Scripture Sundays ~ Proverbs on the road

My first memory verse while beginning to "work" with the children's ministry at GraceOC. What's that quote about it's not work if you enjoy it?

Trust in the LORD with all your heart 
   and lean not on your own understanding; 
in all your ways submit to him, 
   and he will make your paths straight.


Proverbs 3:5-6

Creative Thursday ~ Winter in Fall {2012 page 4}

(yes, this is the follow-up page to last week's Fall in Winter).

I used a darling sketch from some old friends at Creative Scrappers - I think I could use this sketch over and over again!

This was a freak snowstorm we had two days before Halloween. One of the highlights in my scraproom last week was going through some old winter stuff and actually finding orange snowflakes. Whodathunk?!

Winter in Fall by Lindsey Krauss. Supplies: Paper: My Mind's Eye, Chipboard: Crate Paper, Letters: White Blossom, Paint: Making Memories, Apple Barrel, Glitter: Studio G, Markers: Sharpie, Punch: Creative Memories. Sketch: Creative Scrappers #191.

Some details about this page: I had originally planned on the two smaller photos as featured in the sketch, but I could only fit one for the size of the photos I wanted. So I punched out Matthew sledding and added it to the upper right hand corner. My Apple Barrel paint was almost empty, so I squeezed nearly a whole bottle of teal glitter glue into it and dropped it. You can't see the glitter in the white paint spot in the photo but it's really pretty on the actual page.

Musical Mondays ~ Fly, Fly Away

Heard this song on the Sirius Broadway station last week and immediately fell in love with it. I'm so sad I missed this show, I think I would have really enjoyed it. From the Bible, the "rock" references hit home the most. From life, "fly" references click with me. My grandmother's favorite animal was the butterfly and she passed that love to the rest of her family way before butterflies were in fashion. I can't tell you how much I've learned from the traits of that butterfly. Ӝ


Fly, Fly Away sung by Kerry Butler from Catch Me If You Can

Men who you call real were really fakes who left me nothing
But this man you call a fake gave me something real
I've known cruel men with Christian names that taught me manners
But this man without a name taught me how to feel
People only saw the doctor, lawyer, Indian chief
But he was just a lonely little boy to me
With his sweet and gentle touch he sure unlocked my soul
So in return I surely want to help to set him free
Yeah, now I wanna see him fly, fly
I'll be your alibi, my baby
Fly, fly, fly away
We didn't get to say goodbye, goodbye
No need to tell me why, my baby
Maybe it's because you'll fly back home to me one day

When I was a child, my eyes were clear, I saw the good side
That's the kind of second sight that doesn't last too long
But when I was lost, I heard a voice that brought me healing
That's the kind of special hope he brought me with his song
They only saw the magic tricks, the smoke and mirrors
Was I the only one to ever see the boy?
So now they want to clip his precious wings and bring him down
But in his heart and soul's the kind of good they can't destroy
Yeah, now I wanna see him fly, fly
I'll be your alibi, my baby
Fly, fly, fly away
We didn't get to say goodbye, goodbye
No need to tell me why, my baby
Maybe it's because you'll fly back home to me one day

Baby, when you're in the clouds, please keep a lookout
Maybe, darling, find a hideaway for you and I, you and I

And now I wanna see you fly, fly
I'll be your alibi, my baby
Fly, fly, fly away
We didn't get to say goodbye, goodbye
No need to tell me why, my baby
Maybe it's because you'll fly back home to me one day
Maybe it's because you'll fly back home to me one day

Maybe it's because you'll fly back home to me one day

And I'll be waiting for you there
You'll fly back home to me one day.

Scripture Sundays ~ Ephesians 6:10

I usually read & pray Ephesians 6:10 to guard against something. I love the references to different types of protective "gear". However, in preparation for a big weekend @GraceOC, I hear myself singing the good ol' kids' classic (think Veggie Tales):

♫ My God is so big! so strong and so mighty! There's nothing my God can not do! ♫


I felt the need to fast, pray and prepare, but not necessarily guard, for this weekend's big event at the Civic Center. All services @GraceOC are cancelled so that we can all travel to the "and beyond" in the church's mission statement for One Big Worship Event. I can't wait! I guess it's the 'big' in 'big event' that has me thinking about the size of God and what led me to Ephesians 6:10, but for a very different reason this time!

