Saturday, February 27, 2010

Discover Your Reason for Being


Excerpted from The Nature of Success

Discover Your Reason for Being

What are your greatest gifts? How can you best serve mankind? These are questions you must answer to find your true purpose in life.

Who am I?

What am I meant to do here?

What am I trying to do with my life?

These are powerful questions that can be difficult to answer. They sometimes surface during major life transitions such as family strife, job loss, spiritual awakenings, or the death of a loved one.

I feel fortunate to have found my purpose in life. I have that reason to get up in the morning and it fuels my passion. In one of the greatest compliments I ever received, someone said to me, "Mac, when you speak you’ve been blessed with the ability to connect with others…soul to soul." I thought about those words and have chosen to shape my life around that gift. My purpose through speaking and writing is to "bring ideas to life" that will encourage and motivate people.

Every person is a unique being. There is only one of you in the universe. You have many obvious gifts and other gifts still waiting to be discovered.

I truly believe, however, that one of the most important questions you can ask yourself in your journey to find your purpose is, "How can I serve others?" Albert Schweitzer said it well: "I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."

Friday, February 26, 2010

Dick Purtan's Salvation Army Bed & Bread Radiothon

SAB Club 2010 Thank You Notes



I just love making these ribbon wreaths, can you tell? Anywho, this is the little thankyou note I put together for my 3 members of my very first 2010 SAB SU Club.
THANK YOU GIRLS! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Sweet Friends

I'm very sorry, for posting this so late, but Risa awarded me this super cute award. The cupcakes look delicious don't they? Makes me hungry & yearning to have one…how about you?




The rules of this award is to tell you 10 things that make me happy and then I am to pass it on to 5 more people that are my sweet friends.

Things that make me happy, in no particular order

1. Spending time with my kids & hubby of course
2. Teaching 2nd Grade cathecism & going to Church each week w/my kids
3. Creating in my craft room a/k/a kitchen table
4. Watching Criminal Minds & Medium
5. Surfing blogland
6. Facebook
7. Shopping
8. Spending time with friends
9. Business meetings w/dh
10. Getting a full 1 hr body massage (usually puts me to sleep making me so relaxed)

You all know how I hate having to pick just a few friends for these things so as always if you want to play along just copy this & tell us about the 10 things that make YOU HAPPY. This award I give to all of you. Have fun!

1. Risa W. http://malieta-lifessimplepleasures.blogspot.com/
2. Rita S. http://ritaslittlecorner.blogspot.com/
3. Curt O'B. http://curtsplayhouse.blogspot.com/
4. Dawn G. http://dawnsstampingthoughts.typepad.com/
5. Mary http://itsallaboutthejourney.typepad.com/its_all_about_the_journey/
6. Terri S. http://bigideasfromalittlegirl.blogspot.com/
7. Jen Y. http://expressivelyme.blogspot.com/
8. Janet M. http://www.janetwmarks.typepad.com/
9. Lindsay M. http://www.allkindsofstamps.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

February OCS Partner



This is the February OCS I got from my partner, Amy. Her blog is http://www.nscrafter.blogspot.com/ when you have a chance to go visit her.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Happy Mail RAK


Check out this awesome RAK w/a little surprise inside of newspaper/children's book paper flowers punched out. THANK YOU ANGEL, thank you very much. If you get a chance head over to her blog http://angelosity.blogspot.com and say hello. I promise you'll really enjoy her fantastic blog!

Monday, February 22, 2010

New found love..............Ribbon Weaving



Check it out, I just love ribbon weaving, now that I got the hang of it, kwim?
It's so amazing & so quick, even when I was sick w/a sinus infection. 6 feet of ribbon turns into a wreath or can be kept straight depending on the card layout.

Friday, February 19, 2010

News Flash.........................Did you know?

Did you know ?

The items listed below have been carried over from the Holiday mini and are still available for purchase :

Item # Description Price
116794 Ornament punch $15.95
116806 Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint $5.95
116854 Frost White Shimmer Paint $5.95
116807 Platinum Shimmer Paint $5.95
116829 Décor Elements Blocks $9.95
116824 Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Folder Petals-A-Plenty $7.95
116821 Stampin' Up! Holiday Windows Magnetic Movers & Shapers $29.95
116819 Stampin' Up! Table Setting Bigz XL die $42.95
116820 Stampin' Up! Embosslits Merry die $11.95
116823 Stampin' Up! Sizzlits Merry Details die $5.50
116822 Stampin' Up! O Christmas Tree Pop-Up Bigz XL die $42.95
118140 Stampin' Up! Tree Decorations Sizzlits die $5.50
118108 My Digital Studio $79.95
116519 Charming stamp set $19.95

