Thankful for... (part 7)

I am thankful for so much, but when I saw this silly picture... I just knew what I had to post today... I am thankful for my strange sense of humor God gave me. Don't know how I would get through some things without it. Anyway, hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving. with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Thankful for... (part 6)

Sorry to say I am in a little rush today, but what I am thankful for is I got my oil changed, bills paid, cake baked, laundry done, dishes done, Pampered Chef order sorted & orange tapioca salad made. May all be trivial things, but I am thankful for them just the same.

What are you thankful for today?

We are heading to the Thumb in the morning for Thanksgiving with my family, so I am sharing this picture that was taken looking towards Saginaw Bay. My talented hubby caught this beautiful shot.

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Thankful for... (part 5)

Today I am thankful for God's love... even when I am not so lovable... He still loves me & He always will.

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"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39

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Sorry no stamping to share today... just this picture of this happy couple.

What are you thankful for today?

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Thankful for... (part 4)

I am finding with my "Thankful for..." posts it is really hard to just pick one thing I am thankful for. God has blessed me in so many ways. And I am realizing blessings don't always come wrapped in pretty packages either... blessings can come from the worst circumstances... it is all how I CHOOSE to deal with it.

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So today I am thankful for God being in control... and at this very moment I am choosing to let it all go & be so. How about you... what are you choosing to be thankful for today?

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"The LORD gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm. So always trust the LORD because He is forever our mighty Rock." - Isaiah 26:3-4

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I have 2 - 8x8 scrapbook pages to share today... these pictures were from 2006 & I finally got around to scrapbooking them last weekend... better late than ever.

This was our first & only time we stayed at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island for a couples' retreat. It was as great as I expected it to be... no disappointment on my part.

So I would luv to hear what you are thankful for today... thanks for stopping... with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Thankful for... (part 3)

Wanted to share a picture taken of the "PFF girls" at last weekends scrapbook retreat. I look a little frazzled in the pic, because of not getting all the "beauty sleep" I needed! *Ü* I am on the left (obviously), Heather in the middle & Ruth of the right.

This leads me to what I am thankful for... I am so very thankful for the outstanding, loving, gracious people God has put into my life... I am blessed by them all. Today however, I am honoring my PFF's... here's to many more laughs, a few more tears... and years & years of getting to know each other through the good, the bad & the just plain ugly!

"Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other." Proverbs 27:17

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Thankful for... (part 2)

I came across this quote this morning & thought it was really good:

"Work as if it was your first day.

Forgive as soon as possible.

Love without boundaries.

Laugh without control

and never stop smiling..."

I am thankful for God's grace and beauty and for the times I let myself just live in the moment... which so hard for me to do sometimes.

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Just another little card I put together using my sister, Renee's SU set... that tree is so great... thinking I might need that set. And I got a new MS triple butterfly punch... it was on sale plus I had a coupon... how great is that??? Almost free!!!!

Now it is your turn... what makes you thankful today?

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with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Thankful for...

Since Thanksgiving is only a week away, I decided to post something I am thankful for everyday for the next 7 days. I hope you will join me by leaving a, "I am thankful for..." comment too.

Today I am thankful for the abilities my Heavenly Father has given me to help others in need... whether with my prayers, words of encouragement or physical assistance. He doesn't make junk!

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Peter 4:10

I also have a little holiday card to share with you today. I really like that SU deer stamp & of course his antlers were screaming out for some diamond stickles (even though you can't see it too good in the pic).

I have realized I am like my cats... I am weirdly attracted to sparkly, shiny things. "My name is Carin & I am a stickles addict"... is there help for me???

I would luv to have you share your thankfulness with a comment... oh & I am thankful for you stopping by today.

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

It's Monday Already...

Wow, what a whirlwind weekend... thanks to all of you who made your way through the blog hop... it was really something. Being gone to the scrapbook retreat kept me from doing as much hopping as I would have liked. It was a fantabulous weekend! We laughed so much & just had the best time. Thank you to Mom & Dad who made it possible for me to go.

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Please go and check out Women to Women: Sharing Jesus as I have a new devotional on there... but don't do it just because of me... put it on your schedule to go there regularly... it will do your heart good!

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Yes, it is the season for Christmas card orders & here is a card I made for an order. Used SU Patterned Pines stamp set along with the words from Nature's Christmas (really old SU set).

Can't see it in the pictures, but of course there is a little sparkle from diamond stickles on there too.

"And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary." Galatians 6:9

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

Friends of Faith...

Welcome to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine's A Faith Perspective Thankful for Friends Faith Blog Hop. Today, we're out in force on the internet -- showing our faith and giving the glory to God. United, we stand as Christian paper crafters and blog owners to make a presence on the internet for all to see. We're celebrating the theme of friends and we're happy to share our projects with you based on the verse:
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. " Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a
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If you're just joining in on the fun, you can find the start of the train here:
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First, we would like to take a moment to thank our generous co-sponsors: Layers of Color Stamps, Gina K Designs Stamps and Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps. Together with Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, these companies have donated some wonderful prizes for today’s blog hop.

Prizes? Oh, yeah! There will be three lucky grand prize winners for today’s event. To enter, simply hop to the blogs of all of the participating staff members of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, take note of the staff member’s name, and leave a comment on their posts. Then send us an email atgames@scrapbooknewsandreview.com listing each of the staff members who participated in today’s hop. It’s that easy. All entries must be received by Monday, November 16, 2009 at 12 noon, EST and three winners will be randomly chosen to win.

