On the 4th day of Christmas...

... it is snowing again (that is a relief after that yucky rain) and blowing that hard-hitting northern wind... but still am glad for the wonderful Christmas we have had.

Just a quick post for the moment... I want to share a website of a friend that you might find interesting... it is Smackie Beads you can find it by clicking on the name... she is a sweet lady & she has some awesome things that she is creating.

Better go get ready for church... hopefully the white-outs will subside so we can make it there... with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Christmas Wishes

That is the greatest reason I am with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Christmas Eve's Eve... busy busy

Just wanted to get in a quick post... it is bedtime & I am definitely feeling it tonight! Did more cookies for our church Christmas Eve service & delivered them... started working on a project for a gift... ok better late then ever????

The pics are of a project I finished a couple days ago... I did 3 of them for gifts... guess I would call it a praise or promise book... I really enjoyed it I saw one like it on Courtney's blog... loved how mine turned out... thanks Courtney for the idea.

Well, best get to bed... maybe I will actually sleep past 4 a.m. tonight!!!!!

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

I have felt that this year I am so behind with all Christmas prep... is everyone feeling that way? You would think that this year with me not having a job... I would have so much extra time to get things done... but... okay, I must confess... I am one of those "people" that tortures themselves by waiting to the last minute... you know those people... "I work better under pressure"... OK, maybe that is the lie we just tell... you know if a pressure cooker is under pressure for too long it will eventually explode... although I really am surprised at myself & how carefree I have been about a lot of things lately.... hmmm wonder what that could be???? Anyway, here is a pic of some of my sugar cookies I finally decorated on Saturday... they aren't fancy, but I thought the trees were pretty. Do they look good enough to eat???? *Ü*

I do have something else I want to share with you... getting back to the whole "pressure cooker" thing at Christmas time... we women do put a lot of pressure on ourselves to get everything done & then we usually end up feeling exhausted & unappreciated... usually blowing-up at our dear husbands... here is a little encouragement I came across this morning...

This is written by Barbara Rainey -- "I think we wives need to give our husbands some grace...to not know how a woman feels, or how we function and operate as the other sex. I used to think, 'Why doesn't Dennis just understand what I'm going through? Why doesn't he do things the way I want them done?' But I had to learn that he doesn't automatically know where I am emotionally, or what I expect in different situations, unless I tell him. And if I come across as judgmental, he'll get defensive. I need to bestow some grace. Ask the Lord to help you understand that your spouse may do things differently than you, and give grace instead of condemnation."

When I read this it spoke to me & I felt compelled to share it because someone might read it that really needs it today... besides we all need to give some grace on a daily basis. Thanks for stopping... remember only 3 days 'til Christmas... with a grateFUL HEART, carin

I'm still here...

So sorry it has been too long since I last posted... life has been so busy... the funny part... I am not really sure why???? Baking... decorating... cleaning... a lil' shopping... no time lately for craft/paper time... what is with that???? I have some Christmas projects that definitely need to be done & soon!!!! I always send out homemade cards every year... I had already decided I would not be sending out as many because of the cost, but I really miss coming up with this years design for my card & then "mass" producing it... ok maybe not "mass" but usually 40 or 50 of them... since I don't have a Christmas card made for this year I am sharing last years card with you... hope you like it...

This is one of my favorite times of the year... the problem... I try to get too much done & put too much pressure on myself... I am trying to stop some of that & trying to enjoy & remember what this season is all about... yes, it is all about the Gift...

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (NKJV)

Have a good day... with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Christmas season in full swing...

Just thought I would stop by & share a couple pics from last nights Christmas party at our church... every year the church staff gives all the people serving a fantastic Christmas party... and this year was no exception... being in the new facility made it all very exciting & definitely more of a challenge... but in a good way. It is so great that almost 300 people can be shown appreciation for their service to the Lord... sure that is not the reason for our service, but it is still nice to be remembered in this way. If you look closely you can see the paper cone trees I helped create... that is me in the red... did Luke get my best side???? Luke & I were table hosts & we had some very sweet people at our table. Sorry the pic is kind of dark but the lights are kept low for the ambiance.

Anyway... it was a super night... I am so thankful for my church family and that I have the chance to serve with such awesome people! Luke & I were talking as we fell asleep last night about how great it is for us to be a part of a church together... where we can serve together. For any of you that don't know... for the first 15 years of our marriage Luke & I went to & served in 2 separate churches... we made it work because we both felt we were where we belonged, but when God moved us to northern Michigan... we saw it as a gift from Him to let us find a church where we could serve together... WHAT A GIFT!!! The other way was OK, but like the song says "I'm never going back to OK!"

I know, this short post has now turned into a book... but it has been a few days since I posted... with all that being said... with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Delightful bookmarks...

Just a quick post for today... I have been quite busy this week helping get things ready for a Christmas event at our church... see being "crafty" can be used for good not just evil !!!! *Ü* We made 112 paper cone trees in varying sizes & colors... great helpers got it done after a few hours of work... OK maybe it was more than a few hours, but we had a lot of fun... I will post a picture of the tables with the trees as table decorations later in the week.

These are some bookmarks I made for a friend of mine... she is going to put them in her Christmas cards... the pic is not the best, but you get the idea. This is the second time someone has asked me to make some items... I am thankful for people that appreciate my hobby... I would do it for my friends for free if I could afford it, but right now even a little extra $ helps. Thank-You Lord for the ability.

CS: Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy, white; Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke; Misc.: DP from SU from a couple years ago, cranberry ribbon, silver cord, flower punch, silver brad; stamps: Verve verse stamp, SU Hope Is...

I had breakfast with a friend today... thanks H... it was good to just sit & talk... we also went browsing in a couple stores... I say browsing because neither of us saw much that we liked... oh well you don't spend money that way!!!

Thanks for peeping... with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Christmas cards...

No, I don't have my Christmas cards done yet... but I was peeking at an ecard site and came across some really beautiful cards... I loved this one with the verse & the snowflakes... so I am sharing this with you today... hope you like it!

