Back in the 50's Again!

My daily photo challenge has really been a challenge! I have been so busy outside my normal routine that I haven't taken the time to focus much on it. This picture is from our recent VBS (vacation bible school) at church. Our theme this year was a road trip. We focused on learning what our destination was and how the places we visited in our imagination compared to valuable lessons we learn from God's word. This 50's diner was our 'roadside cafe'. The first night, the kids visited Washington D.C. while learning about the original journey to the King (the wisemen's visit to see the newborn King). The kids learned that they could choose to worship. The second night, the kids traveled to Chicago, IL, while they learned about 10 lepers of which only one was thankful. On the third night, we went to Lebanon, KS. I know, you're thinking "Why Lebanon, Kansas, and where is that?" Not to worry my friend, I had the exact same reaction. But like the kids, I learned that Lebanon is in the most central part of the continental U.S. and that tied to our bible lesson about salvation and making God the center of our lives! We had 2 children saved that night. The fourth night, we traveled to Yellowstone National Park, and discovered that we could believe, that we didn't have to be a doubting Thomas! The kids also learned that Yellowstone is a stinky place because of all the sulphur, and that sin stinks that same way. We had two additional kids saved this night. On our last day, the kids traveled to Knottsberry Farm and learned a lesson in obedience. Just like we have to follow the rules there, we must follow God's rule thru His word! We ended our week on Independence Day with a ceremony, songs, issuing certificates and even a little 4th of July meal complete with watermelon. We had one more child saved on Sunday.

I Spy

Here is my little shutterbug in training...that's a might hefty cera for a beginner...but there's nothing like jumping in with both feet...I'm just glad she kept her feet firmly planted...she was next to the creek after all...I'm glad that she shares my passion for photos...who knows...she may have her own blog one day...allbeit not anytime soon

A New Perspective

This is a picture of Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park taken just before dusk. Sadly, it wasn't until our third visit that I saw this awesome sight. Each time prior to this visit, I hadn't taken the opportunity to finish the trail all the way around the lake. I was so awestruck by the beauty from the other angle that I hadn't considered that it could be as beautiful from any other perspective. It's funny, life does that to us sometimes. We become so conditioned to the way things are that change is uncomfortable. We often don't want to stretch out of our comfort zones, to the realm of the unknown, for fear of whatever may happen. The thing is, if we just trust in the growing pains, they won't let us down. It truly does depend on how you perceive it, the glass can be half empty or it can be half full. When you see it as only a lump of coal, stop for a minute and ask yourself, "Is it possible that I'm missing something better?" Indeed you will find out that you are missing the diamond that lies within that coal.

Triplicate

As a scrapbooker, one of the elements of page design is to break the page into thirds. I can't help but notice how our Heavenly Father has the patent on design. I don't know why I'm surprised by this, after all, He is the creator of the universe. It's not like any ideas that I come up with are really mine.

I am often amazed at some of the art I have made. How much more amazing must our Savior, our Creator, marvel at His creations. Sometimes, after I've worked a while on a project, I get discouraged when it doesn't turn out the way I wanted it to. That makes me ponder about how we sometimes disappoint our Maker when we disobey him or blatantly choose to do things our way. When we don't yeild to the will of The Creative Genious, God, we don't live up to the potential He has gifted us with.

Nature - Flowers & Celtic Music

This is my first attempt at a picture movie! I hope you like it! Leave me a comment and let me know!

BLUEBONNETS - A TEXAS THING

Here in Texas we are blessed with beautiful wildflowers on the roadside during the spring. In case you weren't aware, bluebonnets are our state flower, they are protected. We teach our children that you can't pick them, but you are always welcome to strike a pose among them!

Perfection

I couldn't even really tell you where he obtained this shirt, but it kinda strikes me as a little humorous. I am always trying to educate him on etiquette and teach him how to be sophisticated when the need arises, but he is country to the core! This shirt is a good balance between his country roots and the class I'm trying to instill in him. Somehow, I think it's sinking in!

A BRUSH WITH FAME

We had a retired professional champion bull rider come and give his testimony at church. He was a pure delight to listen to. I've never really been interested in bull riding particularly, but I really enjoyed his life story. He was very entertaining. As you can see, my little doll took her chance to be photographed with fame!

Bouncing Around

I have been so busy over the past few days that I haven't had time to update my daily challenge. The thing is, it's a busy season for me. I'm going to keep trying to post as often as I get the opportunity. This photo was actually taken in Feb. but it so represents how I feel, bouncing from one event to another, barely stopping for a moments rest. I lost an entire 24 hours (2 days) without sleep this past week because I had been so busy. I am hoping that this isn't going to be becoming a habit.

Shattered Lives

This picture is from the mock crash scene at the Shattered Lives Program. I picked this photo because you can't really see the victims, but with the Grim Reaper lurking around, you get a pretty good indication of what has happened here. Take careful notice of all the beer cans that have fallen out of the car. This was a historical happening here in our little town. This was the first ever Shattered Lives Program to be hosted. Hats off to everyone involved...You helped make it the success it was!

Still budding after almost 12 years!