Ephesions 6:10 NIV
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power (or in the strength of his might, ESV).

Seems this is contagious - I checked back to my friend Christy's blog and she had posted other parts of Ephesions 6 this week as well!

Eph 6:23-24
Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Creative Thursday ~ Fall in Winter {2012 page 3}

Okay, all you scrapin-istas, no making fun! I accidentally went all old school on this one. I found the background page (BoBunny) while rummaging through my autumn supplies. I intended on using this old vellum (K&Company) to stamp or paint images, but I decided to use it as because I loved how it complimented the BoBunny background paper. After I took that leap back in time, I resisted the urge to use flowers or bling and instead went with leaf stickers and sticker letters (Creative Memories), shaped buttons, and those round Doo-Dads (Colorbok). Those doo-dads were a rak given to me by a friend in our old Yahoo group some 7-8 years ago. And I had never opened them, lol! (Hey it took me six months to even open my first kit of Basic Grey!)
Hey, no use wasting those old supplies, right?!

Check out this layout in its sketch form from Love My Tapes. I think they do cards over there, but I really wanted to shape this photo (there was a lot of background stuff to crop out) and thought this would be a fun design.

Fall in Winter by Lindsey Krauss. Supplies: Paper: Bo Bunny, Vellum: K&COMPANY, Letters, Stickers: Creative Memories, Round buttons (Doo-Dads): Colorbök, Brads: Making Memories, Ink: StazOn by Tsukineko USA, other: orange ribbon, star buttons. Sketch: Love My Tapes.

Musical Mondays ~ He Reigns

I was blessed to sing on the worship team for one year at GraceOC before God gloriously rerouted me towards the children's ministry. As I mentioned before, I grew up singing in churches - I started when I was about 8 years old. Recently I shared with a friend how three musical ministers or worship leaders have played a mentor role in my life.

One of my favorite experiences was learning and singing this song. I just love how it encompasses and spreads love to many, many lands (Orange County and beyond, anyone?) I can listen to it over and over and over again, except for the fact that it might make me drive a little too fast. :)

p.s. I just found a kid version of this song via Group's vbs, Pandamania and will share it with the GL_at_GraceOC kids one of these weekends!

Newsboys singing He Reigns:

Scripture Sundays ~ Short days and cold nights

I'm sending this to my MOPs moms this week - this winter darkness is really getting to me this year. Maybe it's the lack of snow? Because cold and winter without snow might not be worth it!

You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; 
   my God turns my darkness into light.
Psalm 18:28 NIV

way to go...

Photography Fridays ~ the road to peace

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace ... 
1 Corinthians 14:33

Creative Thursday ~ Adventurer {2012 page 2}

I found this cute little blog, The Paper Bakery, through ScrapChallenge this week and used my day off to create.

    

Her sketch looked like this, but because of my picture orientations, I used it like that.

It feels great to create (2 for 2{weeks)) but then I feel like the house stuff I need to do before the kids get home is neglected. How did I scrap guilt-free for so many years and why can't I do that now? lol!

Adventurer by Lindsey Krauss.
Paper: Crate Paper, Bo-Bunny, Ribbon pleats: Pink Paislee, Blackboard: Cosmo Cricket, Rhinestones: Studio18, Rub-on: Karen Foster Designs, Ink: StazOn, Glimmer mist: Tattered Angels. Font: 2Peas Lighhouse. Sketch: The Paper Bakery.

Wacky Wednesday ~ I'm a reality star

(...in my own head), that is.

I love to cook. I love to bake.
When cooking doesn't coincide with homework time, I am so on my own cooking show (in my head). Inner dialog leads my viewers in perfect sauteing, cook-top to oven techniques, delectable seasoning. I haven't thought of a title  yet, but I'm on it.

Oh and in my craft room!
When I am putting together a scrapbooking page, I am all about teaching to the masses (in my head). Yep. I have my scrapbooking show, too. I can DIY right along with Sandi. I'm not sure who's watching this show, but I have fun making it nonetheless.

I love to sing.
I have my own band (in my head). We target the Christian audience because as long as I sang in church, people told me I looked so incredibly happy. They were right. My favorite place to sing. and praise. and worship. even before I knew what these were.

I'm a kid person.
I think my dream job would to be on Blues Clues. Just sayin'. I could do kid tv (in my head).