Did you all have a nice Thanksgiving??? Ours was great... not too much drama... it is always good when the "drama-meter" is low!!! *Ü*

I have a busy week ahead of me... and once again God is blessing Michigan with lots & lots of beautiful snowflakes... so it will make the going a little more complicated... but I will survive!

I know it is no longer a monday before Thanksgiving but I just have to add something more I am thankful for... I am so thankful for the good family God has given me... especially my parents who did the best job raising me they could (I was a handful at times)... since I am not a parent I don't totally understand why parents still feel responsible for their grown children... but what I do understand is that my parents may not have done the best job teaching us about handling our "treasures" here on earth, but they did a great job of showing us the Way to our "treasures" for eternity... isn't that what is most important anyway??? Thank-you Mom & Dad... I love you!

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving with a little card I made a while back... actually I think it was at a class my sis, SU demo, taught.

My hubby & I are heading to the "Thumb" tomorrow morning to be with my family & some of his family for Thanksgiving... it should be a good day... at least that is what we are believing!!! *Ü*

On Saturday I will be attending a holiday gift class that my sis is having... I am really looking forward to that... you should check out her blog & her SU website.

But for now... thanks for stopping in ... with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Snowflakes...

I came across this neat site from Amazing Paper Grace... it is called Popular Front where you can create your own snowflake in honor of someone or just for fun... you should go there & try it... like Becca said it can be addictive.

I am off today to volunteer in the church office... I will try to stop by later.

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

testing...testing...

I have been having so much trouble with my uploading, so I wanted to see if it would finally work... I don't know what changed... I messed with my security settings so I don't know if that had something to do with it or not.
Anyway, here is a little bookmark I made for our ladies ministry at church... it is just a handmade, little something extra to go with the small birthday gifts... I always want to do something handmade because all our ladies are so special... I am thankful I have the chance to work on the gifts for NOFL.

OK, here goes lets see if it stays when I post!!!!
with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Sorry the pics not the best! I used CS: bliss blue, chocolate chip, very vanilla; ink: bliss blue, versa mark; gold embossing powder, gold 3/4" ribbon; stamps: SU Baroque Motifs, So Many Scallops; punches: scallop circle, 5 petal.

blog trouble

I am sorry for the problem I am having with my uploading of pics right now... I have no idea what the problem is... if anybody can help I would appreciate the info.

even so with a grateFUL HEART, carin

thankful monday (part 2)...

It was a fabulous weekend... we had plenty of snow last week and it is starting again... but that is OK! Here is a pretty, snowy pic taken of a poor little tree in our yard.

It is "thankful monday" so here is a thought I want to share with you today:

“Thank God for His power to do all things according to His purpose, and ask Him to give you the faith to accept His control over every aspect of your life."

I have so much to be thankful for... but am I always thankful for when things don't go the way I want them to???... I'm sure I am not the only one that struggles with this... why do we struggle so when we find out we are not in control, but Someone else is in control?

Anyway, I have so many "deep, meaningful" things I am thankful for... but today what I am really thankful for is God giving me a sense of humor... He knew that somedays that would be what helps me keep my sanity!!! *Ü* Now, it is your turn... what light-hearted thing are you thankful for today?

Oh yeah, I am also thankful that you stopped in to visit today... with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Love Dare...

I have been having some problems with getting my pics to upload onto my blog... hopefully the problem has been resolved.

I made this notebook for my hubby... he likes to take notes in church so I thought it was a thoughtful gift. We (my hubby & me) started the book "Love Dare" from the movie Fireproof... it is a 40 day challenge to love each other more in new ways... so on day 3 we were to give our spouse a little something just to let them know you are thinking about them... so this was my lil' something for him. He brought me candy... just what I don't need but really appreciate.

Daring to love & be loved is why I have a grateFUL HEART, carin

just a note

Here is a box with note cards I made for a gift... I saw the card idea somewhere, but can't remember where.

I have been trying to get creative but sometimes it is hard for me to get started... thanks for stopping.

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

thankful monday...

Can you believe Thanksgiving is only 10 days away???? Since there is only 2 Mondays left before Thanksgiving Day... I decided to make them "thankful mondays"... I am going to list a few things I am thankful for... will you do the same???

I am thankful for my husband, my family, my wonderful friends, God's provision... I am even thankful for losing my job, because that has given me time to help out with our ladies ministry at church & volunteer in the church office... that is it for today. NOW-- it is your turn... share with me on this "thankful monday".

Here is a little turkey I did with my punches... I saw him on another blog (don't remember where), but I made my own adaptions... I think he is cute!

Oh, one more for today... I am thankful for my blog reading friends too!

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

FUN! FUN! FUN!!!!!

We made it back from Chicago last night around 11:30... we had so much FUN... at least I did. I am exhausted, but it is a good exhaustion. My sis, Chele, took some pics but she never put them on my computer before she left to go home... so here is a picture that sums up one of my fav foods I had in the Windy City... The Cheesecake Factory's Adam's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple... what more do I need to say????? It was heavenly... did I savor it... what a treat! I only had 1 piece not the whole cake!

Here is the wrap-up... Filene's Basement, American Girl Place, Macy's, Coach, Borders, Crate & Barrel, Disney Store, Debevic's restaurant, Cheesecake Factory, Rain Forest Cafe... and that was just on Thursday! On Friday we went to Ikea... oh my goodness... that was my first-time there & it is sooooo overwhelming... but I loved it... could I ever get into trouble there!!!! Then we spent the rest of the day at Woodfield Mall... my sisters & I were so tired from walking that we did very little shopping at the mall, but that was OK... I had a great time with them & I hope they did with me. They behaved themselves so I don't have to tell Mom on them!!!

