Virtual Smooches: March 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 March videos and creations-- just in case you've missed any! **NOTE:: Thursday/Fridays are my video days on the VS blog. Mark that in your calendar! 

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

March 5: Sav Challenges #3

PS stamps: Bosom Buddy, Bold Buzzwords, Digits, and Woofers & Tweeters; PS dies: Woofers

March 13: How-To Adornment Dies

Pencil toppers 

PS stamps: Chilly Chums and Perky Plants; PS dies: Chilly Chums Icons and Adornments 

Party decorations

PS stamps: Incognito; PS dies: Adornments 

Bonus idea-- use these adornments to decorate your cupcakes:) 

PS stamps: A Magical Spring; PS dies: Magical Spring Icons and Adornments 

March 19: Sav Challenges #4

PS stamps: Bosom Buddy; PS dies: Word Bubbles

March 26: Interview with Trav & Sav (2nd year anniversary)

Here's our first year anniversary video--- just in case you missed it:) 

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:}

ps...there's STILL time to enter into my 5 GIVEAWAYS!!!!!! Check it out HERE (or just check out the Rafflecopter below)! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Paper Smooches SPARKS: March Anything Goes (wk5) challenge

Hello, friends:}

****GIVEAWAY alert--- don't forget about my Virtual Smooches celebration and 5 giveaways (including 4 PS gift certificates!!)!!!! Click HERE to enter to win! 

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!!!

This is a card that I made for my friend, J--- she's the one that I disciple on Tuesday nights:) She turned 18 this year!!! She has an eclectic style so I picked some of my favorite papers by Crate Papers to create this birthday card for her.

I used the PS Lovely Thoughts stamp set along with the Butterfly Duet and Adornments dies [I created the flag using this die set]. To finish the card, I added some texture spray by IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko and a gold embossed sentiment. EASY--- LOVE! And it was perfect for J:) 

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. 

Alice Wertz

Lisa Arana 
Lynn Mangan

Lori Tecler
Larissa Heskett

Savannah O'Gwynn

And don't forget to stop by the Paper Smooches SPARKS blog for more details. This challenge ends April 4th. Hope you join in the fun--- this is the EASIEST challenge ever!!!!!!!!

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

deep{er} #31: reflections

Hello, friends:)

I can't believe it's Saturday already! I hope that your week was full of rest, relaxation, and reflections as you dug into the Word of God! 

UPDATE: So this last week was super busy again for Trav and I. I thought after our launch service I would have more time on my hands... but that was NOT the case- LOL! 

1. Discipleship- we finished week 5 of Beautiful Encounters--- LOVE! Each week this study is pressing in/on issues that are so important for Christian women! Week 5 is about 2 encounters with Jesus' power (healing power)--- and the funny thing is that I knew both of these stories in Luke 8:40-56 but had NO CLUE that they were intertwined! Quick Reflection--- this chapter makes me think about how much faith I have. I know it only takes the smallest of faith to move a mountain [Matt. 17:20], but I wonder if I even have that small amount--- sometimes I ask God for help or say the promises from the Bible, but do I really believe God will do what He promises or help when I ask? I need His divine touch to reach beyond my brokenness and heal me from the inside out.
2. Launch Sunday- we made it! Our launch was a success- we had lots of visitors and a great time at the party! My FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE part of Launch was that my friend "Betty" came! Background story- I met her during a night of Evangelism. She came to the door with her phone in her hand but quickly told the person on the other end that she would call them back. I introduced our group and invited her to church. She mentioned that she was just talking to a family member (that person on the phone) about finding a church. She also told us that her husband had just passed away. We prayed right there for her and encouraged her to attend our Sunday services. I didn't see her the next week, so I baked some cookies and went to check in on her. She was thankful and said that she just needed time to get the courage to attend church alone. I understood and let her know that we would continue to pray for her. Fast forward about a month which was Launch Sunday.... I wasn't having the greatest of days, but I walked around the corner of our sanctuary and THERE SHE WAS!!!! I was so excited! I was beyond thrilled! Praise the Lord for the courage He gave her!!!! And praise the Lord for bringing us to her house just when she needed encouragement! And praise the Lord for hearing our prayers and answering them!!! Seeing "Betty" really made my day--- turned my frown upside down:) 
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Virtual Smooches video- Trav and I LITERALLY put off my VS anniversary video for weeks because of the pressure to be funny and not knowing what to say. Well, on Wednesday we finally sat down and did a dry run....and kept the entire video! I only had to edit a few things (like when I had hair in my mouth or when I was laughing for 5 minutes and couldn't talk! LOL!). It went really well--- praise the Lord! Now all I need is for people to stop by and enter my giveaways;) I just love to bless my followers and friends- so if you haven't checked out our video yet.... stop by HERE! Watch our video and then enter to win! ****NOTE: if you don't like crafts or whatever... you can STILL watch our video! Hopefully you will laugh and get an idea of what it's like to be in "Savannahland" and what it's like to hang with us (even Olsen)! 
   

