FROM: My Pad TO: Yours

The Love of Jesus

2012-02-12T00:34:00.000-08:00

There's no love more precious,
more costly, more kingly.
There's no love that's greater-
that's more wonderful, more wild,
more passionate, more powerful-
than the love of Jesus.

Believe, receive, and rejoice forever in the greatest love the world has ever known!

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

No Greater Love

2012-02-11T00:34:00.000-08:00

There's no greater love than the love of Jesus.
There's no love that's wiser,
that's stronger, that lasts longer,
that's more willing or thrilling.

There's no love more beautiful, more bountiful,
more bold, more basic and unbiased.
There's no love more caring, more sharing,
more daring to risk all in danger for sinner and stranger.

There's no love more gracious, more giving, more living,
more sacred, more selfless, more soul-satisfying,
more pure and undying.
There's no love more verifiable, more valuable,
more validating, more victorious, more glorious.

2012 Valentines

2012-02-10T07:55:00.001-08:00

2nd grade cathecism class:

RAK Friends:

2nd grade cathecism class:

husband:

Rosebud pens with Dawn

2012-02-09T06:49:00.000-08:00

Doggie Dental 101 - Dog.com

2012-02-09T06:46:00.000-08:00

Doggie Dental 101 - Dog.com

Marker Layering 1

2012-02-08T07:21:00.000-08:00

Angry Birds cards & patterns

2012-02-08T06:42:00.000-08:00

Toilet roll pillow boxes

2012-02-07T12:25:00.000-08:00

God Lives Under The Bed.....

2012-02-04T00:34:00.000-08:00

I think this is perhaps one of the BEST email 'forwards' I have ever read. Thanks Carolyn! I hope you will enjoy it half as much as I have!!

Don't start reading this one until you've got more than a minute to just 'scan' over it. It deserves some time for reflection.

GOD LIVES UNDER THE BED
I envy Kevin. My brother, Kevin, thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night.

He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, 'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed....'

I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.

He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult.

He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.

I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life?

Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed.

The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.

He does not seem dissatisfied.

He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.

He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.

And Saturdays - oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go! ' Kevin shouts as he claps his hands.

His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.

And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.

He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.

His life is simple.

He will never know the entanglements of wealth or power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.

His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.

He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.

He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.

He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.

Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.

Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.

In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith.

It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions.

It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.

Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.

And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.

Kevin won't be surprised at all!

When you receive this, say a prayer. That's all you have to do. There is nothing attached. This is powerful.

Just send this to four people and do not break this, please. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost, but a lot of rewards.

FRIENDS ARE ANGELS WHO LIFT US TO OUR FEET WHEN OUR WINGS HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING HOW TO FLY

Valentine Top Note Booklet with Dawn

2012-02-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

Australian native Waratah flower punch art

2012-02-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

Word Card

2012-02-02T09:44:00.000-08:00

WEDNESDAY EVENING POST FOR FEBRUARY 1, 2012

2012-02-02T09:41:00.000-08:00

Dawn's February 2012 Thank you notes

2012-02-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW?

2012-02-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

Starting today ( February 1, 2012 ) Stampin'Up! Is offering everyone a FREE 30 day trial of the My Digital studio .

Just add item # 129600 My Digital Express Trial offer to your online shopping chart and then install and download it from your Download Manager you will have full access of the My Digital studio for 30 days for FREE!

With the FREE trial, you'll get:
•Full access to the software at NO COST.
•Full design functionality.
•Exclusive artwork that comes with My Digital Studio Express.
•Opportunity to purchase additional downloads from designer templates to stamp brush sets--and everything in between.
•Access to our professional print services.

Til then

2012-01-27T12:51:00.000-08:00

2012 Leadership Swap #2 with Dawn

2012-01-27T09:22:00.000-08:00

Dawn's 2012 Leadership swap #1

2012-01-26T09:38:00.000-08:00

PetsMatter: January / February 2012

2012-01-26T09:25:00.000-08:00

PetsMatter: January / February 2012

RAK Cookie Container Cover

2012-01-26T07:27:00.000-08:00

Sorry, you have to turn sideways to see this one.

