REMINDER: CAMP'N CROP

Hi again ladies, it's me again, your friendly Close to my Heart Creative Advisor! I wanted to remind everyone about the upcoming Camp'n Crop on Oct. 16-17. Don't forget your registration is due on Oct. 1st. If you haven't gotten your payment to me yet, don't 'stew' on this to long....seats are disappearing quickly! Remember, I'm providing meals, snacks, and tea....and what camp out is complete without S'mores?...You'll have a chance to 'fish' for ideas and catch up with the latest buzz over the chirping cricut! We'll have give-aways that you're sure to love! There will be challenges and games to help you finish those pages....with no pesky mosquitos and no humidity to bother us....get busy packing your napsack and your tools...and don't forget to bring your pj's so you can settle in for an adventure filled cropping good time!

Close to my Heart

A group of us consultants got together today for a team meeting. We shared ideas and did a little creating. The top sellers were recognized. We welcomed new recruits and went over things we hope to accomplish soon. I am super excited that I am hosting my first home gathering next month....I feel like it's going to be the first of many to come! After the meeting today, the girls and I cropped for a few hours. They really enjoy creating pages...and I'm going to have to restock their inventory really soon. Next spring, I hope to plan a junior crop, but for now I am currently planning for the gathering, another technique class and the upcoming camp'n crop. The camp'n crop is going to be a mini-retreat of sorts. Games, prizes, decoration, ideas, and lots of fun, fun, fun...and energy too!

a Blazing Trail

With my recent promotion to Creative Advisor for Close to my Heart I became a supervisor as well. I signed a new recruit on Friday and I am so thrilled that she has already signed her first recruit. What this means for me is that I am going to be scrapbooking and cropping more often now. Not only do I teach others how to scrapbook and stamp, but I also sell the best scrapbooking and stamping products on the market. You'll have to see it to believe it, and when you're ready to check it out...drop me a line!

Altered Workshops

Yesterday was my first scrapbooking technique class. It was a big success. We have 6 ladies in

our group that have committed to learning a new technique every month. We learned how to heat emboss as well as how to use a baby wipe in our stamping. I wish I had thought to take pictures of some of their creations...maybe next time. After the class was finished, we hung out and cropped the day away. It was such a blast, but also very exhausting.

Next month, I am hosting a camping themed crop. We will enjoy 36 hours of creativity. Currently I am planning a clock making workshop and an acrylic frame workshop. Both of these items are great for gift giving. I'll post more information as soon as I get the date set. I will also try to post more pictures of the projects that I have planned.

Ph.D. Certified

I received my Ph.D. certificate and pin in the mail today. Now I have to paper to back me. I finished my Close to my Heart degree program a little over a month ago. I am now a certified Creative Advisor for Close to my Heart. The fleshly part of me says, " It's about time somebody recogonizes my abilities." Honestly, I am humbled. It's my creativity that I use most to work for the Lord. He blessed me with my talents and He can certainly take them away. I hope that I may always use my gifts to honor and glorify Him. Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessings you have bestowed upon me thru sharing my creativity.

My first technique class starts this Saturday. Words can hardly contain how excited I am to finally be fulfilling my passion of teaching others how to be creative. This group will meet monthly to learn new techniques to help enhance their scrapbooking. Contact me to learn how you can learn these techniques too!

Scrapbooking & Homecoming

Today I attended a crop. I met two new wonderful ladies and advised them creatively. Thanks to them both for allowing me to share my passion for scrapbooking with them. I hope that we will get together again soon to scrapbook. My technique class starts next weekend and I am very excited about that. Next month I'll be hosting the Camp'n Crop....we'll enjoy 36 hours of pure scrapping fun!!! Tomorrow is homecoming at church. I am looking forward to hearing our guest preacher and his family of singers. After service, we will celebrate in true Baptist form while we have dinner on the grounds. If you've never enjoyed a meal like that of a Baptist potluck, you're missing a real treat. I strongly suggest you may your way to one just as fast as humanly possible...it's almost like an all you can eat buffet on steroids...only better....there are enough desserts to feed an entire village in Africa.