It's certainly not that I want to be famous. I never did, I hope I never will. It's just that I love to be on stage. Performing. Entertaining. Hopefully (and most importantly) teaching.

My favorite of all time is my Graceland gig every Sunday (not in my head!). I'm thinking it's because I can combine all of my talents (or wanna-be talents!) into one spot.
Blues Clues? check.
Kids? check.
Singing? check.
Scrapbooking? creative outlets, check.
Cooking? well, maybe not that one, but the track record was good up till now, right?
All that and to make a difference at the same time. It's so much more than me.
It's Him.
For Him.
To them.
My own reality show. (:

Musical Mondays ~ how it all goes

It was a perfect morning. No request proved too difficult.

Where is my library book, I can't find it anywhere? On your desk.
Can you open my GoGurts? Without scissors, all 3.
Cream cheese on a bagel and lunch in a bag as he walks out the door.
Lunches packed, backpacks on, scooted out the door five minutes early.

Just to name a few.

The rest of the day might not have gone so well, including two sick dogs and an expensive trip to the vet, but still - if it had to be done, Mom got it done that day!

Made me think of all the Mom songs out there -
http://youtu.be/RxT5NwQUtVM is a funny one.
But we all love to feel appreciated so I'm posting this one for now:




Proverbs 31: 30
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, 
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. ...and read the rest of Proverbs 31, too!

Jeremiah on Scripture Sunday

I am not a reader. Unless it is summer and we're off camping somewhere, I am not a reader. I wish I was!

A few summers ago, Mom introduced me to Karen Kingsbury. That summer I read more than a half a dozen books by her. Something just drew me in. I started with the Above the Line Series: Take One by Karen Kingsbury and I was hooked. I highly endorse Karen Kingsbury and her works - two of my other favorites are Like Dandelion Dust and Unlocked.

I still have my original note paper that I wrote this verse on. (I have 5 pages of notes from all the books I read that summer.)

I had heard the Jeremiah verse before, of course, but something about reading it over and over in Forever Faithful Series: A Moment of Weakness made it really sink in.

Now I love that I "walk" with this "in my pocket":

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
Jeremiah 29:11-12 NIV

Photography Fridays ~ I do not like them, Sam I am.

We'll start by letting the photo stand alone and let your own thoughts precede my story.

This is my Sam-I-Am.

McKenna is at the age where she has just started reading Dr. Seuss books - the kinds with the real words, of course. The night before I took this picture, we read Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess.

The next morning, feeling like a champion mother, I made sure to get out of bed early enough to cook breakfast for everyone - green eggs & ham. Surprise!

Daddy-I-Am liked them.

Matthew-I-Am liked them.

McKenna-I-Am... Well...

She refused.

I quickly asked, Lord, should I choose this battle? He answered yes, you should choose this battle. We had forty-five minutes until the bus arrived and my mood considered, I chose that battle. I had the time and energy (and therefore patience) so onward we marched. Trying to set aside the fact that I was utterly disappointed that my surprise fizzled faster than the bath salts the kids got for Christmas, without factoring in my own dissatisfaction from not feeling appreciated today, we began. I put the priorities in order: (1) You have to eat a good breakfast before school. (2) This is what I cooked, therefore this is breakfast. Period. These are normal meal rules around here, so I didn't make them up for my own satisfaction. (I was well aware of my own discontentment and I was reallllly trying to keep myself out of this situation - making sure it was a parenting technique, not something for my own gratification.)

By the way, she loves "regular eggs and ham. You know, the yellow ones, Mommy?"

Fast forward 45 minutes and I told her if she didn't eat her breakfast (after which she brushes her teeth, puts her shoes on, and gathers her lunch and backpack) she would miss her bus.

Well wouldn't you know it?

The bus picked up Matthew. Not McKenna. And man, did that set her into a tailspin. 

However.

Ten minutes later, she ate almost all of her green eggs and ham, apologized to me, finished getting ready for school and I drove her to school (making sure there was no fun music or entertaining conversation in the car). Fortunately, she loves school and loves riding the bus even more, so using alternative methods for our morning routine did not reward her at all. I emailed and forewarned her teacher of our morning and her teacher replied saying she had been self-managed, good-mannered and all-around well-behaved that morning.