REFLECTION: So this week's reflection is really quick... honestly, I don't even want to share my reflection because it shines light on the hard time I had this past week (and possibly the week before). 

I've been really struggling the last few weeks with being a leader. I'm not sure I've been called to lead. I know I'm called to sing, but be the "leader".... not so sure. I need to work on so many things first---- I need to work on my selfishness and put that aside; I need to work on my compassion for others and being thankful for anyone who wants to serve with me (no matter what--- even if they don't do what I've asked correctly or if they have a bad attitude); I need to work on breaking my chains and being set free; I need to learn to turn off the devil's lies and only believe the truth; I need to work on how to be a great leader- one that lifts the team up, bears fruit, and glorifies God... not one that brings the team down or that causes division. 

There's A LOT more that I need to work on, but I didn't want to bore you with my sin and problems. 

Anyway... some things have been happening that have made me question my leadership position and qualities. I felt like I was a kid again--- trying to get family/someone to love me yet only getting pushed aside or forgotten, basically worthless/unloved. I also felt like I was in our former church/situation--- my voice wasn't heard and it was as if no one cared about my story/my past/me. ***NOTE: I wish I could give you more details, but it's just not necessary. Maybe someday I will give my testimony....someday.

Listening to these feelings for 2 weeks had me in a very selfish state of mind. And then God took me to John 3 during my 3030 Challenge. 

John the Baptist wasn't out for the spotlight. He pointed people to Jesus- even when his followers were arguing and jealous that Jesus was getting more followers/etc. John didn't care. He pointed them to Jesus. John even humbled himself to say, "He must become greater; I must become less." [John 3:30]. 

I try very hard to only point people to Jesus and to humble myself when I'm leading, serving, or whatever! I know it's not about me! I know I shouldn't put an emphasis on my achievements but on God's Kingdom--- honestly, I can't do anything without God so what's the point of taking the credit for accomplishments if I don't give praise back to Him!?! 

I think that the past 2 weeks has been hard because I don't like the feelings these situations brought up in my life. I thought I had been set free from the chains of abuse. I thought that I knew in my heart how loved I am and my worth is in Jesus. 

But I listened to the lies from Satan. I forgot it all and was sent down the tunnel of hurt and pain again. 

Now I'm working on humbling myself so that I can lead on Sunday. I know that God has called Trav and I to NHE ... and I'm almost POSITIVE that God wants Trav to lead (because it's out of his comfort zone)! I'm not sure on my position of leading, but I know I am with Trav. I will lead with him. We are a team. 

I just pray that I don't get in the way... that I always point people to Jesus. 

***NOTE: I guess my reflection was a bit longer. And it is a bunch of stuff that might not make sense, but one day when I give my testimony... hopefully it will all be clear! LOL! 

My goals for this week:

1. Continue my 3030 Challenge --- I'm in the book of John and super excited about what God's going to reveal to me! Open my eyes and show me great and marvelous things in your Word!!! Psalm 119:18
2. We DID it!!!!!!! We completed chapter 5 of the Dr. David Jeremiah Agents of Apocalypse--- now we just need to do the sermon and study guide! NOTE: Trav said last night when we completed chapter 5 that that was his favorite chapter! LOL! 
3. Continue to pray for my NEW Women's Bible Study- Stuck! Will you join me in praying?! THANKS! It starts April 21st.  

I pray that God has been speaking to you--- and that you are blessed beyond what you have asked or wanted ❤️. I also am praying that God would open our eyes and heart to His Will, love, and Word. May you go deep{er} with God this week! 

