Providence 365, Week 31: In Him - Copied and pasted from www.faithsisters.com

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Providence 365, Week 31: In Him - Copied and pasted from www.faithsisters.com

Hello, everyone!
This is Barbara, of Precepts & Promises, here with Week 31 of our Providence 365.
My verse this week is Acts 17:28:

"In Him we live, and move, and have our being."

We are living in a bubble of sorts, surrounded by the Presence of the LORD. He is all around us, He moves with us, and our life, our very being, is dependent on Him.
If you are anything like me, however, your thoughts of Christ are fleeting throughout your day. I read my Bible in the morning, and there is no doubt that I am blessed and fed by the Word. But, then, the cares of the world creep in, and my thoughts are of groceries, dinner, laundry, children, work, and the rest of the life that I've been given.

{I will be posting my layout soon}But, the good news, the really joyful, awesome, and wonderful news, is that our relationship to Christ isn't dependent on our feelings, or lack of them! Our position in Him is secure because of who He is, not because of our efforts. So, this week, look to see where He is all around you, sustaining you and giving you life, especially during those times when you aren't even thinking of Him.

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day! ~Love Barbara~

ABC Scripture Challenge - Hosted bi-weekly by Patter Cross 7-31-11

ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #16}, Portion

Copied and Pasted from Patter Cross Blog...

Today’s post is a bit personal but I truly felt God wanted me to share. May He use it for His good and His glory!
Challenge Word #16: Portion
When you see or hear the word “portion,” what do you think of? I think for most of us, we would say food! But I do not believe that God wants us focusing on food in times of stress, disappointment, boredom, etc., and that’s exactly what I did after my triplets were born. For most of my life, I have been tiny and have never had a problem with food or weight until my triplets were born and they started getting older. In times of stress, in times of busyness, in times of boredom, I would use food for all things instead of turning to God. He alone should have been my portion instead of food. Eve was tempted with food, and she gave into that temptation. Jesus was tempted with food, and He fought Satan with scripture. I was tempted, and I was just like Eve!

Lamentations 3:22-24 “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.’”

Well, after being overweight and not feeling good about myself at all, I lost the pounds. However, as it seems happens to so many of us, I gained it back plus some after I turned 44. My avatar is me at 44 just before giving into those temptations again. Now for the past two years, I have been using food as an excuse yet again, and to be blunt—I was sinning against God. I wasn’t waiting for Him. I wasn’t fighting Satan and those temptations with scripture. I just gave in and was disobedient to the Lord. However, in May of this year, He showed me and convicted me like never before with this verse:
1 Corinthians 10:23 “Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial.”
Yes, I have freedom in Christ but I don’t have freedom to partake in more than my portion. Yes, food is permissible—we need it to survive but food in excess or more than my portion is not beneficial. He is my portion. He is what fills me up. I don’t need anything else—just my precious Lord and Savior! Since that conviction, I remember that verse every time I am tempted. I am now fighting Satan with scripture just like Christ did. He is our perfect example! But to be honest, He has also completely removed my desire to eat poorly, to overindulge, or to have more than my portion. Praise God! I have lost 22 lbs., and I have more to go but I truly feel He has completely and utterly changed my thinking for good. He truly is my portion!
So, who or what is your portion? Do you cling to Him and the inheritance that He has promised or do you run to the food, the cigarettes, the drinking—you fill in the blank?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

The Good Life - 7-29-2011

Philosophers ponder, “What is the good life and who has it?” I instantly think of my good friend Roy.

Roy was a gentle, quiet man who sought no recognition, who left the care of his life to his heavenly Father, and who occupied himself solely with his Father’s will. His was a heavenly perspective. As he often reminded me: “We are but sojourners here.”

Roy passed away last fall. At his memorial service, friends reminisced over his influence on their lives. Many spoke of his kindness, selfless giving, humility, and gentle compassion. He was, for many, a visible expression of God’s unconditional love.

After the service, Roy’s son drove to the assisted-living facility where his father lived out his final days. He gathered up his dad’s belongings: two pairs of shoes, a few shirts and pants, and a few odds and ends—the sum of Roy’s earthly goods—and delivered them to a local charity. Roy never had what some would consider the good life, but he was rich toward God in good deeds. George MacDonald wrote, “Which one is the possessor of heaven and earth: He who has a thousand houses, or he who, with no house to call his own, has ten at which his knock arouses instant jubilation?”

Roy’s was the good life after all.

Let us be Christ’s true disciples
Looking to another’s need;
Making stony pathways smoother
By a gentle word or deed. —Thorson

No one can know the good life without God.

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day! ~Love Barbara~

Funny Layouts

 Some more layout that i've been working one.. scraplifting is my life....

 Special thanks goes out to the creative scrapbooker that completed these two projects.. Thank you for the inspiration....