Thankful for the getaway, but am thankful to be home-- with a grateFUL HEART, carin

look out Chicago...

here we come... yes, I am heading to Chicago for an over-nite shopping trip with a group of ladies from my church... we are taking a chartered bus & we head out tomorrow morning at 5 a.m.... YES... I said 5 A.M.!!!! I am sleepy just thinking about it... but I am really excited... I have never been to Chicago... unless landing at the airport or driving through as fast as possible to get away from the traffic counts! We will be in downtown Chicago for most of the day tomorrow... we are staying in Schaumburg & then going to Woodfield Mall & Ikea on Friday. I really don't have any mullah to spend but I am going just for the fun & fellowship... oh yeah, and my two sisters are coming up to go with me... so it will be a "sista thing"... hopefully no fights breakout & no one is arrested... just kiddin'???? *Ü* No, it will be great! My sister, Michele (we call her Chele) works like a dog at a day spa & she rarely takes any time off... so I want this to be good for her & my other sis, Renee (we call her Na) too!

Well, got to go... with a grateFUL HEART, carin

ribbon bookmark...

Here is a bookmark I tried... I saw the tutorial video here... I thought it was a neat idea... I think it turned out okay for my first try... what do you think?

We have "Night Out for Ladies" (NOFL) at church tonight... I take care of the gifts for birthdays & first-time visitors... Ella, a lady from our church, is the guest speaker tonight, so I made this bookmark to give to her along with a couple books from our bookstore at church... I wanted to add a little personal touch to her gift of appreciation. I am so looking forward to NOFL & especially hearing Ella's message.

better get moving... with a grateFUL HEART, carin

snowy sunday...

YES! it has been a snowy Sunday... nothing accumulating but it has snowed all day... we woke up this morning to snow covered rooftops... what a surprise! It was a good day though... good church, good people, good message... what more could you ask for... oh yeah, good nap!!!!

It honor of the flakes today... I tried my hand at one of these snowflakes... I saw it on my sister's blog... I know mine isn't as good as hers, but she is a professional *Ü*

My hubby & I went to see "Fireproof" yesterday... it finally came to our local theater... it has a wonderful message & I am so thrilled that there are people who care enough about families to make this kind of a film. It made us both just appreciate each other all the more.

Time for "Amazing Race", so with a grateFUL HEART, carin

simple bookmarks...

It has been a busy week & it isn't over with yet... but it is a good busy for the most part... only small doses of housework. I have been volunteering as receptionist at our church on Thursdays... it is a good thing... it is what I love doing & besides it makes me feel useful... feeling useful is also a good thing... am I sounding like Martha Stewart? *Ü* My hubby & I have "small group" for church tonight & tomorrow night we start taking dance class again... ok, don't laugh too hard... it is line dancing, swing dancing & all that stuff... we took a couple classes last winter & we both really enjoyed it, but what a workout... hope I can keep up!

Anyway, I have been working on a couple projects that I have to do in multiples... so here are some bookmarks I have been doing... I just got this Ps. 37:4 stamp from Verve & I really like it, but it is my first time using acrylic stamps... still getting use to it. Love that verse! What do you think? It is very simple because I need to do so many... but I think it turned out ok.

Will get to more stamping... hopefully tomorrow... with a grateFUL HEART, carin

calling on your vote for righteousness...

I usually try to keep my blog more fun... but as a Christian sometimes I just need to share things that hopefully will impact others lives... a friend sent this video clip to me this morning & I knew I just had to pass it on. Some things in life are just too important to ignore... I feel this election is one of those things... in this video clip it says it just like I have been feeling but didn't have the words to express that. When it comes to voting... pretty much politicians are politicians... the economy is up... the economy is down... unemployment is up... unemployment is down... no matter who is in office things are always changing... but as a "Christian Nation" how can we expect God's blessing on us when we aren't voting for righteousness... I'm not saying either presidential candidate is more righteous than the other, but what I am saying is that we need to look at what each candidate stands for or better yet what they stand against. Where do they stand on the one & only living God that this country was founded on? Where do they stand on the sanctity of life of an unborn child? Where do they stand on keeping marriage in a traditional state? These are the real issues as the video shows... my question to you is where do you stand on these very very important issues... it doesn't matter if you are democrat or republican... the real question is are you on the side of righteousness????

I am sorry if I have offended anyone with what I have to say... maybe it is not me offending you but Someone trying to reach out to you... think about it.

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

blog candy

check out Dannie's creative outlet blog candy

Halloween treat and stuff...

First I want to start off with a cute picture I took while we were in Wisconsin... the dog's name is Dukey... he was posing for his pumpkin shot for Halloween... we saw him at a farm market we stopped at... he was just too cute... how he wanted to play fetch with the pumpkin. So this is my Halloween treat to you. I use to love Halloween as a kid... I always loved to dress-up... had to have the best costume for our parade at school... my mom always did such a good job coming up with the costume & she took so much time to come to the school to get us ready... thanks Mom! And of course all the candy... we would trick or treat our hearts out... back then there wasn't so many things to be scared of in the world & not so many people thinking badly of it either... I wish for it to be the same today. I would still like to dress-up... not too many occasions for that at my age... although Luke & I are helping at the Harvest Festival at our church so we are dressing in Army fatigues... so I guess we are dressing-up for Halloween. *Ü*

We had a fabulous, relaxing time at Wisconsin Dells... it was great to get away even if just for a few days. Here are a few pics I thought showed some of the beauty of the Dells... there was still a lot of color. There was many places that were closed for the season but that was OK...

we still had a great time... just being together.
We went to a dairy to see how they make cheese and of course we sampled a lot & bought enough... got to love those cheese curds!

By next week I hope to be back doing some crafty things... but for now... thanks for stopping by! with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Beautiful chilly night...

it has been a few days ... I know... but I have a good reason... my hubby & me have been gone to Wisconsin Dells for the last few days. It has been a wonderful getaway... not that we really have anything to get away from, but just the same it has been wonderful!!!!*Ü*

We just got out of the outdoor jacuzzi at the resort where we are staying... it was heavenly to sit under the stars with the one I love in a steaming out jacuzzi... by the way it is only about 35 degrees, but it is well worth the mad dash from the building to the spa!!!!

I will have some pics to post when we get home... thanks for stopping by!

I am overwhelmed with a grateFUL HEART, carin

What direction???