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Friends

I just had to share Mary's creation, Friends, isn't it awesome? Love that button on the bow! Go visit and be amazed on her blog.
Friends Card_Fini

I used Whisper White, Basic Black and Pretty In Pink card-stock.  Basic Black Ink, Nouveau Chic designer paper, Eyelet Border punch, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing folder, Stamp rom Vintage Vogue stamp set , a black mini library clip, Whisper White Organza ribbon and a Pretty in Pink button with white thread. The button that I used is no longer available. Sorry about that.

Most of the  products are from Stampin' UP!

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Teri's February OCS


Made it just in the nick of time, my February OCS for my partner Amy at www.nscrafter.blogspot.com I hope she likes it and doesn't see the post before she gets her card.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Couldn't resist posting

This great work of art from my friend Rita! Go check out her fantastic blog, you'll be amazed!
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Valentine RAK from Risa!



OH, Happy Valentine's Mail Day! Check out this awesome RAK I got from Risa of Life's Simple Pleasures. She is so very talented and I am so happy to call her my friend and be her friend!

Thanks Risa! LOVE IT!

Hoppy Easter

Couldn't resist sharing this fabulous simplicity card. Head over to Melanie's blog and you'll be amazed just like I was.
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Friday, February 12, 2010

Poor Zorro





Sorry to say, my boy had another cluster of seizures last night. But this time the valum I have to inject in his but (gross, but a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do) stopped the 3rd one. Unlike the day before when he had 8 in 40 minutes.
So, I have to drive back to the Michigan Vet Specialists and get some more to have on hand. Road trip here I come.

Special Grocery List (thank you Carol)

Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food.

John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once.

Visualizing the family needs, she said: 'Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can.' John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store.

Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family. The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, 'Do you have a grocery list?' Louise replied, 'Yes sir.' 'O.K' he said, 'put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries..' Louise hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed.

The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down. The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, 'I can't believe it.'

The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement.

It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said:

'Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands.'

The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence.
Louise thanked him and left the store... The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said; 'It was worth every penny of it. Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs..'

THE POWER: When you receive this, say a prayer. That's all you have to do.

Just stop right now, and say a prayer of thanks for your own good fortune. Then please send this to all your friends and relatives.

I believe if you will send this testimony out with prayer in faith, you will receive what you need God to do in you and your families' life .

So dear heart, trust God to heal the sick, provide food for the hungry, clothes and shelter for those that don't have as we do. Amen & Amen

Don't break this, please!
Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.

There is no cost but a lot of rewards.
May you always walk with Angels
God Bless!
++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++ +++++

I AM CLAIMING THIS FOR YOU


Three things will happen to you this coming week:

(1) You will find favor with someone you don't expect;

(2) You will be too relevant to be ignored;

(3) You will encounter God and you will never remain the same, Amen.

My prayer for you today:

The eyes beholding this message shall not behold evil, the hands that will send this message to others shall not labor in vain, the mouth saying Amen to this prayer shall laugh forever. Remain in God's love as you send this prayer to everybody on your list. Have a lovely journey of life! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will never fail you because He is Awesome!

If you truly need a blessing, continue reading this email:

Heavenly Father, most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to you that you abundantly bless my family and me. I know that you recognize, that a family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in you. Father, I send up a prayer request for blessings for not only the person who sent this to me, but for me and all that I have forwarded this message on to. And that the power of joined prayer by those who believe and trust in you is more powerful than anything. I thank you in advance for your blessings.

Father God, deliver the person reading this right now from debt and debt burdens. Release your Godly wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that You have given me Father, for I know how wonderful and mighty you are and how if we just obey you and walk in your word and have the faith of a mustard seed that you will pour out blessings. I thank you now Lord for the recent blessings I have received and for the blessings yet to come because I know you are not done with me yet. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen

TAKE 60 SECONDS and send this on quickly and with in hours, you will have caused a multitude of people to pray to God for each other. Then sit back and watch the power of God work in your life for doing the thing that you know He loves. Remain Blessed!!!

Peace and Blessings...

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Mermaid or Whale?

Recently, in a large city in France ,
a poster featuring a young, thin and tan woman appeared in the window of a gym.
It said, "This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?"

A middle-aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on the poster,responded publicly to the question posed by the gym.