Quilt of Holes

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls... Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life... But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

 

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose, each in turn holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me and nodded for me to rise.

 

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame... I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow mustering up the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time  offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.  And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.

 I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.  An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'

 

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! God determines who walks into your life ...it's up to you to decide whom you let walk away, whom you let stay, and whom you refuse to let go.'

 

When there is nothing left but God; that is when you find out that God is all you need.

 

CTMH-versatility

Kelly Purkey from 2 peas in a bucket created this layout using our newly released card kit! What a awesome creation Kelly....thanks for sharing!

Lost Lagoon

We recently took a trip to SeaWorld just to play in the Lost Lagoon. If you've ever been there, you know why it was worthy of dedicating a whole day too and if you haven't been, well...get there as fast as you can! It's the only time you'll ever see me in a swimsuit....and that's only because I had too. I managed to dodge the camera most of the day, but I did end up with one picture of me....not terribly bad, but I certainly ain't ready to share it with the rest of cyber space (sorry folks...just not happening). Instead, I will share a photo of the kids as they came down of the sky tubin'. Gary and I went down first, ahead of them, so that we could watch them as they hit the bottom....I just love how excited they were.....it made the whole swimsuit issue worth it! I used an inexpensive disposable waterproof camera to take the pictures....it sure does make me appreciate the fact that I have a good camera that takes excellent quality photos.

Free stuff

Win a free cardmaking set....everything you need to complete 16 all occasion cards including a stamp set and 2 inks.....one new winner everyday in honor of national stamping month.....click here and enter to win today.....

a gift for you

In honor of the fact that my website is now operable, I am giving away a free gift to the first 10 people to place an order. I will either deliver in person or mail it to the address that you choose to ship to. The first person to place an order will get an extra something special from me just for being the first. On your mark....get set....ready......GO

spark some creativity

I am so thrilled to have my Close to my Heart website up and running again. I need to get busy posting some of my artwork. I just finished updating the calendar. Now you can view our new catalog and idea book online straight from my site. I've already placed an order and can hardly stand the wait for it to arrive. I promise, I'm not stalking the UPS lady anymore! Also, you can view some great creative webisodes on the CTMH TV....so instead of vegging out to the normal programs, switch it up a little and see if one of the Art & Soul episodes can't spark a little inspiration of creativity. Don't forget, you can shop online now too and get those hot new products into your creative hands easier than ever!

Over the past few days, I have been catching up with old classmates from high school on facebook! It's somewhat surprising how you can pick up with people like you've never been apart. After many years, you see how things change and how they never really change all at the same time. One of my newly found friends and I go back to grade school together. We met up at the end of last week and had a great time reminiscing old memories of each other and planning to make new ones. It all links back to scrapbooking. I have developed some of the best relationships with people because of scrapbooking and now I am finding and rekindling old friendships because of scrapbooking. Some people might say that I am obsessed with scrapbooking; that might actually be true, but it has only brought good things as a result.

Technique Class

I am preparing supplies for the technique class and I need to confirm those of you who are participating. If indeed you are, I need you to email or call me and let me know for sure. Remember it's a 6 month commitment to spend $25 (before tax/shipping) each month of the 6 months. In return, you will learn 1 or 2 techniques each month and you will receive $25 free product during 1 of those months. Our first Technique class is scheduled for 8am Sept. 19th at New Hope Church. If you are considering the class, but haven't signed up because you are unable to attend the technique class in person, I will make you a sample and get it to you with instructions.

The free monthly crop for Sept. will be held on the 19th beginning at 11am. Because this is a free crop, you will need to bring your own food and snacks. I will provide tea and water and we will have access to kitchen facilities. If you are planning on attending the crop I need for you to RSVP so I can insure that I have a table set up for you.