I made homemade chocolate chip cookies for my foot dr office since my treatment, I've been able to walk 101 days 151 1/2 miles!

True Friend Card Project

2012-01-24T11:53:00.000-08:00

how to crochet a heart

2012-01-24T06:53:00.000-08:00

6x6 Holder with Dawn

2012-01-20T09:27:00.000-08:00

Designer Rosette Bigz XL Die with Dawn

2012-01-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

Old Farmer's Advice (thanks Carolyn!)

2012-01-18T09:08:00.001-08:00

“Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.”

“Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.”

“Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.”

“A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.”

“Words that soak into your ears are whispered…....not yelled.”

“Meanness don't just happen overnight.”

“Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads.”

“Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.”

“It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.”

“You cannot unsay a cruel word.”

“Every path has a few puddles.”

“When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.”

“The best sermons are lived, not preached.”

“Most of the stuff people worry about, ain't never gonna happen anyway.”

“Don 't judge folks by their relatives.

“Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.”

“Live a good and honorable life, then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.”

“Don 't interfere with somethin' that ain't bothering you none.”

“Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.”

“If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.”

“Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.

“The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin'.”

“Always drink upstream from the herd.”

“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.”

“Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.”

“If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.”

“Live simply, love generously, care deeply,
speak kindly, and leave the rest to God.”

“Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.”

And.........................................

Playing with Silk Clay.wmv

2012-01-18T06:27:00.000-08:00

A New Year's Benediction

2012-01-17T09:29:00.002-08:00

May the coming year be one of increased riches of grace—hearing His voice more clearly, knowing His heart more deeply, resting in His love more fully, trusting His care more completely, walking His pathway more peacefully, knowing His presence more intimately, blessed by His goodness more abundantly.

And in all things, may you know the shalom peace of God—encouraging you to move forward, empowering you to boldly take each step, greeting you as you turn a new corner, calming your heartbeat as you walk through dark valleys, softening each footstep as you climb rugged mountains, and increasing your courage as you follow your Shepherd wherever He leads.

You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. Psalm 65:11-12 NLT

Devotional writing by Roy Lessin, from his blog: Meet Me In The Meadow.

Jesus Calling Devotional

2012-01-17T09:29:00.001-08:00

My face is shining upon you, beaming out Peace that transcends understanding. You are surrounded by a sea of problems, but you are face to Face with Me, your Peace. As long as you focus on Me, you are safe. If you gaze too long at the myriad problems around you, you will sink under the weight of your burdens. When you start to sink, simply call out "Help me, Jesus!" and I will lift you up.

The closer you live to Me, the safer you are. Fix your eyes on Me, the One who never changes.

Philippians 4:7, Matthew 14:30, Hebrews 12:2

Excerpt from the January 15 devotional writing of Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young.

The Dog Days of Winter

2012-01-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

The Dog Days of Winter

Ormie the Pig

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

Maze Games with Dawn

2012-01-13T07:14:00.000-08:00

making a bird nest with your grapevine wreath die

2012-01-12T09:55:00.000-08:00

Magic Tricks Revealed: Money Making Envelope

2012-01-12T09:48:00.000-08:00

WEDNESDAY EVENING POST FOR

2012-01-12T09:47:00.000-08:00

Fashionable Hearts Doily Card...explained!

2012-01-12T09:04:00.000-08:00

Side fold Valentine card with Dawn

2012-01-12T07:02:00.000-08:00

Valentine or wedding rose made with circles

2012-01-11T09:58:00.000-08:00

2012 Sale-A-Bration Club

2012-01-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

Here is Your Special Invitation to Join

3 Members
3 Months
3 FREE Sale-a-Bration Products!
Join my 2012 Sale-A-Bration Club and get in on the fun!
The club will run from January 15th thru March 15th, 2012.

Each club group will have 3 members. The cost will be $58/month/member. Each member will get to pick $50 in merchandise from any of the current catalogs, and when it is YOUR hostess month on top of your $50 in merchandise you will also get:

3 FREE Sale-A-Bration Products (you pick) $50.00 Value
Choice of one Level 1 Hostess Item
$25 in FREE Merchandise
This is a fantastic opportunity to get tons of stamping supplies for a small investment and won't break the bank, especially after the holidays! Remember, Sale-A-Bration comes ONLY ONCE PER Year!