This photo is clearly a rosebud! What you may need help seeing is the message it holds for me. I look at this and I think about the fresh picked flowers that Gary brought me out of the blue just yesterday. I am so blessed to have a man in my life that never grows tired of keeping the flame kindled between us. Over and over I hear women complain that after a while, the romance grows cold, that their men just don't treat them the way they once did, that they feel like a trophy on the shelf collecting dust. The key is to find the balance, you don't want them to work so hard for you that they give up, but you don't want to give in to easily either. Saying "I do" doesn't mean that it's over, it means the best is yet to come. Just like this rosebud, it's a process that takes time to blossom!

I'm only a few days into Project 365, but I seem to be having difficulty keeping up already. Today's photo is from opening day. Sister had her first game today! Her team, the Owls, did fabulous today. At one point they were ahead of the other team....and that's saying something, considering the other team was hand-picked by a coach that new who all the all-stars were from the previous season. The girls on our team have little experience playing . I'm so proud of the way they played today! The really were winners in my book (and here, that's the only one that counts!)

Looks Can be Deceiving

Take a close look, do you see the spider lurking under the edge of the flower petal. I am reminded of what a great protector I have in my husband. He has been blessed with the gift of discernment, and he is always having to keep me from getting myself in a mess, and rescue me when I do! I often go head first into a project, and that can be a good thing, but sometimes I don't always see the dangers lurking ahead.

A Place for Me

Okay, so technically this photos wasn't taken today, but it's the one I want to use, and since this is my blog, I can do that! Interesting enough, it's not what's in this photo that speaks to me, but rather what's missing. It's me, I am what's missing.

kindred spirit

Today's photo is of my baby girl. She is 8 years old now, and it seems like only yesterday that I was bringing her home from the hospital. But that's not what this picture is about. This photo is about her expression. This is one of those times that a picture is worth 1,000 words. The trouble with that is that it takes someone to see those words. For me, this picture is one that I feel I commonly make. I often feel misunderstood by those around me, but baby girl 'gets me' when no one else does....and I look at this picture, and I 'get her'.

aromatherapy

Today's picture makes me think of memories that are triggered by smell. You know what I'm

talking about....like how moth balls remind you of your grandma's house, and sweaty shorts remind you of High School Gym class. These days, a certain fragrance reminds me of certain people. I'll never smell Old Spice without thinking of my dad and Brut makes me think of my brothers. When I smell Obession, I am reminded of Captain York with the Texas State Guard. Pumpkin pies always remind me of baking with momma. One smell I will never forget is that of my children when they were babies....mothers never forget the smell of baby formula.

Today's photo really was a challenge for me. I have a few different shots, but listening for the one that spoke to me took a while. I finally decided on this on because it says a couple things to me. The boot seems to have a bit of nostalgia mixed with modern material. That's how I feel some days. I think of myself as 'old-fashioned' but at the same time, I don't know how I ever lived without internet. In the words of Hannah Montana, "I've got the best of both worlds!" The second thing I am drawn to is the repetition of the buttons. There's just something to be regarded about things that never change. I have spent countless hours trying to break out of the proverbial box, going above and beyond anyone's expectations in many areas of my life. It's been a hard lesson for me to learn that doing something the same way it's always been done isn't always a bad thing. I hope that makes sense. I can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store for my challenge.

My Baby Loves Me Just The Way That I Am

Today's photo, at first glance, makes me think of Spring, but after pondering on it for a few minutes I began to think about how comfortable I am in my jeans. I'm glad I can be who I am, that I don't have to pretend to be something I'm not. I may not be the most popular person on the planet, but I am for real and to me that's more important.

'breakfast in bed'

So this afternoon, I woke up (I work at night) to 'breakfast in bed'. The kids had biscuits for breakfast, and they used the cookie cutters to shape them. I wake up to find these sitting on my table in my room. I first thought that each one of the kids had made me one...each a little different, but upon further investigation, I learned it was all my son's idea! Way to go buddy, you'll make a fine husband someday.

Keys

Oh the doors they will unlock and the places the will take you. I have decided to begin a daily photo challenge. I hope to take at least one photo a day, no particular subject, but something I feel will help me to appreciate the everyday moments....help me to see them in a different light so to speak. This snapshot of my keyring discloses the places that I frequent the most. I am delighted that not only are the keys to my abode, and my vehicle on this keyring, but more importantly, the key to the church. When I take time to think about this, I am reminded that not only is it a place that I find solace and sanctuary, but others trust me to hold this key.....not a treasure to be taken lightly. So far, this challenge is working as planned.

Shattered Lives Scrapbooking Charity Crop declared a Success

Click on the link below to see a newspaper article written about the Charity Scrapbooking Fundraiser Event

Shattered Lives fundraiser a success Eastex Advocate News Houston Community Newspapers Online - News Around Town

Shattered Lives Charity Crop

Seats are selling fast, don't be the one who wished they'd been there!

SAVE THE DATE

For all Scrapbookers far and wide, mark your calendars for Feb. 27th 9 am - 9 pm. I am hosting the scrapbooking event of the season. Twelve whole hours of non-stop creating fun, including prizes, a chinese auction, and food! As if that wasn't good enough all by itself, all the money raised will benefit the Shattered Lives program being hosted by the Sheriff's Office and Coldspring High School.

The event will be held at CHS cafeteria on Feb. 27th from 9am to 9pm. Registration is $40. If you pre-register by Feb. 14th you can reserve your seat and meals for $35. Also, raffle tickets will be on sale, 1 for $1, 6 for $5, and an arm length for $10.

Check back often for more information!