I could always count on him to be fair. When I asked questions, he would give thoughtful answers. When I said I didn't understand something, he would explain.   When I disobeyed, I suffered consequences. If he told me something, I knew I could count on it and that it was always truthful to the best of his knowledge. He always told me that anyone who would lie to me in little things would lie to me about anything. That's just one of many sayings that have proven his wisdom to me over the years.

After I had children, I realized there were a few things that Daddy never said. I always thought that I was 'just like my dad.' Then, one day as I was responding in frustration to one of our little angels that was being disobedient, it dawned on me that my parenting style had become much different from my dad's. At that moment I realized that there were three things I had never heard come out of my daddy's mouth.
     1. I'm going to count to three . . .
When Daddy spoke to me, I knew I'd better respond. There was no counting and waiting for me to get around to answering.
     2. And I mean it!
If he said it, he meant it. And we knew it.
     3. I'm not going to tell you again!
He didn't have to. We knew he meant it the first time!

Anyway, I'm very thankful for my earthly father and the example he set for me. Much of what I understand about God began with my dad. But I've come to appreciate something about my heavenly father in a whole new perspective over the last few months. Through an extremely difficult time in my family and days that I never, ever want to repeat, I've learned to walk in the assurance that God is never caught off guard. Our lives may be turned upside down. Our hopes may be dashed to pieces. Our plans may be buried in the dust. We may experience hurt that is so deep that we truly think we may die. But we can always know with complete confidence that there is definitely one thing God NEVER says. 'WOW! I DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING!!!'

He knows every hair on our head. He created every cell of our body, every drop of our DNA. He knew who we were before we were even thought about by any human. He knew where we were yesterday, where we would be today, and what tomorrow holds for us. Time is irrelevant to him. He was. He is. He always will be.

And he loves us. Oh, how he loves us. Passionately. Perfectly.

Psalm 139:16 (NLT) You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

What ever you are going through, rest in the peace that God is already there. He will carry you through.

Blessings,
Renea

So thankful for a grandfather, father, father-in-law, brother, and wonderful husband who have lived godly lives in my family!

We are His portion and He is our prize, drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes. Oh, how he loves us!

Redeemer! My healer! Lord Almighty! All the world will praise Your great name!

For those of you who enjoy gospel quartets, Spoken For will be at Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene tonight at 6pm. No tickets. Love offering only.

I got checked . . .

No, I wasn't going through airport security. I got checked by God. As you may know, my husband lost his job the end of 2010. He's been faithfully looking, but still no job. We really are ok. (Everyone keeps asking, Thank you!) Most of the time I really don't think much about it. I know God is in charge and I trust Him. But every  now and then I have a moment. You know, one of those panic stricken, can't breathe, think I'm going to have a heart attack, moments. I had one today. We have a bill that's past due on the satellite. We intended to cancel. We planned to cancel. We didn't. I thought he would. He thought I did. I called to explain and found out that they have our debit card on file. If we don't pay it, they will debit our account for the bill plus the equipment that they haven't received, even if I tell them it's already in the mail. I had a slight panic. I called my sweet hubby to 'let him know' what I had found out. That's a rather gentile way of putting it. He told me what we had in the bank and how much we would need to put with that to avoid the unwanted debit on our account. He asked me if I had enough money to add to what was in our account. I told him what I have in my checking account. (Yes, I have a separate account for business reasons.)

Here's where the 1st check came. I immediately felt like I had lied to him. I didn't, but I felt like it. I have my tithe money in cash. So, yes, I have more money than I said. And my first thought was that if I added in my cash, we would have enough to pay the past due on the bill. But that money isn't mine. Nevertheless, I shall correct this information with my sweetie before I go to sleep tonight.

Then the 2nd check.Do I pay my tithe and leave the bill in God's hands? Or do I pay the bill and trust that God will understand my dilemma? If I really trust that He provides all my needs, that His commandments are not suggestions, that He loves me more than I will ever understand, then why was I even questioning? God's word says to tithe. I haven't always done so. I knew better. I felt guilty. I made excuses. Not any more. I will pay my tithe.

God is always faithful. If my account gets debited anyway, we'll manage. It doesn't change who God is. And, really, we are ok!

More blessings than I can count,
Renea

Ps - (Added later) They didn't debit my account before we took care of  the bill. See? Worrying and panic attack for nothing - once again!

Storms knock power out in Alta Woods once again. What fun! Not.

SCRAPBOOK CLASSES START THIS WEEK!!!

Anyone interested in scrapbook classes? I'm teaching one starting this Thu at Michaels north Jackson. Goes for 4 weeks, Thu 6:30-8:30pm. We'll cover all the basics, learn about tools, color theory, design principles, etc. 4 weeks of class only $25.00!

Want to learn about scrapbooking? Come take my class! Register at Michaels County Line. Class starts this Thu!

Giving my life to the only one who makes the moon reflect the sun. Every starry night was His design.

So thankful to live in the greatest country in the world and for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for freedom.

'end' - don't text and drive! Lol

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Soooo, here's the big announcement!

