31 August 2014

Paper Smooches SPARKS Anything Goes (wk5) challenge

Hello, friends:}
Today we start another weekly challenge over at Paper Smooches SPARKS blog!! Another Anything Goes challenge starts today!   
That's right--you get to create ANYTHING you want (as long as you use Paper Smooches stamps)!! This is the BEST challenge ever!!!

I am not sure what to call this technique... and I'm not even sure I'm the first one to ever think of it... but I wanted to watercolor backwards. That means that I used the stamp image to guess (roughly) where the design is and watercolor that, and then I stamp over that coloring. I looooooooove how this turned out. 
For the watercoloring, I used Imagine Crafts Ink Potion No. 9Radiant Neon Electric Coral ink and Memento Angel Pink ink. LOOOOOOOOOOVE that pig from the Paper Smooches Green Acres set--- the coloring is a bit more than the image... but I still think he's cute:) 
To finish the sentiment, I used the PS Birthday Words die set. I thought maybe the pig was squealing because he was celebrating.... maybe I can't talk pig! LOL! 

That's it for me today--but be sure to stop by the other Paper Smooches SPARKS DT members' blogs and leave them some love



And don't forget to stop by the Paper Smooches SPARKS blog for more details. This challenge ends September 6th. Hope you join in the fun--- this is the EASIEST challenge ever!!!!!!!!

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}
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30 August 2014

deep{er} #5: reflections

Hello, friends:)


Well.... we are back from our vacations! South Carolina and Georgia were great, but it's sooooooo nice to be back HOME! 

CONFESSION: Last week my goals were a bit much for me! I thought I would have more time away at the cabin to read and listen to my Prayer studies. Then I looked at how many sermons I have on this topic-- there's at least 10 hours of sermons! And I have to take notes... plus, I just added about four more sermons to the list!

So hopefully this week, I will get started on this new topic! 


Here's a pic of me working in the back of Poppies' vehicle while Trav drove us to South Carolina. It was about a 12 hour drive. I brought my laptop, turned my cell phone on as a "hot spot", and worked on these posts, as well as read some of my bible studies!

REFLECTION: Before I get into my reflection... I know I've said that the Lord is probably speaking to me about "prayer".... well I think the other topic He wants me to reflect on is "beauty" and pretty much how I feel about myself. I think this has been a struggle for me as far back as I can remember... so maybe after the Prayer series I can start one on Beauty or Approval or something like that! 

Ok--- back to my reflection, I finished the ENTIRE book of When Life Is Hard. LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE it! James MacDonald is awesome! I highly recommend his books and listening to his radio program, Walk in the Word, or finding him on your TV listings for Sunday service! 

The last chapter of the book was a review and hit 16 lessons all around 4 principles and scriptures that include: 1 Peter 4, Hebrews 12, James 1, and 2 Corinthians 12. The best part about this chapter is that Trav and I have the sermons that match it! I downloaded them last year or so.  We've already listened to them, but I think I need to listen again! LOVE it! Here's what I learned and want to apply to my life (and future situations): **These lessons are too good not to share--- sorry this is another long post! 
  • Principle #1: Every trial I face is allowed by God for my ultimate good. 
    • Trials vs. Consequences- there's a difference. Consequences are from sin that was planted, but a trial is a painful circumstance allowed by God to change my conduct & my character. Apparently God wants me to change my conduct and character through this trial. 1 Peter 4:14
    • Good means "all I need" NOT "all I want"- God will make sure I have everything I need. So I have everything I need to get through this trial. James 1:4
    • It's for my ULTIMATE good not immediate- I need to be patient. The good that God is bringing will only come through the perspective of time. It's like the farmer planting the field-- the harvest comes after a time. Hebrews 12:11
    • This trial is allowed not caused by God- God has allowed this trial to come... I need to acknowledge and embrace this trial. It's for MY GOOD! If I do this, then the superiority of the life lived in God will be demonstrated by ME! 2 Cor. 12:7
  • Principle #2: Trials need NOT steal my joy.
    • It brings me to the power of God- When I am weak, He is STRONG! In my hard/unhealthy/hurting times, God shows up strong and my weaknesses are revealed. God will give me sufficient grace and strength in my weakness- I just need to embrace this trial and see Him working in me. 2 Cor. 12: 9-10
    • Trials prove I'm God's child- James MacDonald states that "if we are going through difficult days and we are not bitter but love the Lord more... this is proof that I'm God's child!" I need to remember this! Hebrews 12: 5-7
    • Trials increase my endurance- This is exactly where God has me.... this is where I will make a difference. It's going to take this trial. My BEST and MOST FRUITFUL days are ahead--- keep going, Sav! Endure! James 1:12
    • Trials build my intimacy with Jesus- isn't that what I want!?!?! To dig deeper!? I guess this trial is what I needed to get to that point. Jesus is also very close to those going through hardships- he suffered so much more than me! 1 Peter 4:13
  • Principle #3: God is never more present than when His children are suffering.
    • He is an experienced sufferer, fellowshiping with me- this trial has been HARD! No doubt about it. But Jesus is an experienced sufferer. There's a unique intimacy with Christ when I'm suffering for Him. 1 Peter 4:14
    • He is an attentive counselor, listening with me- God knows exactly what's going on in my life, and He listens to my prayers. I need not shut Him out--- I need to draw nearer to Him! James 1:5
    • He is a loving Father, chastening me- His discipline is for my good. This whole trial is for my growth and good. Enough said! Hebrews 12:7-8
    • He is a faithful Friend, sustaining me- James MacDonald asked the question, "Do you meet with God everyday? In a special place? How many times have you been there and then got up and left God's sufficient grace there?" WOW! I need to remember God's promise "Sufficient for today is the grace of Me". 2 Cor. 12:9
  • Principle #4: Until I embrace my trial in unwavering submission to God, I will not reap the good.
    • The good doesn't come until I embrace my trial- kind of what I stated before... I can't resist this anymore because I won't see God working in my life and I won't see any good. The choices are: embrace or resist. I need to embrace. 2 Cor. 12:10
    • I can't embrace my trial without submitting to God- I need to remain under this trial (my choice) but I also need to willingly yield myself to God. Remaining under this trial will bind my heart to God-- I'm committed! Hebrews 12:9
    • I can maintain my submission only through believing prayer- I guess God really is talking to me about "prayer"! I need to get on my knees, on my face- give it back to God. I need to be there in believing prayer until I don't take it back. James 1: 6-8
    • I will not reap the good unless I persevere- God will put up boundaries in my trials... He will not allow me to be tried beyond what I can take. This trial won't last forever (unless I resist and don't embrace!). So I guess.... I need to have hope that there is an end and that God won't let me go through something I can't handle. 1 Peter 4:19
So... overall.... here's my prayer: 