Boy, Fall is really moving quickly... it is cold & windy today, but at least the sun is shining... the highs are only in the 40's today... brrrrr! Can hardly believe October is almost over... where is time going???? It is 6 months since I lost my job... all I can do is praise God for His provision... He is so faithful & He keeps proving it to me over & over. I have been going through some struggles on & off since losing my job... some days are better than others... it isn't the lack of work so much as the lack of direction. I live my life wanting to please God & praying for His direction in every part of my life... but the answer to my prayer for a job hasn't been so clear... I know there are times God says "Yes" or "No", but it is the times when He says "just wait" those are the hardest times for me, as I am sure for many of you. I am a proactive type person & when I put my mind towards something... it is pretty hard to stop me... just ask my hubby. So I have started to ask myself... "what am I doing wrong or not doing that is causing me not to be able to find a job & help us financially?" Then we had a special speaker at church & he was talking about the times in a Christian's life when God will allow the devil to try us, because God knows that our faith in Him will conquer all... the verse that was used that spoke loudly to me was: II Chronicles 14:11



And Asa cried out to the LORD his God, and said, “LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!”



The part of that verse that I will use as my prayer is: "O Lord my God, I rest on You and in Your name... I go against whatever comes my way, because you are my God; and no one or nothing can prevail against You!" Amen.

Here is a pic we took on our Fall tour on Saturday... this is an overlook that looks down onto the Manistee River near Buckley... as you can see the Fall foliage was almost gone, but it was a great day!

Have a good day & thanks for stopping by! with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Happy Fall...

We have had a very beautiful Fall, so far... but the last few nights have been very chilly... here is a pic of the heavy frost we had yesterday morning... this is our little maple tree that has put on its autumn covering, but now with the frost it is losing leaves quite rapidly.

Spent this morning with some friends... out for breakfast... a little shopping... some cider & the best cinnamon donuts... and lots of laughs! *Ü* Thanks gals for all the fun! Then my hubby & I took off on a Fall color tour around the countryside... it was a beautiful day for a ride & a great day for a walk in the woods... finishing with an early supper at a little diner in a nearby town... all in all it was a good day & a very sweet Sweetest Day with my hubby & for that I have a grateFUL HEART, carin

Quilt giveaway... but hurry

There is a quilt giveaway on Pigtails & Snails blog... but hurry it ends tomorrow! It is beautiful & I would love it!

I am off to help out in our church office today... yes, actual work... ok, well volunteer work, but I am so thankful to be useful & to serve my Lord in some way!

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

pumpkin patch...

Just wanted to share another card we did at the card making class I took from my SU demo sister over the weekend... I am not one to make Halloween cards but you just gotta love those pumpkins... nice card Na!
Just like so many other people I am not feeling the best... almost a week ago I started with a cough & tightness in my lungs... so I finally went to the Dr. today... sure enough the bronchitis bug got me... at least now I know for sure why I feel so lousy & can't breath... hopefully when the meds kick in I will get some sleep at night. *Ü*

I think I am gonna go lay down... with a grateFUL HEART, carin

seasons of change...

Hi ya... YES, it is Sunday mornin'... it is a beautiful morning... Luke & I are at my parents for the weekend... I woke up this morning to gun shots, yes, I said gun shots... no, my parents don't live in the "inner city"... it actually was duck hunters in the field behind my parents house... it is the rural version of an alarm clock!!!! *Ü*

I went to my sister's (the one that is the SU demo) yesterday & we made some fabulous cards... so I thought I would share one of the Fallish cards with you. We used Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip & More Mustard... kind of sounds like a tasty combo... well maybe not the mustard with pumpkin & chocolate! I love that set, "Seasons of Friendship".

Off to church this morning with my family & then we are going to help my baby sis, Chele, move furniture & stuff into her new house. It is a cute little house & she will be much happier there... well, hopefully she will be.

Gotta go... with a grateFUL heart, carin

Emptied and filled up...

You see the picture to the right entitled "Fall in Northern Michigan"... well, unfortunately not all Fall days are so beautiful... it is another gray, rainy, dreary day... ok, I may be boardering on complaining, so PLEASE forgive me... but I very much dislike this weather!!!!!!

We had a great, but very busy weekend with all the festivities at our church... it was such a blessed weekend... so many visitors, so many people coming to Christ for the first time... I feel so blessed to have been a part of it all. In my last post I told you about the "card board testimony" Luke & I were involved in... what our card said was "religion divided us" and on the flip side "Now Christ has completely united us"... that is it in a nutshell... we have been married for 18 years... for the first 15 years of our marriage we attended & were involved in 2 different churches, separately... so many people told us that would never work, but in spite of those nay-sayers we had a great marriage & we determined with God's help it would work! When God moved us to northern Michigan over 3 years ago... we saw this as a gift from Him to be able to find a church where we could worship together... we searched for over a year before we found the church we are now attending... we found it by "accident"... the lesson to be learned is that God has blessings waiting for you in the most unlikely places. We have received such positive feedback that we were willing to share our testimony in front of the whole church... we have been told by so many that they are now where we were & they see what work God can do to change hearts & lives for His good.

I have been known to be a little controlling ... so it has been hard at times for me to move out of the way & just let God do what He wants to do... a song that I just love that talks about this is "Empty Me" by Chris Sligh here are the lyrics to the chorus:

Empty me of the selfishness inside

Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride

And any foolish thing my heart holds onto

Lord, empty me of me so I can be filled with you

That is my prayer... God wants to do so many great things for me, His precious child, but I get in His way. How about you, what good things are happening in your life???

on a cold, wet, dreary day, but with a grateFUL HEART, carin

blessed & hopefully a blessing...

I am thrilled that the sun is finally shining again in northern Michigan... that is not a complaint of the rain... just ready for a little sun... even if it is a lil' chilly!!! I finally broke down & turned the furnace on this morning... it was 30 outside & 55 inside. I tend to be stingy when it comes to heat in the house... you can always put on more clothes or a blanket... right? It is hard to type with gloves on though *Ü*

Here are the cards we did at my SU party... I love the combo of Baja Breeze & Kiwi Kiss... the Upsy Daisy set is one I want to get sometime. Don't you just love the owl... my owl looks a little short & fat, but you get the idea... I think he looks more like a turkey-owl... the Haiku DP is great too! My sis, aka SU demo., has so many neat ideas!