Members must commit to the entire 3 months. Payment is due by the 15th of each month.

Sound to good to be true? Great, it is! Interested? Email me direct or post your comment here.

Deadline to sign up is January 4th, 2012.

The Best of Dogs Saying Grace Before Meal Cute Videos

2012-01-09T12:49:00.000-08:00

The Three-Step Correction Method for Puppies | petMD

2012-01-09T08:04:00.000-08:00

The Three-Step Correction Method for Puppies | petMD

Holiday Mini Carry Over Items

2012-01-06T14:43:00.000-08:00

click here

StampNation Glittery Hearts

2012-01-06T11:26:00.000-08:00

Framelits with Dawn

2012-01-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

Six Needs You Will Have in 2012

2012-01-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

One thing you can be certain about in the coming year is that you can't be certain about what is ahead. This is a great blessing, because you do not need to know. To know what is ahead and the details of what will happen would be too great a burden to carry and too great a responsibility to bear.

What you do need to know about the future is not what is ahead of you, but Who is ahead of you. It is the Lord who goes before you, is ahead of you, and is preparing the way for you. Your future is in His sure, strong, caring hands.

I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you. Genesis 28:15 NLT

As you pass through the door of 2011 and enter the door of 2012, here are six of the needs you are certain to have...
1. There will be the need for prayer
2. There will be the need to trust
3. There will be the need to obey
4. There will be the need to forgive
5. There will be the need to be faithful
6. There will be the need for Jesus

Devotional excerpt by Roy Lessin

Stampin' Up Fashionable Heart Embosslit Birthday Card

2012-01-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

What a Dog does when its cold (Original silvanoson)

2012-01-05T09:42:00.000-08:00

Dawn's January 2012 Thank you Notes

2012-01-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

First Video for Curt's Playhouse

2012-01-05T07:15:00.000-08:00

New Occasions Mini Starts TODAY!

2012-01-04T06:45:00.000-08:00

January 4, 2012 thru April 30, 2012

Altering a round wreath die into a heart for valentines day

2012-01-03T09:29:00.000-08:00

God bless you this New Year

2012-01-01T00:43:00.000-08:00

God bless you this New Year -
With friends and acquaintances,
and love ones too...
Hearts full of laughter,
and hopes, brand new...

May the giver of every good and perfect gift bless you with heaven's blessings this Year!

Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17 NIV

Lord, as a new year begins, we come to You and ask for Your blessing.

We pray that You would give us joy to fill our days, peace to fill our hearts, and love to fill our lives...

Thanking God for you and praying your new year is blessed in every way.

Reindeer Gift Card Holder

2011-12-31T00:49:00.000-08:00

The Benefit of a Good Walk by Dr. Jennifer Coates

2011-12-30T11:07:00.000-08:00

All right, it’s time for the annual New Year’s resolution post.

I’m keeping mine extremely simple this year: Walk more. I’m going to avoid setting any particular goals that I will inevitably fall short of and feel guilty about. I am just rearranging my schedule a bit and putting an emphasis on walking in my free time.

You may be wondering what this has to do with being a veterinarian or animal caretaker. In my case, it’s all intimately tied together.

First of all, when I go for one of my walks, my dog comes with me. I like to walk at a very brisk pace for an hour or more, so he gets a lot of exercise on these outings too. I can usually swing by a nearby open space to let him run off leash for awhile as I make my way back and forth across the field. He runs like a maniac through the grass or snow and is much better behaved on leash afterward.

The health benefits of walking are undisputed. According to the Mayo Clinic, walking can help you:

•Lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol)
•Raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol)
•Lower your blood pressure
•Reduce your risk of, or manage type 2 diabetes
•Manage your weight
•Improve your mood
•Stay strong and fit
Walking is also an excellent way to maintain a dog’s health. In fact, a new book just came out on how walking a dog is valuable for both the people and pets involved in the activity. It’s called The Health Benefits of Dog Walking for Pets & People: Evidence and Case Studies, edited by Rebecca Johnson, Alan Beck, and Sandra McCune. Check it out if you have any doubts as to the physical and social upsides of going for a walk with a dog.