Lord, I am beginning to see that this trial has been allowed by You and You will bring good from it! I'm sorry that I was resisting for so long! I am going to keep doing the things You've called me to do. I will continue to believe in YOU! My goal is to dig deep, even in this pain. I want to be closer to You. I will embrace this trial because Your Word says that You will bring me through! You will also give me sufficient grace and that in my weakness You are strong! I am holding on to that--- I feel so weak (and sometimes lost). I will move forward because I don't want to go backwards. Please turn this trial into good and bring me forth as GOLD! This is for Your glory! In Jesus' name, Amen. 

My goals for this week:
  1. Start Prayer sermons and series
  2. Make video of Prayer book
  3. Continue to pray/read my devotions daily  
I pray that this post has blessed you ❤️. Remember, if you need prayer, please contact me {savannahland2 at comcast dot net}. 

THANKS so much for stopping by today! Be blessed:}
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Virtual Smooches: AUGUST Recap

Hello, friends:}


I've been sharing my Virtual Smooches videos over on the VS blog with just sneak peeks here...so I created a post with all of my August videos and creations-- just in case you've missed any! **NOTE:: Thursdays are my video days on the VS blog. Mark that in your calendar! 

***Be sure to change your settings to HD before watching! THANKS:) 

August 7th: A Layout with Sav

Sorry about the colors--- it really is pretty in person! 
PS stamps: HopeCaptured Moments, and KudosPS dies: Kudos Words and Hearts 

August 15: Back-2-School Laminated Bookmarks

 PS dies: Bookmarks
Customize your bookmarks! 
PS stamps: Feline FriendsPS dies: Stars and Bookmarks  

August 21st: Trav's Card Style

This card style was SUPER hard to make! I really want to add more--- staples, thread, color! LOL! 
PS stamps: Bold Buzzwords and Just a Note  


August 28: Hello Friend (start-to-finish)

PS stamps: Geobasics; PS dies: Friend Word  

That's it for me today-- be sure to stop by the Virtual Smooches blog for more inspiration! And don't forget to stop by the Paper Smooches SPARKS blog for challenges and a chance to win a Paper Smooches gift certificate! 

Thanks so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}
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29 August 2014

Virtual Smooches: Hello Friend (start-to-finish)

Hello, friends:}

Today is Yesterday was my day to share a video over on the  Paper Smooches video blog- Virtual Smooches! I let Emily take the day since it was PS DT hop day! Be sure to stop by to see her creation too! 

As for me... it's a LOOOOOOOOOOONG story--- I'm late posting due to a crazy day Wednesday! Be sure to watch the video for two of the things that happened to me! It was a long day :) LOL! 