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day!

~Love Barbara~

For The God I Love

Although fasting isn’t required, in giving up something we love, we may have a deeper experience of the God we love. He rewards us with Himself.

Lord, we desire to walk closely with You every day.
Help us to seek You diligently that we might
know You intimately and follow You
obediently. Amen.

Moving away from the table can bring us closer to the Father.

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day!

 ~Love Barbara~

Bribery - 7-27-2011

Our daily Bread - we all need it , i know i do...

Have a great day!

Bribery deprives others of justice, which is an offense against the character of God, who is “God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe” (10:17).

Thankfully, the Lord treats all of us alike, and He wants us to treat each other the same way.

It matters not what race or gender,
Rich or poor or great or small,
The God who made us is not partial;
He sent Christ to die for all. —D. De Haan

Bribery displays partiality; love displays justice.

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day! ~Love Barbara~

Joy In The Morning - 7-26-2011

Angie could not see through the fogged-up windows in her car. Inadvertently, she pulled out in front of a truck. The accident caused such damage to her brain that she could no longer speak or take care of herself.

Over the years, I have been amazed at the resiliency of Angie’s parents. Recently I asked them, “How have you managed to get through this experience?” Her father thoughtfully responded, “In all honesty, the only way we have been able to do this is by drawing close to God. He gives us the strength we need to help us through.”

Angie’s mother agreed and added that around the time of the accident their grieving was so deep that they wondered if they would ever have joy again. As they both leaned upon God, they experienced countless unexpected provisions for the physical and spiritual care of Angie and their entire family. Although Angie may never regain her ability to speak, she now responds to them with wide smiles and this gives them joy. Her parents’ favorite verse continues to be: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Ps. 30:5).

Have you experienced extreme sorrow? There is the promise of future joy amid your tears as you lean upon our loving Lord.

New mercies every morning,
Grace for every day,
New hope for every trial,
And courage all the way. —McVeigh

Leave your sorrows with Jesus, the “Man of Sorrows.”

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day!

~Love Barbara~

Sketches yes I'm addicted...{ I will post layouts later}

Yes I'm addicted to yet some more sketches, I'll be working on these and re post the sketch next to the completed layout. They will be without pictures will add pictures at a later date...As some layout will be for pictures taken on my cruise that a couple of months away....I'm So excited...

I will be working with 2 dies cut of stars and circles....{It's a multi cut dies cut}.

 I love these colors together and will be working with one of the sketches in the color scheme.

I'll be using this one, for my neice turning 15 picture....

The Pleasure Is Mine - Monday 7-25-2011

What we are really looking for is satisfied only in a fulfilling and growing relationship with Jesus. Pursue Him and taste His delights!

The world is filled with so much good
That brings us joy and pleasure,
But true fulfillment only comes
When Christ we love and treasure. —Sper

Are we living for our own pleasure,
or living to please our heavenly Father?

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day!

~Love Barbara~

My ladybug table cover.....

I found the perfect fabric to cover my scrapbook room table.. here it is... I'm in ladybug heaven.....

 All covered up.... I'm loving this new look....

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day! ~Love Barbara~

Awesome wedding Gift - an a Sermon Note Book...

Happy Monday .. Hoping all is well on this Hot Monday morning .. weather today in the 100 again, but I'm headed to work with free AC, what a blessing.....
Weekend happening..scrapping boy oh boy did i have a great time scrapping and working on some sketched layout ....{added pictures to sketches later}......

Finally I'm finished this project and awesome wedding gift that included 100 thanks you cards..

 Sermon Notes books for the Bride and Groom!

 More Cards ....

 This is the Sermon Note books along with there Pictures displayed card.

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day!
~Love Barbara~

Providence 365-Week 30 - {6.24.2011}

Providence 365-Week 30

Yet you, LORD, are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.Isaiah 64:8 (NIV)
If you have ever worked with clay – you know that it can be a slow process to create that perfect pot. It takes patience and care and cannot be rushed.

[ I will post my layout later]

I am clay and our good Lord is the potter. Isn’t this a comforting thought? I am the work of His hand. I am always growing, always changing - He is not done with me. He has patience with me. He guides me. His hands are constantly on me. He molds me not only on the outside but on the inside too. I’m not finished. He never gives up on me – He sits at that potter’s wheel as He patiently molds me. When I am weak, he builds me up to make me stronger. If I start leaning, He holds me up. I am someone special to him.

This week, I encourage you to reflect on how He has been molding you….

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day! ~Love Barbara~

Picking thru some sketches -

Saturday ... Boy Oh Boy it's hot outside. now that I'm back in I'm watching a movie with my boo.... I think he is dozing.. but of course he will say he's not sleep......should sneak and take a pictures....LMAO....
now I'm going sketch surfing getting some more layout done before i go on vacation.... so all i have to do is place the picture on the layouts.. what fun....Working on two mini album for the trip and a writing journal....Hopefully I'll have some time to journal and take plenty of pictures..
Working on these Sunday after church....