Remember, if you need prayer, please contact me {savannahland2 at comcast dot net}. 

THANKS so much for stopping by today! Be blessed:}

Virtual Smooches: 2nd Anniversary video + GIVEAWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello, friends:}
***Giveaway details below! 

Today is my day to share a video over on the  Paper Smooches video blog- Virtual Smooches! **Note: Thursdays and/or Fridays are my NEW days to post on the VS blog:) 

Today I share very special video... Trav and I completed our 2nd Anniversary video!!! 

Here's a sneak peek of my video:

THANKS so much for stopping by--- be sure to go HERE for my video! Be blessed:}

ps... GIVEAWAY details: There are 5 prizes that include 4 Paper Smooches gift certificates and a box of crafty goodies that Trav puts together! Deadline: 11:59pm PST on April 1st! Winner announced shortly after that:) 

To enter---- just follow the Rafflecopter (please be honest!): a Rafflecopter giveaway

Paper Smooches SPARKS: March Designer Drafts challenge

Hello, friends:}

Today we start another weekly challenge over at Paper Smooches SPARKS blog!! This week we are sharing a DESIGNER DRAFT challenge. 

This week we are inspired by the following sketch:

**Sentiments can be placed anywhere on the sketch.

Ok---so I think I went a bit off... I didn't follow the sketch as much as I had been doing. Maybe 65% this time! I moved the sentiment to the banner (which is ok because sentiments can be anywhere). I also made the banner a rectangle and used just a triangle on the bottom right edge. And I did some other things... you'll see:) 

I used several papers and embellies that I had in my stash for this card- LOVE! I made the sentiment, from the PS Bosom Buddy set, black on black- LOVE! I die cut my brother's name and stamped a background for part of it using the PS Sassy Letters and Kissables 2 stamps/dies- LOVE! I finished the card using a transparency, ICT black embossing powder/VersaMark ink, and the Incognito and Spookalicious stamp sets ***Remember when I would use the pumpkin eyes for chevrons?!?! I remembered that this week and used it for a fun embellishment! LOVE x10000000! 

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

Katie

Larissa

Lori

Lynn

And don't forget to stop by the Paper Smooches SPARKS blog for more details!!!! This challenge ends March 28th. I cannot wait to see what you make!!! 

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

deep{er} #30: reflections

Hello, friends:)

Happy Saturday! WOW! It's the middle of March-- I can't believe it! 

I hope you've had a great week and that the Lord has been opening your eyes to His marvelous Word and works [Psalm 119:18]! 

UPDATE: So again... this last week was a busy week. That's because NHE is having our Launch Sunday event! I hope that you will be able to attend--- that's if you live in the area;) Details below!!! 

Here's what else has been going on this week: 

• Discipleship- it's going well! This week was all about an encounter with the Living Water and the woman at the well [John 4:1-26]. Quick Reflection--- I understand that the woman didn't get what Jesus was telling her (most of the time I don't understand the parables and stories)... so I think if I met Jesus at a well and he was talking to me... I think I would respond with a curious face and the words, "uh....???" And I think this especially if the situation was the same-- I was a Samaritan woman, Jesus a Jew, no one really talked to me anyway, etc. I also understand how she was looking for satisfaction (approval, love, etc) from men. And finally, I understand that we need to run to God for complete satisfaction- only God can satisfy my deepest needs and desires. We were created that way- with a longing for eternity and for God. When I was doing this study, I instantly thought of a song that I started singing last year during my trial. I printed the music and played some of it on the piano for my student J (I messed up several notes, but at least she got the idea! LOL! Check out the YouTube video below!).   My challenge for myself and for J this week: to catch ourselves when we run to things/people instead of God and when we are relying on self-sufficiency or putting hope in something/one other than God. I know when we do this, it just ends up in emptiness... so why do we do it? Our nature... we haven't put our trust in God completely... either way, I hope that we both will really find peace and satisfaction in God! 
• The Table Event- Trav and I went to a worship conference yesterday. It was super super fun! We met and made friends with many other worship leaders/pastors in Florida--- it's great place to network! And it was such a blessing because the whole group (and individual groups) prayed for our church's launch weekend service! Took me by surprise that they were so excited about our church and this special service. Several new friends said they would be praying for us at 10am on Sunday!!! I can't even describe how that makes me feel or how good God is! He knows everything! He planned it all--- from Trav and I meeting... serving together on a worship team...going through our trial.... to getting yesterday off from work and attending this event for worship leaders. WOOOOOOOW! Thank you, Lord!!!  