Don’t have a dog? Taking your cat, ferret, chinchilla … whatever, for a walk in a pet stroller would surely have similar benefits.

Being a veterinarian and/or caring for animals can be physically and emotionally demanding. I know it seems counterintuitive, but after a tough day, it’s usually best to ignore the temptation to crash on the couch and get outside for some exercise instead. In a pinch, indoor exercise will do, but there is something special about being outdoors that puts everything in perspective.

So that’s my resolution. I’d love to hear yours. If you don’t have one, feel free to borrow mine. Maybe I’ll see you on the trails.

Dr. Jennifer Coates

Parrot & Dog playing with a stick

2011-12-30T10:38:00.000-08:00

Simple Tri-fold card with Dawn

2011-12-30T09:33:00.000-08:00

Double Dutch Fold

2011-12-28T09:21:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from Bailey the Unknown Reindeer

2011-12-27T09:47:00.000-08:00

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel -

2011-12-25T01:15:00.000-08:00

Rejoice! Rejoice!
May the joy of His coming bless you anew this Christmas.

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23

Love Came Down

2011-12-24T01:16:00.000-08:00

The world was blessed at Christmas
with a miracle of love...
a guiding star and angel choir
rejoicing from above.
They pointed to a tiny babe
within a cattle stall-
a Saviour bringing peace on earth-
the greatest gift of all.

Celebrating the humble birth of our glorious Saviour and wishing you a season full of overflowing joy and peace.
Christmas Blessings

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given...and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 KJV

The Night When Love Was Born

2011-12-24T01:14:00.000-08:00

Christ the babe comes in Christmas as Christ the Savior comes on the cross - seeking only our embrace.
The mystery so large becomes the babe so small and infinite God becomes infant.

And if there is no cross in my Christmas, then my Christmas has lost the Christ - What is the manger if not for the Messiah, the One who saves us with the scars?

Christmas isn't a product to wrap, but a person to unwrap.
Christmas cannot be bought.
Christmas cannot be created.
Christmas cannot be made by hand.
Christmas can only be found in the creche, in the cradling trough, in the mire and the stench and the unexpected and unlikely and only only in the person of Christ.

- Devotional Christmas words by Ann Voskamp

Animals of YouTube sing "Jingle Bells"

2011-12-23T09:03:00.000-08:00

Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd - Mary, did you know?

2011-12-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

Elf Shoes with Top Note Die frenchiestamps.com

2011-12-23T06:48:00.000-08:00

THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

2011-12-23T00:49:00.000-08:00

My husband and I had been happily
married (most of the time)
for five years
but hadn't been blessed with a baby.

I decided to do some serious
praying and promised God
that if he would give us a child,
I would be a perfect mother,
love it with all my heart
and raise it with His word
as my guide.

God answered my prayers
and blessed us with a son.

The next year God blessed us
with another son.

The following year,
He blessed us with
yet another son.

The year after that we
were blessed with a daughter.

My husband thought we'd
been blessed right into poverty.
We now had four children,
and the oldest was only
four years old.

I learned never to ask God
for anything unless I meant it
As a minister once told me,
"If you pray for rain,
make sure you carry an umbrella."

I began reading a few verses
of the Bible to the children
each day as they lay in their cribs..

I was off to a good start.
God had entrusted me
with four children and
I didn't want to disappoint Him.

I tried to be patient the day
the children smashed
two dozen eggs on
the kitchen floor searching
for baby chicks.

I tried to be understanding...
when they started a hotel for
homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours
to catch all twenty-three frogs.

When my daughter poured
ketchup all over herself and
rolled up in a blanket to see
how it felt to be a hot dog,
I tried to see the humor
rather than the mess..

In spite of changing over
twenty-five thousand diapers,
never eating a hot meal
and never sleeping for more
than thirty minutes at a time,
I still thank God daily for my children.