Here's a sneak peek of my video:
THANKS so much for stopping by--- be sure to go HERE for my video! Be blessed:}
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Chickaniddy Crafts: Video RECAP (Donut Birthday Card)

Hello, friends:)
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Today I'm sharing the recap of my video posted on the Chickaniddy blog the other day-- click HERE to check it out! 

August is a special month for birthdays in my family--- including my birthday:) So for my video, I've shared a start-to-finish birthday card using the the Chickaniddy Twirly Girly collection. I found lots of these donut images in my Chickaniddy stash... and I thought that they would be perfect for a sugary birthday card! LOL! 
***Be sure to change your settings to HD before watching! THANKS!  

I love these papers--- and I love love love that the edges of each of the Chickaniddy papers have a pretty design that can be used on your projects! 
Chickaniddy Supplies: Papers- Tea Party (TG140S03), Paper Posies (edge) (TG140S05), Donut (6x6 paper pad) (TG14PD01), Never Grow Up (TG140S11); Enamel Hearts (TG14EB07); Mini Stickers (TG14EB04); Brad (TG14EB06), Stamps (TG14ST01); Sticker Sheet (TG14EB02)

I really love how this card turned out- sugary goodness all around! LOL! 


HAPPPPPPY BIRTHDAY to all who are celebrating this month! 


Thanks so much for stopping by! Be blessed:)

27 August 2014

BRI: Guest Designer RECAP

Hello, friends:}

Today I'm sharing my creations that were featured over on the Butterfly Reflections Ink blog on Sunday. Be sure to stop by HERE to check them out and leave some love
I've got a couple of projects to share with you today-- both use some amazing products available in the BRI store! First up, I'm sharing a super easy magnetic bookmark and video! **Be sure to change your settings to HD before watching! THANKS! 
You can definitely recreate these laminated and magnetic bookmarks using any papers you get from the BRI store!! Papers I used include: Echo Park Capture Life , Fancy Pants Burlap & Bouquets and Me-ology, and Crate Paper Boys Rule
Next I want to share a super fun card using exclusive BRI stamps!!! I used the Over the Rainbow stamp set to create another FUN card! I also used the We R Memory Keepers Script embossing folder for the background design-- I guess you could say that my LAST POST creation was my inspiration for this card!
I used a mask to highlight just the word "sun"--- this was super easy!
That's it for me today! Thanks for letting me share my creations with you this month! THANKS, Vanessa!!! 

Be sure to stop by the BRI store for awesome deals and great product... and FAST shipping!  

Thanks so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}
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26 August 2014

Chickaniddy Crafts: VIDEO SNEAK

Hello, friends:)
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I'm on the Chickaniddy blog today! I've created a super fun birthday card using the Twirly Girly collection! 

I just looooooooooove these donut images!!! And did you know there's a donut stamp image by Chickaniddy?!??! You could use that for this card-- LOVE it! 


Here's a sneak peek: 

Be sure to stop by the Chickaniddy blog HERE! I'd love for your to leave some love there!

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}
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25 August 2014

Chickaniddy: August Card Sketch

Hello, friends:)
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Today I'm sharing the full post that was featured over on the 
Chickaniddy blog this week. You can check it out HERE

I love that sketches "inspire" us--- and for me, this means that on an average I use the sketch less than 75%! LOL! However, for August's sketch, I think I followed it about 85%! I didn't really change much:)  
This sketch was just so easy to follow! And I LOOOOOOOVE how the Chickaniddy Date Night papers and stickers made it easy to create this card. The patterned papers and colors are my FAVORITE
To help with the placement of the alpha sticker sentiment, I used the (old) trick of placing each letter on a thin piece of post-it note and then rubbing baby powder on the back. This deactivates the sticky/sticker and allows me to move it around on my card for the best placement!
Chickaniddy Supplies: Love Letters (DN140S04), Awesome Blossom (DN140S01), Cutest Couple (DN140S05); Stickers Date Night (DN14EB05, DN14EB02, DN14EB01); Brads Date Night (DN14EB06)

I really
love how this card turned out-- that watch is perfect with the custom sentiment! I hope that you will create something using this fabulous sketch by Pam!!!  

Thanks so much for stopping by! Be blessed:)

24 August 2014

Butterfly Reflections Ink Guest Designer post {post2}

Hello, friends:)

**Please click HERE for my Paper Smooches SPARKS post and creation! 

I've got another special treat for you today--- I was asked to be the August Guest Designer for Butterfly Reflections Ink! LOOOOOOOOOOOVE it! 
I'm sharing two projects (a card and a video) over on their blog today. Please stop by HERE to check them out and leave some love!! Here's some sneaks: 
And be sure to stop by their crafty store HERE for awesome deals and great product... and FAST shipping! 


THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}
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