This one is a layout already completed by someone online, i will be scrap lifting it.... I'm in love with the black matted look, love it.. so no this is not my creation.....so wanted to clear that up and give credit were it due.....

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day! ~Love Barbara~

Freaky Friday

Feeling HOT, HOT, HOT

I'm thinking about making a mini album out of some scrap papers.....but first i have to do this sketch Thursday . I'm excited i love this sketch....

Sketch Thursday 7-21-2011

 And I'm loving this one also...

Well off to work, I'll be scrapping when i get home tonight.... well i think so anyways....

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day! ~Love Barbara~

Another Travel Scrapbook

 Another Mini Scrapbook -  Travel

Inside pages will be 6x6 pages from Stampin Up....

Will post cometed album by Friday Check back....

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day!
~Love Barbara~

June 20th Our Daily Bread

If each of us were to live as a reflection of God’s love, perhaps there would be a lot less bedlam.

The godless and sinful everywhere
Are objects of God’s love and care,
But they will always know hopeless despair
Unless His love with them we share. —D. De Haan

A despairing world needs caring Christians.

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•'

Have A Great Day!

~Love Barbara~

Z-Fold Envelope Mini Album - Another awesome album

Good Morning another awesome Z- Fold Envelope Mini Album from Following the Paper trail -Laura does  some awesome work...

Items used -{3} 6x9 Clasp envelopes

{3} 3 3/8 x 6 Coin envelopes

{random papers that work well together}

 one of the pages completed

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day!

~Love Barbara~

ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #15}, Others

Challenge Word #15: Others

[copied and pasted from Patter cross blog]
{I will be posting my layout later}

As Christians, we are called to seek the good of others, carry each other’s burdens, value others above ourselves, encourage others, serve others, etc. Here are just a few examples of what God’s Word tells us about others:

• Glorify Him before Others
Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

• Acknowledge Him before Others
Matthew 10:32 “Whoever acknowledges Me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven." (see also Luke 12:8)

• The Golden Rule
Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (see also Luke 6:31)

• Forgive Others
Matthew 6:15 “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

• Seek the Good of Others
1 Corinthians 10:24 “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”

• Carry Each Other’s Burdens
Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

• Build up Others with our Words
Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

• Value Others Above Ourselves
Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

• Encourage with Sound Doctrine
Titus 1:8-10 “Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”

• Serve Others with our Gifts
1 Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

• Don’t Share in the Sins of Others
1 Timothy 5:22 “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.”

Wow, what a list, and I did not even list them all. But God clearly shows us through His Word that we are to put others before ourselves. In today’s world, this is especially important to share with the younger generation. I pray that you will use these scriptures to share with your children, grandchildren, Sunday School classes, and wherever else God may lead you to share. His Word is clear. Will you pray about how God might use you in everyday circumstances to show His love by putting others first? And as we put others first, His Word promises:

Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

What a beautiful promise!
*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day! ~Love Barbara~

Providence 365, Week 29: How Are you Holding Together? {6-17-2011}

Providence 365, Week 29: How Are you Holding Together?

 Paul writes in Colossians 1:17:

And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

And, we can find great comfort in this; while we go about our lives, He holds it all together for us. Not just in our atoms, but in our lives and our very souls. He has promised to never leave or forsake us, so we can do the work He's given us and then sleep in peace at night.

This week, look for the little ways that God has held your life together. Sometimes, it's very evident, as in an accident avoided. Sometimes, it's very quiet, as in a Scripture brought to mind just precisely when needed.

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day!
~Love Barbara~

Toilet Tissue Roll Mini Album

I have joined on 2peas in a bucket a TP Roll swap. Her is the item I have to create, to send to another scrapper, my partner is minnesotamommy, I so excited to make a TP Roll mini album for her and the family...

***

Sneak peek for my First Mini Album...

This is just a sample, i'll be working on "The Playtime" pack for my swap...

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day!

~Love Barbara~

My Sweet, Sweet Song- Beyond Blessed

God pours out his blessings on those who love him. Not only have we received eternal life through Christ, but everyday we experience his love and blessings. That the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. -Galatians 3:14


When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing. -Hebrews 6:7


Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. -Psalm 21:6
{Working on my layout this weekend}
Is there a song that reminds you of all the blessings in your life?
Maybe a song of thanksgiving for all that God has done?
I hope you will join us this month in creating a layout inspired by your favorite songs. Below are a few songs I thought fit this topic, but feel free to share any song that you feel drawn too.
*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day! ~Love Barbara~

Another Awesome Blog - Krista Wells

Krista Wells has and awesome blog listed below, Stop by and check out her mini albums. Awesome job Krista.....just awesome...thanks for all the idea, keep up the great work and loving your blog... Stay Blessed... http://confessionsofatwentysomethingartist.blogspot.com/

Here are some of my Mini Albums, If you search my blog on mini album you can check the entire album.