While I couldn't keep my promise
to be a perfect mother -
I didn't even come close...
I did keep my promise
to raise them in the Word of God.

I knew I was missing the mark
just a little when I told
my daughter we were going
to church to worship God,
and she wanted to bring
a bar of soap along to
"wash up" Jesus, too.

Something was lost
in the translation when
I explained that
God gave us everlasting life,
and my son thought it was
generous of God to give
us his "last wife."

My proudest moment came
during the children's
Christmas pageant.

My daughter was playing Mary,
two of my sons were shepherds
and my youngest son was a wise man.
This was their moment to shine.

My five-year-old shepherd
had practiced his line,
"We found the babe wrapped
in swaddling clothes."

But he was nervous and said,
"The baby was wrapped
in wrinkled clothes."

My four-year-old "Mary" said,
"That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly.
That's dirty, rotten clothes."

A wrestling match broke out
between Mary and the shepherd
and was stopped by an angel,
who bent her halo and lost
her left wing.

I slouched a little lower
in my seat when Mary
dropped the doll representing
Baby Jesus, and it bounced
down the aisle crying,
"Mama-mama."

Mary grabbed the doll,
wrapped it back up
and held it tightly as
the wise men arrived.

My other son stepped forward
wearing a bathrobe
and a paper crown,
knelt at the manger
and announced,
"We are the three wise men,
and we are bringing gifts
of gold,
common sense
and fur."

The congregation
dissolved into laughter,
and the pageant
got a standing ovation.

"I've never enjoyed a Christmas
program as much as this one,"
laughed the pastor,
wiping tears from his eyes

"For the rest of my life,
I'll never hear the
Christmas story without
thinking of
gold,
common sense
and fur."

"My children are my pride
and my joy and my greatest
blessing," I said as I dug
through my purse for an aspirin.

Jesus had no servants,
yet they called Him Master.

Had no degree,
yet they called Him Teacher .

Had no medicines,
yet they called Him Healer.

Had no army,
yet kings feared Him.

He won no military battles,
yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime,
yet they crucified Him.

He was buried in a tomb,
yet He lives today.

Feel honored
to serve such a Leader
who loves us.

If you believe in
God and in Jesus Christ His Son,
send this to all on your buddy list.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

The Amazing Grace Christmas House - Holdman Christmas

2011-12-22T11:41:00.000-08:00

Embossed Napkins

2011-12-22T09:35:00.000-08:00

2011 Gift Card Holders inspired by Dawn Griffith

2011-12-22T09:25:00.001-08:00

Simple & Sparkly Christmas card with Dawn

2011-12-22T09:24:00.000-08:00

2011 Christmas Treats for my 2nd grade class

2011-12-22T09:22:00.000-08:00

From Holley's Heart To You This Christmas

2011-12-18T00:56:00.000-08:00

Jesus
He came not to a throne, but to a manger.
He lived not as a king, but as a servant.
He chose not a kingdom, but a cross.
He gave not just a little, but everything.
- Holley Gerth

May the incredible love
of Christ the Saviour
and the joy of His coming
bless you anew this Christmas.

Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us.
Ephesians NIV

Holley Gerth's Grandma and Grandpa owned a Christian bookstore, and she grew up dreaming of being a writer. Visit her blog, Heart to Heart with Holley, to read more of her story of dreams and prayers come true, and her encouraging devotions.

What we're really getting ready for is Love

2011-12-17T01:18:00.000-08:00

Preparing for the holidays is primarily a preparing of the heart.
Because what comes down is love, and the way to receive love isn't to wrap anything up - but to unwrap your heart.

Advent - this is the season of preparing that prepares us for any season of life - because we are preparing our lives for Christ to enter in - which prepares for us the life without end. Is that the ultimate purpose of this life - the preparing for the next life?

Is this why Christmas, Advent, unlike any other time of year, glimmers with a glimpse of heaven - because it's the time of year we're fulfilling our purpose, preparing for Christ and His coming again? The Christmas tree's been lit for weeks, a beacon, a preparing, an anticipation. Why is it easier to make Christmas cookies than to make our hearts ready for Christ?