We have a busy weekend ahead of us... but looking so forward to it! This is Celebration Weekend at our church to celebrate the completion of the new facility. Tonight we are having a free concert with "Downhere" & the "Michael Gungor Band" performing... it should be a great concert! So if you are in the area check it out... for directions or just to visit go to Resurrection Life Church website. My hubby & I are involved in a special drama at all 3 services this weekend... it is a "cardboard testimony"... on one side of the cardboard it says what you use to be & when you flip it over it says how Christ has changed your life. It is going to be a moving & exciting weekend. Christ has moved so much in our life... I can't even tell of it all... we are so blessed... the verse that comes to my mind is Psalms 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD: and He shall give you the desires of your heart.

What a verse to live by & what an awesome promise! Something that I have hoped & prayed for is taking place & I feel so thankful for all that has happened to bring us, as a couple, to this point in our life & our marriage. Waiting for something is never easy for me, but when I let God do the work & not butt my nose into His business... oh, how sweet it is!!!!

Have a great weekend... with a very grateFUL HEART, carin

busy, busy, busy...

I can't believe it has been almost a week since I posted... it has been a very busy week & I'm not really sure it is going to get much better... time wise that is... life is good... all that I am busy with is also good things! I have no complaints... I am so blessed!

It has been a whirlwind week... starting last Wednesday night with our first service in our new church facility... wow! what a service & what a turnout... we are just so thankful for what the Lord is doing in our church & with the people we are coming in contact with... we have the chance to be part of seeing them come to Christ. Thursday evening we started our life group... it is a group for couples, called "Love Talk"... it is about learning how to communicate better with your spouse... I think it is going to be good & there are so many great couples that we will get to know better! Friday... I had an interview at a oral surgeon's office... I think it went good, but you never know???? so now I play the waiting game. Saturday... I had my SU party & along with that came my "company"... my mom & sister, Renee, stayed through today. Sunday was church & out for brunch. Monday... my sister & I went to the church early to frost 300 cupcakes for our Night Out For Ladies meeting... ok, to be perfectly honest, Renee frosted the cupcakes I just kept the decorating bags filled with frosting & I got to put the sprinkles on. (BTW we had 300 cupcakes frosted in 1 hour 3 minutes... she is speedy! Thanks Na!) Then last night was the ladies meeting ... it was awesome! I was a table hostess... I had some terrific ladies at my table... I felt so privileged to be a part of it all. My "company" left this afternoon & I feel a little let down with the rainy weather, but I know we still have a very busy Fall coming!

I can't believe tomorrow is October 1!!!!! Where does time go???? It has now been 5 months without a job, but I know that God is the only way we have made it through these 5 months... He will always be the only way... job or no job! Blessings to all, with a grateFUL HEART, carin

"fruit" for the journey...

I have been working at getting the gift bags ready for "night out for ladies" at our church, which is on Monday... I did have mostly everything done, but there is always last minute tweaking to be done. I want these little gift bags to be a blessing to each lady that receives them... I believe if I am going to do something, I just can't do it half-way... which leads me to verses I want to share... Gal. 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
I grew up with this passage being something I memorized early on… but I don’t ever think I really understood it… it was kind of “those are good things & I will strive for those,” ... I am realizing that it isn’t that I need to work those into my life but that I need to yield myself totally to Christ & all of these will be given to me through the Holy Spirit! This isn’t just a plan for living in “correctness”, but that these 9 graces (gifts) might be apparent in me.

Love, joy & peace – they are inner fruit; longsuffering, gentleness & goodness – they are the outward fruit; faith, meekness & temperance (self-control) – the fruits that are towards God. I now see that these are not all individual “fruits”, but by yielding to Christ that will allow the Holy Spirit to work all of these fruits through me & in me... kind of like a fruit basket! *Ü* (sorry bad humor) Not saying that is easy to do, especially if you might have "control issues" (I have really improved on that!!!)... just think though if you can give everything up to the One who rules the universe... what a relief would that be? Just a thought....

I am doing some post-it notes & I will try to post a pic later. But for now I am off to get some things done with a grateFUL HEART, carin

BIG blog candy... for a good cause

It has been a really busy day... but I wanted to tell you about this very important blog candy before I forget to do it. Over at Carolyn King's blog she is doing something awesome to bring recognition to Alzheimer's disease. Her efforts have turned into a BIG blog candy, plus it is helping others... here is the card I am sending to a caregiver. Take the time to check it out & do something nice for those hard working caregivers. Having people that will do that job is a reason to have a grateFUL HEART, carin

blog candy...

Here is a cool blog that is giving away some candy... check it out... you may be a WINNER!

For a great weekend & an awesome Sunday...with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Need more UMPH!

It is going to be a busy Saturday... mostly on the road... we get to take a day trip to Traverse City (TC to you local trolls) to go to Sam's Club & a couple other places... we use to go to TC at least once a month, but not so much this summer... things have been a little slower with my lack of job income (no, I am not whining!), but God is making a way. (Thank-You, Lord!)

I don't think there will be any stamping today... I am hoping to stop at Michael's maybe, maybe?? today. Not that I need anything... BTW I am having a Stampin Up party next Saturday at my house, just in case any of you want to drop by drop me a line, I need to save up for that, but it is always nice to look.

You may notice the link to the right here for "FireProof"... it looks like it is going to be an awesome movie... besides Kirk Cameron is still pretty cute... I digress... just think if all couples would work as hard on their marriage as they do on their careers... what would this world be like???? God has called all of us to put our ALL into everything that we do... our marriages shouldn't be any different. Great marriages, good marriages, troubled marriages can always use that extra umph from God... seek it and you will find it!!! Make a date with your spouse to see this movie together... date night & a message that could make your marriage better... what more could you want???

Well, I best get my butt movin' so I am ready to go when hubby gets home. And today, for all of you that are trying to do better... that is why I have a grateFUL HEART, carin

My first swap card...