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What are the prizes?
One $100 gift certificate from Layers of Color Stamps AND a 6 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.
One basket of goodies -- four stamp sets from Gina K Designs and a 6 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.
One set of digital stamps from Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps and a 3 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.
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In addition, every participating staff member of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine will offer a free one-month subscription to the magazine to one of their lucky visitors by simply leaving a comment on their blog. That's a lot of chances to win, so let’s get to the Hop!

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If you are a regular visitor to my blog then you know I just write the way I think... I love sharing little "tidbits" of what God has laid on my heart. God has blessed me with such good friends in my life. I believe a friend will be there through thick & thin... you know friends make this ride of life so much better.

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This is a double page 6x6 scrapbook page I did as a gift for a good friend's birthday. The picture on the left is (from left to right) me, Heather & Ruth, the birthday girl. We three are known as the PFF girls... it is a long story how we got that name... all that needs to be said is that we are the best of friends... we laugh a lot... cry a little... and make people give us strange looks in the process. We are on a scrapbooking retreat this weekend together. They are my friends & they are a blessing from God.

This other card is done with a SU set that I have had for years... it is called "On Angel Wings." The words say, "Friendship is love without wings." I think that is such a pretty saying. What do you think? I really like the monochromatic look of this card... and of course I had to put diamond stickles on the wings.

The next stop on this blog hop is: Danielle Holsapple

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Thanks for stopping, enjoy the rest of the hop & come back & visit again... with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Hope for the day...

First of all I want to remind you of the Thankful for Friends of Faith blog hop that will be this weekend... 14 & 15 of November. Please make sure you stop & hop along with us. Let the Christian bloggers know that God's message is getting out there and that you appreciate their efforts by posting a comment.

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We were challenged last night at church to spread hope to others that maybe have no hope... I can't imagine living my life without hope. My hope is first & foremost in Christ... there is no hope without Him first.

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"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." Romans 5:5

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What are some ways you can share hope with others?

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Two little creative projects to share. I got these home decor elements from SU awhile ago, but finally put them on my walls the other day. I luv that saying... "we are too great for small dreams"... God has put great dreams into us to follow. This is on my bedroom wall, so I can be reminded every morning when I wake up.

And this little bird is perched above my pantry door in my kitchen... the good thing about this bird is there is no mess... if you know what I mean. *Ü*

Better get moving... lots to do. Leaving for a scrapbook retreat tomorrow through Sunday. Will be spending time with some wonderful ladies... can't wait!

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

Hope & Peace...

Lookin' like it is gonna be a pretty nice weekend in northern Michigan... maybe it will get out of the 30's... yah!

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This time change from day-light savings to standard is kicking my butt this week... we get an extra hour back & I am thrown off schedule. Is anyone else feeling it???

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Wanted to share 2 more cards from the pack with you. I know they are very simple, but sometimes simple is best. I used textured cardstock, MS butterfly punch, stickles for the body of the butterflies.

Did two layers to give dimension to the butterflies. Colors are SU Purely Pomegranate & Pretty in Pink with Raspberry Tart dsp.

"But whether we are at home with the Lord or away from him, we still try our best to please him." II Corinthians 5:9

I am making lasagna today... yummy... I have been so hungry for it & we are having some friends over to share. Oh, Luke is making homemade ice cream too!

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

He strengthens me...

It is a sunny but very cold day today... thank God for the sun! I just don't know if I am ready for this "winter" weather yet. Ready or not here it comes!

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Went to a friend's home today to work on some Christmas projects for our ladies' ministry. We have a long ways to go, but thrilled we got it started!

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I haven't mentioned the whole weight loss thing in a few weeks. I have not gone to WW in a few weeks, but I am still trying to exercise some & watching what I eat. I just couldn't aford to keep going at this point, but the good news is I have lost another 2 pounds, so now my total is 10 pounds off!!!

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Here are 2 more cards I did for the pack I sold... I did 2 of each of these colors.

They both contain sponging & heat embossing. The CS is Baroque Burgundy, Sahara Sand, Night of Navy.

That is one of my favorite verses too! Hope you enjoyed your short stay.

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with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Blog Hop

Here is your invitation to the Friends of Faith Blog Hop on November 14, 2009. Please pass the word. grateFUL HEART blog will be participating along with Women to Women Sharing Jesus and many other blogs.

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

He likes me...

Our last few Fall days have been very chilly... brrrrr... we woke up to snow on the rooftop this morning... of course it didn't stay, but that is okay! Once again I am preoccupied with a "to do list"... you can know for sure that posting on my blog is always on my list, but doesn't always get done... sorry.

I had an order for a dozen cards from a great lady at our church... this is the 3rd time she has gotten cards from me. So over the next few days I will be sharing the different cards I did for her pack. This is a nice SU set called "Wings of Friendship"... did 2 in each color combo. The first being turquoise

and the second is an old "in color" called Marigold Morning. Used my brayer & some heat embossing.

I came across this verse this morning:

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"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1

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I am reading a book called "The Original Sanctuary"... it is about finding the true freedom Christ has for us... what He gave himself for... He was condemned so we wouldn't be. Since I started this book I have been thinking a lot about how many times I "condemn" myself over some of the silliest things. One of my favorite verses is:

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"For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things." I John 3:20

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God has created each one of us as the special people that we are... He loves you and me. What I have recently come to know is He LIKES me too. In my mind I know He is God... He has to love me because He is God, but I never really thought about Him liking me. Have you ever thought about Him liking you? Do you think of God in that way?

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One more thing to check off my list... thanks for stopping... with a grateFUL HEART, carin