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day! ~Love Barbara~

Today daily Word - CLARITY (6-15-2011)

Clarity

Returning to my Christ nature, I see all things clearly.

When asked to heal a blind man, Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. The man's vision was restored, but it was blurred. To him, people looked "like trees, walking." After Jesus laid his hands on him a second time, the man could see clearly.
As I turn within for guidance and direction, I affirm the clarity I seek and give thanks in advance for the ability to see things clearly. Even if doubts arise, I do not turn away. I continue to return to the Christ Presence within for clear vision. With spiritual clarity, I affirm wholeness despite any physical condition. I see abundance where others may only see lack. By returning to my Christ nature, I can see all things clearly.

Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.--Mark 8:25

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day! ~Love Barbara~

New Paper Pack by DCWV - PlayTime Stack

I'll be working on my Toilet Paper Roll swap this weekend, This is the paper pack that I'll be using, it for a scrapper that wants a mini album for her kids. I'm thinking this would work great for boy and girls alike... I love the pages in this pack.. Awesome...

Some of the pages to view...

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day!

~Love Barbara~

Thursday Sketch 7-14-2011

Sketch Thursday 7-14-2011{Happy Thursday}

I'll be working on this sketch this weekend...

 And here is a layout that i'm looking to Scraplift - Very nice a clean layout!

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day!

~Love Barbara~

Cover for part two of my P365 paper bag album

My Providence 365 - Hosted on Faith Sisters.

In part one I was doing a layout and then another 6x6 layout to go along with the scripture of the week. But after running out of space I had to make a part two album....here is the cover - and I'll just be doing a layout on the Scripture's given...and some brief journaling.

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day! ~Love Barbara~

Providence 365, Week 27 {July 3rd, 2011}

Providence 365, Week 27

Copied and Pasted from www.faithsister.com

These holidays are wonderful reminders of our responsibilities as dual citizens, having citizenship in both our earthly nation and in the Kingdom of God. We are reminded to be good citizens here, to pray for our fellow citizens and for those in authority over us, that they might be wise, courageous, and righteous:

"...I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings,

be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority..."

Whether or not we agree with the views and actions of those in authority, whether or not those actions are righteous, God's Word is clear, stating that authority was given them by Him:

" Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities.

For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God."

My layout - will add journaling later

So, I urge you, whether or not you are celebrating Independence Day this weekend, to say prayers and petitions for your governmental (nation, state, city or town) authorities. To seek the good of your city and fellow citizens, "that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day!
~Love Barbara~

Providence 365 - Week 26 - 6-26-2011

This was Copied and pasted From www.Faithsisters.com

Saturday – June 25th – is Jesus’ Half Birthday. A wonderful time to share God’s Love with everyone we meet. (OK - we know that it is ALWAYS a wonderful time to share God's Love.)
And each day we awake and see the signs of God’s Love in the beauty around us – a fluttering butterfly reminds us of our new life in Jesus Christ – watching a Doe care for her young fawn – a smile and a hug from a child – His love surrounds us.
In 1 John 4:8 we are reminded that…. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love-
Here is my Layout - I will be added journaling later

This week – open your eyes and realize that God’s Love is EVERYWHERE. As you work on your layout for Providence 365 – look for His love in places that you may not have seen before. You will be amazed that His love surrounds us – God IS love.

I'm working on my layouts and will be posting them later...

Have fun…and God Bless!
*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day! ~Love Barbara~

The Color Room Pallet #66 -

Weekly Color theme from Color Pallet - From Color Room... #66 - I will try and finish this layout today ....I maybe be using the P365 from Faith sister - Not going t be using the sketch just the color scheme..Love these colors together...

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day!
~Love Barbara~

Providence 365 -Week 28 - Sunday July 10th, 2011

Providence 365 -Week 28 - Copied and Pasted from www.Faithsister.com
an awesome blog take a look.

My Layout: will add journaling later -

What’s in your stick bag?

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
Here is my gift for you today - an overlay for your 12x12 layout. Use your “digi” gifts to create a layout showcasing your own gifts – or those of someone you love. (try reducing the opacity or even change the color to make this overlay perfect for your unique layout.)

You may download it here >>> hereWe started the Providence 365 journey at the start of this calendar year. Each week Barbara (of Precepts and Promises) provide you with a prompt and a “gift” for you to create layouts to help you see and document God’s Providence in your own life. It is never too late to start. Each week thus far can be found in the Providence 365 forum at Faith Sisters >>>>>here.

Wishing you a blessed week.

*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•' Have A Great Day! ~Love Barbara~