Ok, I know I said I would post my swap card yesterday & I heard from a couple of you because I didn't... I have been having trouble getting pics to upload... is it just me? I never had much trouble until a week or so ago... it really bugs me!!! Has anyone else had this problem?

Ruth, a friend of mine, (BTW Ruth is an excellent scrap booker, she could teach me a thing or two) asked if I wanted to be in a card swap... I have never done a swap before but I thought it might be fun... so here is the outcome of my creating:

I used card stock: Always Artichoke, Purely Pom., Cameo Coral, & Very Vanilla; same colors in the inks; SU set is Baroque Motifs and Reason to Smile. It has an offset opening (I don't really know if there is a technical term for that). I also used the Cuttle Bug to emboss... my mom let me borrow her CB to try out since I don't have one of my own... isn't she a good mom???

I did have fun doing it... what do you think about how it turned out?

We had a great church service last night... Wednesday evening services just keep bigger & bigger... last night was our last Wed. service in our old church building. It is bitter sweet... we are thrilled what is happening in the church & so excited to see what great things God has in store for northern Michigan, but at the same time sad to leave our familiar little "cocoon" we have been in. There are & will be awesome things happening once we move to the new building... if you want to see some of what is happening checkout Resurrection Life Church.

Time to get some chores done around here... chores?? I sound like I live on a farm!!! No farm just lots of cat hair to clean up! *Ü*

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Inspiration???? hope so...

I try to start my day off reading... I know that if I don't do it first thing when I get up it will not get done... well, today while reading in Isaiah these verses spoke to me about worship… I know God was talking to Israel, but I could see how this applied to me today & how willing I am to give my all to God in worship:
Isaiah 43:22-24 - "But you didn't pay a bit of attention to me, Jacob. You so quickly tired of me, Israel.You wouldn't even bring sheep for offerings in worship. You couldn't be bothered with sacrifices.It wasn't that I asked that much from you. I didn't expect expensive presents.But you didn't even do the minimum— so stingy with me, so closefisted.Yet you haven't been stingy with your sins. You've been plenty generous with them—and I'm fed up. (The Message)

Where it talks about “not being stingy with your sins”, how true is that? Doesn’t God deserve better than that from me??? I am learning to let go in worship & just bless God with surrendering to Him through my worship.

I know to some of you this may sound weird, but giving everything to God has made such a difference in my life. I am so thankful for that! How about you... what are your thoughts on this?

Ok, enough "sermon" for today... I have lots to do today... my list is made & I still need to check off a few tasks today... I would really like to scratch off everything on my list today! Hopefully, later today I will be able to post my cards I am doing for a swap!

Having a sunny day & the energy to accomplish what is set before me today is why I have a grateFUL HEART, carin

remembering...

I know it has been a few days since I have posted... there have been a couple reasons for that, one being that it has just been a few hectic days & the other... is why I have titled this post "remembering". Last Wednesday night when we were coming home from church my cell phone rang, which is very odd at that time of the evening... my family knows we are in church & they just don't call... it was my mom & the first thing she said is, "we have bad news." How many of you have heard those words & wonder what was to follow... 20million things go through your mind all at once. It was my Uncle Joel in California, he is my dad's oldest brother, he suddenly passed away that afternoon. He was in his 70's, which I am realizing as time goes by that is far from old. He has had many health problems in the last few years, but he has been pretty consistent in the way his health was... they figure he had a heart attack & was gone.


















Now for the remembering part... last April my mom & dad & Luke & I went to CA to visit family. We were able to spend a few days with my Uncle Joel & Aunt Pat, which we had done in 2003 & 2005 also. Because they lived so far from us I never really had the chance to get to know them as I was growing up. Well, in the past 5 1/2 years I did get to know them better & I am so thankful for that. I am also thankful my hubby got to know them & that we both truly learned to love them... they weren't just "relatives that live in CA." I am thankful that we got to know each other & that I was able to experience that in my "grown up" life. I know this may not make sense to some of you, but it does make perfect sense in my brain! *Ü*

In this pic, my uncle is seated with my dad behind him & of course me... this is a priceless picture and today it is why I have a grateFUL heart, carin

Just sharing...

Hi all... I have had a very busy day, but I still wanted to share a few things with you.

I had a great time with my mom, sisters & niece yesterday... we went to a local orchard here in the Thumb called Leipprandt Orchards... they have a lot of really neat things to eat plus lots of gift items & of course the best apples. I picked up a peck of Honey Crisp apples, a jar of fudge sauce & some rhubarb jam... yummy! Wherever my family goes it is usually a "project" but we almost always have fun & no matter what it includes a lot of laughing!!

My sister, Renee, who is the SU demo had a party in the afternoon, which my mom was invited to so I went along & had a great time... she is so good at what she does. You should checkout her blog at Renee's Ramblings ... she has some really great cards & projects on there, not to mention, now you can order from SU online... just a little advertisement for her!!!

Also, another blog candy is on Carmen's blog... check it out!

I am heading home tomorrow & even though I have had a good time... I am ready to be back in my own home... plus my hubby will be home tomorrow too! It has been a little rough for me since I haven't talked to him since Saturday night... we talk everyday no matter what... I know I probably sound like a whiner, but I can't help it... I miss him! My mom has kept me very busy today & I am ready for a good nights sleep, so with that I will just say good night with a grateFUL HEART, carin *Ü*

Alert!!! blog candy

Here are a few blog candies I came across... don't eat too many, but enjoy there isn't too many calories : Busy Bees Craft Place; Jessis Kreativblog; Kreativ Kristin; and Stempelwerkstatt

It is a rainy day this morning in the "Thumb" of Michigan, hopefully it will get a little nicer, but I'm not complaining... too much to be thankful for... speaking of thankful, over on Verve they are launching some new stamp sets & they are giving away new sets in a random drawing & all you have to do is leave a comment of something you are thankful for today... how easy is that, just click the link above.