Perhaps it's generational.

Gee, Mom? Are you listening? Whatever that situation was that led me to be sitting at the dining room table unwilling to eat my spaghetti until at the earliest ten o'clock pm, I fully and wholeheartedly apologize for it. 

*sigh*

Every day I question, analyze and review my thoughts and actions as a mom and man, do I have a lot to learn, a lot to practice, and a lot to fix. This was a battle not for winning. This was a battle so that one day she could remember what her mom taught her when her daughter is left sitting at the table refusing...

By the way, she loved the green eggs and ham.

For the weekend, a little light reading.

I am Sam

I am Sam

Sam I am

That Sam-I-am

That Sam-I-am!

I do not like

that Sam-I-am

Do you like

green eggs and ham

I do not like them,

Sam-I-am.

I do not like

green eggs and ham.

Would you like them

Here or there?

I would not like them

here or there.

I would not like them

anywhere.

I do not like

green eggs and ham.

I do not like them,

Sam-I-am

Would you like them

in a house?

Would you like them

with a mouse?

I do not like them

in a house.

I do not like them

with a mouse.

I do not like them

here or there.

I do not like them

anywhere.

I do not like green eggs and ham.

I do not like them, Sam-I-am.

Would you eat them

in a box?

Would you eat them

with a fox?

Not in a box.

Not with a fox.

Not in a house.

Not with a mouse.

I would not eat them here or there.

I would not eat them anywhere.

I would not eat green eggs and ham.

I do not like them, Sam-I-am.

Would you? Could you?

in a car?

Eat them! Eat them!

Here they are.

I would not ,

could not,

in a car

You may like them.

You will see.

You may like them

in a tree?

d not in a tree.

I would not, could not in a tree.

Not in a car! You let me be.

I do not like them in a box.

I do not like them with a fox

I do not like them in a house

I do mot like them with a mouse

I do not like them here or there.

I do not like them anywhere.

I do not like green eggs and ham.

I do not like them, Sam-I-am.

A train! A train!

A train! A train!

Could you, would you

on a train?

Not on a train! Not in a tree!

Not in a car! Sam! Let me be!

I would not, could not, in a box.

I could not, would not, with a fox.

I will not eat them with a mouse

I will not eat them in a house.

I will not eat them here or there.

I will not eat them anywhere.

I do not like them, Sam-I-am.

Say!

In the dark?

Here in the dark!

Would you, could you, in the dark?

I would not, could not,

in the dark.

Would you, could you,

in the rain?

I would not, could not, in the rain.

Not in the dark. Not on a train,

Not in a car, Not in a tree.

I do not like them, Sam, you see.

Not in a house. Not in a box.

Not with a mouse. Not with a fox.

I will not eat them here or there.

I do not like them anywhere!

You do not like

green eggs and ham?

I do not

like them,

Sam-I-am.

Could you, would you,

with a goat?

I would not,

could not.

with a goat!

Would you, could you,

on a boat?

I could not, would not, on a boat.

I will not, will not, with a goat.

I will not eat them in the rain.

I will not eat them on a train.

Not in the dark! Not in a tree!

Not in a car! You let me be!

I do not like them in a box.

I do not like them with a fox.

I will not eat them in a house.

I do not like them with a mouse.

I do not like them here or there.

I do not like them ANYWHERE!

I do not like

green eggs and ham!

I do not like them,

Sam-I-am.

You do not like them.

SO you say.

Try them! Try them!

And you may.

Try them and you may I say.

Sam!

If you will let me be,

I will try them.

You will see.

Say!

I like green eggs and ham!

I do!! I like them, Sam-I-am!

And I would eat them in a boat!

And I would eat them with a goat...

And I will eat them in the rain.

And in the dark. And on a train.

And in a car. And in a tree.

They are so good so good you see!

So I will eat them in a box.

And I will eat them with a fox.

And I will eat them in a house.

And I will eat them with a mouse.

And I will eat them here and there.

Say! I will eat them ANYWHERE!

I do so like

green eggs and ham!

Thank you!

Thank you,

Sam-I-am

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

Key words: spirited, hard-headed, strong-willed. Friends said: we all have one, don't we?

I'm sure there is scripture for this type of situation, this breed of child, this season of motherhood, somewhere; but I'm still searching for just the right one... if you know one, shoot it my way?