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!

cropping for a cause

This past weekend I hosted the Camp'n Crop. We had such a blast. The ladies and I played scrapbooking games and ate some wonderful food. We had snacks to last the entire time, complete with smores, carmel apples, nuts, mints, pnut m&ms, skittles, and the list goes on. I managed to get about 8 pages completed, which I consider remarkable. We also had our technique class in which we learned how to use water color pencils and we did a technique called chalk popping. We had so much fun that I'm considering hosting another crop in January....I feel a frosted crop in the air. Stay tuned for further details.
I also may have the opportunity to host a crop that will benefit the shattered lives program. In case you've never heard about it, the shattered lives program is a program that focuses on showing the pain and devastation that comes as a result of drinking and driving. It is a very moving program. There are teens involved and it's live action with police, fire, and ems responding to a mock accident scene. It goes on to show the hospital and funeral scene. It's a real community effort. The parents of the involved teens acutally have to come up with a mock obituary. The grim reaper actually goes into a classroom and taps the teen and the teen is removed from the classroom and given instrutions to return to the class pretending as if they aren't really there....to see how others respond to the news that their classmate has been killed in a drinking and driving accident. The whole purpose is to raise awareness about the consequences of the choices they make.

In the face of adversity

Yesterday, I attended my sister's baby shower. I got to visit with my beautiful nephews, both under a year old. I'll be taking pictures of them together soon. My newest nephew was born at 8lbs 4 ozs. I feel so blessed. My sister was diagnosed with Leukemia about 2 weeks before she learned she was pregnant with him. I know it's a miracle that he was born by all appearances 'healthy'. He will have to undergo some testing to make sure there wasn't any lasting side effects from the chemo that she took while she was pregnant. I am inspired by my sister's strength throughtout this whole trial. It amazes me that she can be faced with so much, and still keep a happy spirit about her. I know some days are harder than others, but she never complains. She is so kind, sometimes too kind, to the point that others take advantage of her. With all of the uncertainty in her life, I began to encourage her to scrapbook. I felt, and still do, that she should create her legacy, collect her thoughts and ideas, her dreams and aspirations, and her prayers and feelings, and compile them for her children in case the time comes that she won't be able to be there with them first hand. She could leave this gift and there would never be any doubt as to how much she loves her boys.

No Greater Love

After posting about my new nephew, I was thinking about some cards I made. I recently designed this card for Christmas with the stamped image of Mary and baby Jesus on it. This was my first attempt at a non-traditional style card. I used a few different stamp sets and last years Christmas paper pack from Close to my Heart. I used liquid glass and some red rhinestones as well. All products were used from Close to my Heart line.

ANGEL NOEL

Our newest arrival making me an aunt again. Sad thing is, the hospital staff thought I was grandma...that was so not funny! We welcomed Angel Noel on October 4th at 2:44pm. He weighed in at 8lbs and 4ozs and he was 21 inches long. He truly is a miracle! His mom was diagnosed with Leukemia about 2 weeks before she learned she was pregnant with him. I prayed over them everyday, and I can think of a more fitting name for him. Both mom and baby are doing well! Praise the Lord!

free free free

October is here and I am loving the fall weather! I am a feeling generous, so I have decided that anyone placing an order from my site scarlettscrapper.myctmh.com by 12:oo am Midnight on Oct. 3rd will be entered into a drawing for a free Lvl 2 paper pack of your choice. For every $25 you spend before tax and shipping, you will get one ticket in the drawing. There are some great discounted deals available online only. Take a minute or two and check them out. Once you've place the order, come back here and leave a comment with the paper pack of your choice.

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.