Today I want to say thank-you to all you who helped get me to 1000 hits on my blog since June and that gives me a grateFUL HEART, carin

Great Sunday...

it was a great Sunday... my day started out with me getting up a little late... oops! When Luke isn't home I sometimes have a problem falling asleep... well once I did fall asleep I slept too good & you know the rest. I needed to be to church by 8:30 a.m... I was just a little late, but the service doesn't start 'til 9 anyway. It was an awesome worship service & a terrific message... our pastor started a series of sermons on Looking Through the Eyes of God... it is about finding God's vision for your life. It is only the 2nd week & it is so good... can't wait until next week!!! I get so excited to see what God has for me if I am just willing to follow. I can honestly say that I have not always felt this way... I have so much more passion for God then I ever have known... it is just so great the work He is doing in me & Luke too!

Once again I am in the Thumb staying with my parents for a couple days... it seemed like a good time to do this... no job, no husband, no problem (yeah right!). Going shopping or whatever with my 2 sisters & my mom & 1 niece tomorrow & dentist appointment on Tuesday... that is about it.

I miss my hubby dearly... sure he is fine... but still miss him! Being here with my family & safe travel is why today I have a grateFUL HEART, carin

sorting out my saturday...

Good morning! I have been up & at it very early this morning... my hubby started tossing & turning bout 5 a.m. this morning... he was excited about leaving for his fishing trip to Canada & wanted to go into the office to tie up a few loose ends... so that meant I was awake & I decided to get up & bake some cookies for him to take with him. The guy he was going with must have been anticipating the trip also because he showed up an hour early. So...Luke is gone for a few days & I am on my own... oh & BTW, he took our camera with him so I will not be able to take any pics for a few days. I don't like it when he is gone... but I am glad he had the opportunity to go... they are going to a lodge in northern Ontario... it is one of those places where they have to fly from the mainland & land on the water... I don't really like that part of it, but then I am not the one that has to do it! *Ö*

I came across something important on Kelley Holland’s blog (Our Daily Bread Designs owner) regarding "blog candy" & about a dear friend of hers that is having a health issue & could use prayer... please check it out HERE

Since I don't have any "creations" to share with you this morning... I thought I would finish my post with a word about my hubby... he is such a good man... I love him so much!!! And today, like every other day, he is the reason for my grateFUL HEART, carin

birthday card challenge...

I know, I know, TWO posts in one day... I am on a roll... or else I just didn't want to do any housework today????? hmmm??? I did get some things done around the house, plus I need a special birthday card for my mom-in-law & there was also a birthday card challenge on http://www.ourcreativecorner6.blogspot.com/ so I am killing two birds with one stone... pardon the pun! *Ü* I was also trying the corner punch frame technique tutorial I saw on http://www.amazingpapergrace.com/ ... it is really cool but now I need to get some prettier corner punches!!!! So how did I do?





What I used: card stock is Natural White, Wild Wasabi, & Purely Pomegranate; SU DP is Holiday Harmony; some old SU sheer ribbon; and Stickles.
I have a grateFUL HEART for any of you that visit my blog ramblings, carin

back blogging...

Hi, I know it has been a few days... am I a little out of touch? Maybe. It was a busy & fun weekend/holiday! Spent lots of time with friends, which is a good thing... no better way to be busy!


I am once again doing a Mojo Madness challenge from http://poeticartistry.blogspot.com/ and here is my card... first I started searching for my mojo and eventually this is what I came up with: stamp set is SU Garden Collage; card stock is Really Rust, Kraft & Blue Bayou (textured card stock); DP is Western Sky; black ink; pastels; gold brads; and a faux crystal on the ribbon.

I think I like the way it turned out... what do you think? I have a couple other challenges I want to get to this week, maybe even today... yahoo!

Finally being able to blog today is one of the reasons why I have a grateFUL HEART, carin

Friends... time well spent!

My hubby & I have spent the last couple evenings with some good friends... last night we had dinner with 2 couples from church that have become really close friends. You know the kind of people you can be yourself around & it doesn't scare them away... you know what I'm talking about! We had a great meal & then we played "Skipbo"... that is a card game in case you didn't know that... in it you play teams of 3 against 3... we had a good time & lots of laughs in spite of that.

Tonight we had another couple over for supper that have become really good friends to us... Bill & Barb. Bill showed up with a flower for me... this is the second time he has given me a flower... he gave me a Lily at Easter & tonight he brought me this flower... you have to see it to believe it, so because of that I had to take a picture of Bill & Barb with the flower.

It is a gigantic sunflower... it almost looks like it is fake, but it's real... they said it was about 12 feet tall & he cut it just for me. We had a good laugh over that... I said it looked like it was a man eating flower. We had a good time with them & we are so thankful for their friendship. Thanks Bill for the flower!!! *Ü*

So tonight my friends are why I have a grateFUL HEART, carin

just thinkin'...

I was listening this morning to a program I try to watch every morning... the host of the show and her guest were talking about living a life without fear. As a child I wasn't afraid of too many things, my mom wished I would have been a little more afraid of some things, but as I grew up I started limiting myself through my fear. I don't think I ever intentionally did it, but I wasn't intentional in not doing it either... do you know what I mean? One of the verses that keeps coming to my mind is:
II Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Some days I'm not so sure about the "sound mind" part *Ü*, but I know that this promise is mine! A quote that I took away from this show was "facing your fears will make you fearless"... what does that say to you??? It says a ton to me... my fear is always worse than the reality of what I fear. The host said that "fear" can stand for:
F alse
E vidence
A ppearing
R eal

What things are you dealing with today that may be causing you to fear??? Becoming fearless is the best way to live the life God has planned for you and me...
And this morning His promises are the reason I have a grateFUL HEART, carin

lil' of this and lil' of that...

Here is a purse card I made for a very special recipient... happy birthday Sharon! Sharon & Barb, friends from church, & I went out for a leisurely lunch yesterday to celebrate Sharon's b-day. I had such a good time & I think they did too... besides we had cheese cake for dessert... what more could you want??? Our lunch started around noon & we didn't leave the table until 2:30... I think the waitress was glad she could get the table cleaned up after we were done yakking, ok, we are never done yakking but we did pause long enough to get out of the restaurant & get to our cars & on our way for the rest of the day. I have some great friends & I am thankful for everyone of you!

