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.