Is getting ready for Christmas as simple and difficult as simply sitting stilled before the cradle of Christ?
And yet. Love came down and "He came to His own people, and His own people did not receive him." (John 1:11)
Love came down - and his own people did not recognize Him.
Love came down - and His own people did not want what He offered.
The Messiah came down and He wasn't received as the Messiah - and Love comes down and who receives all the moments as His love?

Santa Cello Bag Topper with Dawn

2011-12-16T13:26:00.000-08:00

2011 Christmas Cards

2011-12-16T00:14:00.000-08:00

SU Clearance Rack BLITZ

2011-12-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

From December 15, 2011, through January 5, 2012, nearly 200 products are being added to the Clearance Rack in the Online Store--with some discounted up to 80%.

Click HERE to go to Clearance Rack items .

December to Remember Promotion

2011-12-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

For my personal December to Remember promotion, GET FREE SHIPPING & NO SALES TAX on all Stampin'Up Orders of $50 placed with me by 12-15-11!

And, as an added bonus if there are 3 or more orders of $50, then all names will be put in a drawing for the Hostess Credits!

It's my way of me helping you help me, kwim? Thank you very much!!!!!!!

A doggy Christmas surprise - Karácsonyi kutyás meglepetés

2011-12-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

Snowflake Rosette with Dawn

2011-12-14T06:23:00.000-08:00

Gently Falling Easel Card with Dawn

2011-12-14T06:20:00.000-08:00

2011 First Reconciliation Card for my students

2011-12-14T06:07:00.000-08:00

Sleeping Puppy Gets Bath From Kitty

2011-12-14T05:55:00.000-08:00

Barnes & Noble Bookfair

2011-12-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

TODAY, Wolfe Middle School Barnes & Noble Bookfair
4:30pm to 8:30pm
in Troy @ 396 John R just north of 14 Mile
Can't attend, visit bn.com/bookfairs to support online by entering our bookfair id 10614444 at checkout. A % of your purchases will benefit Wolfe Middle School.

AND, I HAVE A 20% COUPON ON 1 ITEM, just email me and I'll forward you the email.

Paper Star Ornament with Dawn

2011-12-08T09:48:00.000-08:00

Australian Gum Blossoms for Christmas

2011-12-07T09:25:00.001-08:00

Gum nut Christmas tree decoration

2011-12-07T09:25:00.000-08:00

Working with a Digital Image

2011-12-06T06:44:00.000-08:00

Tree Farm Calendar

2011-12-06T06:19:00.000-08:00

Tree Farm Calendar

Christmas Ribbon card with Dawn

2011-12-02T09:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas punch pine cones

2011-12-02T09:22:00.000-08:00

December 2011 Thank you notes with Dawn

2011-12-01T09:58:00.000-08:00

PAPER BAG ALBUM FOR BONNIE

2011-11-30T11:22:00.000-08:00

Stampin'Up Online Extravaganza

2011-11-30T01:32:00.000-08:00

Quick tip Clear Mount stamps & blocks with Dawn

2011-11-28T09:55:00.000-08:00

Gently Falling Easel Card with Dawn

2011-11-28T09:54:00.000-08:00

Our Greatest Need

2011-11-28T07:40:00.001-08:00

If our greatest need had been information,
God would have sent us an educator.

If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.

If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.

But our greatest need was forgiveness,
so God sent us a Saviour.

-Roy Lessin

Happy 12th Birthday to my little girl

2011-11-25T01:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T01:53:00.000-08:00

A Thanksgiving Prayer

2011-11-23T06:31:00.000-08:00

God's Harvest of Peace and Love -
At a time when all the things we're grateful for
turn our hearts to God,
may the harvest of His peace and love
abide in your home and bless your life.

Thinking of You at Thanksgiving

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee. Numbers 6:24

Merry Christmas gift card holder with Dawn

2011-11-19T00:09:00.000-08:00

Scallop Oval Frame card with Dawn

2011-11-18T00:15:00.000-08:00

Are You Ready for Sale-A-Bration 2012?

2011-11-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

The wait is almost over! Sale-A-Bration is just around the corner, and we've got some big plans that we can't wait to share with you.