I'm teaching scrapbook classes at Michaels again! So far, the one I have scheduled is the 4 week class by EK Success. Thur nights, 6:30-8:30, starting June 9th, ending June 30th. Class in only $25.00 for 8 hours of instruction! And more classes coming soon!

Send me an email, message me on Facebook or Twitter if you want to sign up!

I want that!

Reading the other day in Mark chapter 1, I was struck by something that I had not really thought of before. That seems to happen to me a lot when I'm reading scripture. It's not that I haven't read it before, but God's word is so rich with lessons for us that even reading familiar scriptures can spark a brand new thought or idea that you've never had before! Isn't He just amazing?

So, back to Mark 1, this is just after Jesus has been baptized. Verse 12 says, "Immediately the Holy Spirit compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness." (New Living Translation) The New American Standard uses the word 'impelled' rather than 'compelled.' The NIV says, "At once the Spirit sent Him out into the dessert." I really liked the NASB version. IMPELLED. That word really caught my attention. According to Webster's, this means:

1. to urge or drive forward or on by, or as if by, the exertion of strong moral pressure : force 

2: to impart motion to : propel

WOW!!! I WANT THAT!!! I want the kind of relationship with my heavenly Father that when he speaks to me,
     I'm IMPELLED to move,
                    I'm IMPELLED to act,
                                   I'm IMPELLED to obey!
What a difference that would make in my spiritual walk!

What if . . . I never questioned His will?

What if . . . I never waffled in my commitment?

What if . . . I never got too busy to obey?

What if . . . I never got impatient when I didn't see the results I had expected?

What if . . . I didn't get discouraged and want to give up when loved ones time after time refused salvation?

What if . . . fill in the blank for you.  

I love this quote by D. L. Moody,  "The World has yet to see what God can do with one man who is fully committed to Him." What if I truly, completely, fully committed everything to Him? What could He do through my life? In my family? With my neighborhood? My church? Father, help me to be who you want me to be!

Blessings,

Renea

'Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not... what you now have was once among the things you only hoped...' Billy Ivey

How boring life would be if things went the way we wanted them to all the time. Louie Giglio

lecrae: Persistence in prayer is for us to recognize our need to be dependent. Not to bother God until He finally gives in.

A healthy attitude is contagious but don't wait to catch one. Be a carrier. Tom Stoppard

Today is not just another little square on your calendar, but a God-breathed gift He has purposed for His glory. Tune in. Louie Giglio

No wise person ever wished to be younger. Jonathan Swift

Mother's Day

Things have been a little stressful in our family lately. Not that life isn't always stressful, but lately, well, it's been stressful. I woke up this morning feeling a little pouty and not very happy. It's Mother's Day. Things should go my way, right? Well, not necessarily. I got to church and the first worship song included some of the most incredible pictures of God's beautiful creation on the screen. I was overwhelmed at the magnitude and scope of the God of the universe! He truly is amazing!

But the devil wasn't finished. I started thinking of all the mistakes I've made as a mom. This led to feeling like such a failure! Then I was reminded of my conversation yesterday with my daughter, Brittney and how she had told me what a good job I had done. Then there was the post from my son this morning on facebook basically saying the same thing. And here I was sitting with my youngest daughter next to me in worship service. Then I started thinking about two of my friends who have already had to say goodbye to their moms until they meet again in heaven. Wow! I have SO much to be thankful for!

So right there and then I made up my mind. Yes, there are things that are difficult right now. Certainly there are things I can worry myself sick over. Absolutely there is uncertainty in our future. HOWEVER, I am choosing to be thankful! I am choosing to look at how very gracious my God has been!

This is my new favorite song. It's by Laura Story. I love the lyrics. They are so true! I've included the words of the chorus and the last verse for you here but I highly recommend the link if you haven't heard the song. Every line carries a beautiful message!

God bless,
Renea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mmgV6mPvb0&feature=related

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near?

What if trials of this life
Are Your mercies in disguise?

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst
This world can't satisfy?

And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise?

Credits :
songwriters: story, laura mixon
© new spring publishing;new spring publishing

In the grand scheme of things, they're still just things.

Meadville Baptist Church crop

What fun I had last weekend in Meadville, MS with the ladies at Meadville Baptist! We had a great time at the crop and they raised enough money to send their teens and kids to camp! Awesome job, ladies! Special thanks to Beth and Sharon for all their hard work. Hope you got some rest this week!

Afterward they were nice enough to take me out to eat in town. So sweet! But the best part was being privileged enough to teach Sunday School the next morning and attend their worship service. Then I got to eat some of the best southern home-cookin' for lunch! What a great weekend!

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped! Gotta love southern women! We definitely do things with a special flair down this way!

Fearfully and wonderfully made . . .

Being a mom has taught me many things. We have one of those 'his, mine, and ours' families that consists of 5 kids, and now blessed by 4 precious grandchildren and another on the way! Wow, God has been good to our family! All of our children have similarities in their looks and personalities. When our children were young and people found out we had a 'blended' family, they often would look at the kids and guess wrongly which child belonged to which parent! However, I couldn't help but be amazed at their differences. Our oldest is our beautiful daughter, Andrea, my step-daughter. She has her daddy's dark eyes and hair and olive complexion. Our youngest, Crystal, looks so much like my husband's sister that if there were no other items in the pictures to 'date' them, you would be hard pressed to tell them apart as children. But the funny thing is, now that Crys is older, she looks just like Andrea! She even has many of her mannerisms and laughs just like her!