This was a very simple version of this card, but I thought it turned out cute... although the color in the picture seems to be a little off... oh well, you get the idea. Sharon has a vintage purse collection so I thought the purse card was appropriate for her.

It is a beautiful day here in northern Michigan... can't believe Labor Day weekend is almost upon us!!! yikes... where did the summer go??? I had someone send me an email today to remember to tell your friends how important they are to you... so I am telling you my ladies... whether you are my sisters by birth or my sisters by "new birth" I am so thankful for you always... and today you are the reason for my grateFUL HEART, carin

A little of God's handiwork...

It was such a nice evening to eat out on the patio... so that is what we did. While we sat there just soaking up the beauty a little "hummer" buzzed by & we watched him jump from bush to bush sucking up the nectar. My hubby was able to get some great shots so I thought I would share one with you all. I think that is a winning shot... if I do say so myself!

No matter what is happening in my life... it is things like this that make me have a grateFUL HEART, carin

FYI...

I am excited that I was named on Allison's blog as a "newly discovered"... that was very nice... you can find that post & her blog at http://stampinwhenican.blogspot.com/2008/08/craftlings-cosy-corner-grateful-heart.html Check it out, she has some nice cards on there. Thanks Allison for the mention!

I have been trying to get at some paper stuff this afternoon, but just haven't found the inspiration... I am working on a project I started a few days ago, but I am not sure I like the way it is turning out, so I am dragging my feet because I don't want to have to start it all over again.

I was getting ready this morning to go clean at the church, when my electricity went out... mind you I had just washed my hair... so it was not looking its best... when life gives you lemons what do you do?... you take your blow dryer & curling iron to the church & finish getting ready there, which is what I did... God's house is my house. The funny thing is when I got there Bill, the maintenance man, said to me, "did you get your hair cut since I saw you, it looks really good". I don't know if he meant it or if he was just trying to make me feel good or if he is getting a little senile!!!! (just kidding)

I am missing out on my sister's SU Catalog Open House tonight & that really bums me out... I live over 2 hours away from her & all my family & I just couldn't go, but I am having a SU workshop on Sept. 27 at 11:00 a.m. if anyone is interested.

I guess I better stop procrastinating & get my project finished... and when it is complete that will give me one more reason to have a grateFUL HEART, carin

carin's big adventure part 2...

ok, I said I would show you proof of my kayaking and here it is... it was such a beautiful day & a great experience... I would even do it again!!! This is really something for me because in the not too distant past I was not the one to jump out of the boat, so to speak. A change has taken place in me in the last 3 1/2 years -- I am not living for what is coming down the road in the future, but living more for the time that is here in the present & trying to experience different things that make my life fuller & ultimately more complete. WOW! did this kayaking thing take me down that deep path??? *Ü* Sorry I got deeper than the river was the other day, but I do mean everything I said.

The scenery was beautiful... it reminded me of the part of "The Shack" where Mack is walking through the beautiful meadow & he asks if this is what Heaven is like... just observing all the natural beauty around me really made me think about my Heavenly Father & what a gift He gave me in that day and everyday... and that is why I have a grateFUL HEART, carin

"carin's big adventure..."

I did something today that in all my 43 years I have never done before... in fact something that I said I would never do... but I did & I'm glad I did... although I am tired & my shoulders are sore... I am still glad. What is this thing that I would call my "big adventure"? I went kayaking on the Manistee River. You may think why is that such a big deal? Let me back up & tell you a couple things about me... I am not what you would consider an outdoorsy kind of person, and I have somewhat of a fear of drowning... although my fear has to do with a car in water, but a kayak is a sort of transportation (stay with me this all makes sense in my mind!).

A friend of Luke's has been trying to get me to go kayaking for awhile now... he says we have so many nice lakes where we live & he wants for us to go kayaking & take advantage of the beauty... my answer has always been, "I don't think so, but thanks anyway". Well, last night at church a friend of mine asked me to go kayaking with her today... I gave her the same answer, "I don't think so, but thanks anyway". She kept talking & finally wore me down & I agreed to try it, and if I changed my mind she said that was ok she would not force me. I don't mind being prodded, but I hate to be pressured & she didn't pressure me. She was right we had such a good time! It was so beautiful & peaceful! What a chance to just see God's beautiful creation in such a serene setting. I feel so blessed that JoAnn asked me & even that she did a little coaxing, otherwise I would have missed out on the adventure. She took some pictures & when she emails them to me I will post one to prove to some of you that I actually did it! This may all sound silly to some of you, but for me this is one of the reasons today I have a grateFUL HEART, carin

an understanding person remains calm...

Yesterday I had a little incident with a customer service person on the phone... I let myself get irritated to the point of madness (almost). It has been awhile since I let someone on the phone get to me... it happened to be a condesending man... nothing gets me more fired-up than that. I know, for you that know me personally, probably just can't believe I could be like that...ok, well maybe some of you can (got to love my family). I tell you all this not because I am proud of my behavior, but because I wanted to share this verse I read in my devotions yesterday:

"The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm." Prov. 17:27 (The Message)

The only thing I can say after that is... I don't think I was an understanding person at that point & time. And I will try to do better next time (or better yet if there wasn't a next time, but I am sure there will be) and by the way I never screamed at the man on the phone just cried a little (what a surprise)... and the good part of all this is that even when I am feeling at my witts end with someone... God is still there ready to restore my sanity. *Ö*
And for that I have a grateFUL HEART, carin

little mojo on wednesday...

It has been a couple busy days, but I am finally posting one of my creations... actually this card was done for "Mojo Madness Contest" on Poetic Artistry (see link to her blog on the right). I have never participated in a challenge before, so maybe that is a sign I have too much time on my hands!! *Ü* The stamp sets are from SU... called "The Art of Life" & "All Year Cheer I". The cardstock & inks are also SU, colors are Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Rose Romance, & Very Vanilla. I also used some old SU DP (that was the one-sided stuff) & some "Vintage" antique brass brads.


How did I do? I always look forward to your comments!!!

with a grateFUL HEART, carin