To Whom It May Concern,
Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions, curious humans.)
They have an active sex life, get pregnant and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time with dolphins stuffing themselves with shrimp. They play and swim in the seas, seeing wonderful places like Patagonia, the Bering Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia. Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs.
They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans.
They are loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in the world.

Mermaids don't exist.
If they did exist,they would be lining up outside the offices of Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity crisis. Fish or human? They don't have a sex life
because they kill men who get close to them, not to mention how could they have sex?
Just look at them ... where is IT?
Therefore, they don't have kids either. Not to mention, who wants to get close to a girl who smells like a fish store?

The choice is perfectly clear to me:
I want to be a whale.

P.S. We are in an age when media puts into our heads the idea that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my kids, a good dinner with a man who makes me shiver, and a piece of chocolate with my friends.
With time, we gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy.
Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, Good grief, look how smart I am!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Bucket Filling



I have to just share an email from the author of "Have you filled a bucket today?"

I'm still so blessed that I can say I know Carol McCloud, The Bucket Lady. I first met her at my daughter's elementary school when the school introduced the Bucket Filling Program. She personally autographed a copy of her book for me. And, she even surprised me and sent me a whole set of books for me to give to my 2nd grade cathecism class last year. It was so cool! The kids loved it. Not to mention the secretary at my daughter school and the principal have both given me enough bucket filling bracelets for 2 classes!

Well now back to the email, Carol said, and I quote, "I'm glad you're still filling buckets. I'm not surprised. You are one of the biggest bucket fillers I have ever met. Seriously!"

Thank you so much, Carol, you truly made my day and filled my bucket!

My Daily Inspiration Quote

On every journey you take, you are met with options. At every fork in the road, you make a choice. These are the decisions that shape your life.
~ Mike DeWine

Still Tasty

A site worth looking at, especially since the food industry tries to tell you to throw out everything at the expiration date. Never did that since I worked in a food company and knew from our technical staff. Hope it helps you saving,
How long can that bottle of ketchup stay in your fridge before it goes bad? I'm thinking 5 or 10 years but if you want an expert opinion, go to the web site below. This site lists all kind of foods and how to keep them fresh longer as well as when to get rid of them. If you have a question click on the particular picture, and a whole list of stuff appears.............WHAT A GREAT SITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CLICK ON LINK BELOW


www.stilltasty.com

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Nugget Mailbox Valentines

OMG, go visit Sue!
I made these little nugget mailboxes to take to a stamping group get together next week...made one...and then made another...and then another...they can be addicting. I can not take credit for this design...I have seen them all over the net...but hey...wish I was this creative to think these things up!
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Valentine Altered Altoid Tins for 2nd Grade class




After walking 2 miles w/Alayna last night, I finally finished my Valentine gifts for my 12 students plus 6 more for teachers & Fr. Mike. I'll post a pic later, but basically I altered Altoid tins covering the top/bottom and wrapping ribbon around them. I also put a pic from our Church Bulletin inside. The theme is Love of course and that is the greatest commandment of all from Jesus to love one another.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

God Thinks You're Wonderful!

God Thinks You're Wonderful!
...It may be difficult for you to believe that God knows your name...but He does.Written on His hand. Spoken by His mouth. Whispered by His lips. Your name.

You have captured the heart of God. He cannot bear to live without you.

God's dream is to make you right with Him. And the path to the cross tells us exactly how far God will go to call us back.

It is not our love for God: it is God's love for us in sending His Son to be the way. If you want to touch God's heart, use the name He loves to hear. Call Him "Father".

He thinks you're wonderful!




I have written your name on My hand. Isaiah 49:16

Excerpted from the Book, God Thinks You're Wonderful! by Max Lucado »

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Alayna's friend Meta's Birthday

Last weekend, Alayna had a birthday party for her friend, Meta, whose birthday wish was a Kohl's gift card. So instead of a card, I decided to make a "purse" gift card holder. I even used the SU heart boarder punch on the front sides!






Wednesday, February 3, 2010

The season of friendship lasts forever

I really liked Debbi's card and just had to clip & share with everybody. Go visit her blog & you won't be disappointed.
Card Details:
Stamps: Season of Friendship
Paper: Chocolate Chip,Old Olive, Real Red, Designer Paper: Red-Christmas Cocoa Specialty, Old Olive Patterns
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Old Olive
Accessories:Punches: Scallop Trim Border, Modern Label, Curly Label, Dies: Modern Label, Curly Label, Perfect Polka Dots Impression Folder , Chocolate Chip Epoxy Brads, Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Big Shot
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