Our other beautiful daughter, Brittney, looks just like me. At least that's what everyone says, bless her heart. But she has my mom's blue eyes, hair color, and pretty much her personality! Funny thing about that is, I've been told all my life I look just like my daddy. Brittney looks nothing like my daddy, yet she looks like me! Confusing, huh?

All of us bear the marks of family traits. Looks, personalities, mannerisms. So many things handed down through the ages, many of them we don't even realize until we get older. Sometimes I find it a bit overwhelming to realize that God created every one of us to be unique and individual, but still made in His image. Have you ever thought about how incredibly creative our heavenly Father is? I'm posting one more picture from the beautiful flowers at Bellingrath. This is a close up of the center of a hybiscus bloom. Look at the detail He put into one simple bloom. If you click on the picture it will enlarge and you can even see a tiny green bug on it! Then consider that His word says that He knew you before you were formed in your mother's womb, that all of your days were ordained before one of them had even happened! How precious you are to Him! How great is His love for you and me!
Blessings,
Renea

Hebrews 11:21

"It was by faith that Jacob, when he was old and dying, blessed each  of Joseph's sons and bowed in worship as he leaned on his staff." 

When my father-in-law passed away, one of the things my husband took comfort in was knowing that his last breath was drawn as my mother-in-law and sister-in-law were singing Dad's favorite hymn to him, "Amazing Grace." Dad loved God more than life itself. And I can imagine that nothing would have pleased him more than to be hearing the words of that great, old hymn as he drifted into the arms of his Saviour! 

What a beautiful picture we have in this verse in Hebrews. An old man, who perhaps is too old to kneel or fall prostrate before God, leaning on his staff in worship after blessing two of his grandchildren! I found this little bible gem while doing my 'homework' for a Beth Moore study. It got me to thinking about my heritage of attending worship with my family. What a privileged life I have had! No, we weren't wealthy or high on the social status roster, but my family has a tremendous wealth of Christian heritage! I only hope that my last act on this earth is to be worshiping my Father who has so richly blessed me!

Here are few more pics from Bellingrath Gardens. The first is my mom holding my granddaughter, Jolie, while she throws pennies in the fountain. What a joy it has been for me to watch this sweet little thing with her great-grandmother!

This one is my youngest daughter Crys (yes, the one with the pink hair!), my neice, Lauren, granddaughter, Jolie, and my daddy, my very own family patriarch!

The last one is my parents with all the grandchildren and the one great-grandchild that were there with us. From the left, daughter Crystal, nephew Daniel, niece Lauren, my dad and mom, granddaugter Jolie, niece Ashley, and my next to youngest daughter, Brittney, aka Jolie's mom. (Isn't that how all of us are known after we have children? lol)

Remember today that no matter what your family heritage consists of, you can have a heritage in God that is beyond what you can even think or imagine! He has an inheritance for you that you don't want to miss! May God bless you today and give you a glimpse of the incredible plan He has for your life!

Faith usually calls us to act. Sometimes it requires us to do nothing at all, while our human nature screams to interfere. Wisdom is knowing the difference.

Some inspiration . . .

Just thought I'd share some pics from Bellingrath Gardens for inspiration. Even though these scenes are enhanced by man's work, they still exhibit God's beautiful creation! Have you ever thought that God chose to make the world in living color? He could have made it in shades of gray. But he is a God who loves to create. If  he went to so much trouble to make so many different shades of colors and shapes in the flowers, how much more do you think he values you? You are created in HIS OWN IMAGE! What an incredible concept to meditate on today! God loves you so much that He fashioned you after His own being! Think on that today as you go about your daily duties!

Fun scrapbook weekend with the wonderful ladies at 1st Baptist of Bude, MS! Thanks to all of you and hats off to the great cooks, too!

You're invited to a crop this weekend!

scrappin’ for a Mission

First Baptist Church of Bude, MS

Invites you to attend our scrapbooking crop

Friday, March 25, 2011

4:00-midnight

Saturday, March 26, 2011

9:00-6:00

Cost:  $60(for both days includes dinner Friday night and lunch Saturday)

$35 for single day includes meal of the day

Registration Fees should be mailed to:

235 Bude Baptist Road

Bude, MS 39630

Call (601) 384-2326 for further information

Vendors will be available for you to purchase supplies.

Classes will be offered at an additional cost.

All proceeds will go toward the cost of First Baptist youth group Attending Student Life mission camp this 

New Whole Kit and Kaboodle Sneak Peak!

 Black and white transparency overlay by Luxe Designs. This company is no longer in business. I lucked up on some really neat stuff by them to put in this kit!
The second pic is a journal sheet by Heide Swapp on the right. LOVE her stuff! The paper on the left is another Luxe Designs sheet of 'time'. Very pretty!

That's all I'm showing for now! LOL