REFLECTION: This week's reflection will be a bit short due to a couple of things (including a busy week and I already wrote a novel for my "quick" reflection- and I still had one more point to make but I cut it off so I didn't write too much! LOL!). 

This week's reflection is from my 3030 Challenge reading of John 2: 14-16.

***NOTE: I've really enjoyed my Bible Study lately--- I love seeing what God reveals to me through His word, but I also like reading about the places/events happening because Trav and I have been there. It reminds me of all the things we saw on our trip to Israel last year. 

So in John 2: 14-16 Jesus gets upset that the temple is being misused and turned into a marketplace. He made a whip and drove everyone out saying, "Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father's house into a market!"

This reminds me of when we went to Israel and how the area around the temple was full of stores and marketplaces. Things really haven't changed. 

And even more so in our own churches... are we going to church (the temple/God's house) with the right mindset? I know that I attended church for the longest of time because "I had to" and because that's what was expected of me. Now I am excited about Sunday. I love going to church and serving the Lord, using the gift that He gave me. I want to go to church and learn more about Him and how to give to others in our community/etc. I love the fellowship and worship/sermons. 

I'd like to challenge everyone with this question: Why do you go to church?

My goals for this week:

1. Continue my 3030 Challenge --- I'm in the book of John and super excited about what God's going to reveal to me! Open my eyes and show me great and marvelous things in your Word!!! Psalm 119:18
2. FINALLY (REALLY!!!!!!!!! I need to do this goal) start chapter 5 of the Dr. David Jeremiah Agents of Apocalypse *This is the chapter where Trav and I can be seen on the TV program Turning Point--- The Dragon! Check out my original post HERE. I'm giving up on this goal! Maybe if I give up, I will actually do it! LOL! UPDATE: still trying to finish this chapter! LOL! 
3. Start praying for my NEW Women's Bible Study- Stuck! Will you join me in praying?! THANKS! It starts April 20th.  

I pray that God has been speaking to you--- and that you are blessed beyond what you have asked or wanted ❤️. I also am praying that God would open our eyes and heart to His Will, love, and Word. May you go deep{er} with God this week! 

Remember, if you need prayer, please contact me {savannahland2 at comcast dot net}. 

THANKS so much for stopping by today! Be blessed:}


ps... I am asking for prayer for our church relaunch service. NHE is having a relaunch party TOMORROW---- Sunday, March 22nd. Please pray that all the details will be handled and completed, and that our community would come out and check us out (possibly even consider NHE their home church!)! THANK YOU for lifting us up in prayer ❤️

Virtual Smooches: Sav Challenges #4

Hello, friends:}

Today is my day to share a video over on the  Paper Smooches video blog- Virtual Smooches! **Note: Thursdays and/or Fridays are my NEW days to post on the VS blog:) 

Today I played along with the Sav Challenges again! ***NOTE: I wish I would have started these challenges 2 years ago! LOL! The reason I'm completing another Sav Challenge is because I am in need of sooooooooooo many masculine birthday cards! PLUS.... Trav and I didn't have enough time to record our anniversary video! Fingers crossed we get it done this next week! 

Here's a sneak peek of my video:

THANKS so much for stopping by--- be sure to go HERE for my video! Be blessed:}

Paper Smooches SPARKS: March Anything Goes (wk3) 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 created a card inspired by a layout I found on Pinterest--- I think my card looks good! That's not what I originally thought though! LOL! 

I used some of my journaling cards to create this birthday card. I used lots of Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko inks, spritz  and their gold embossing powder! LOVE! I only used 2 PS stamps: Happy Birthday and Geobasics. This was a simple card to complete, but then again it wasn't! LOL! I said earlier that I didn't really like it... that was until I kept adding more and more details! Once I added the washi tape, ink splatters, homemade brad and thread... I liked it so much more! And then I added the sequins from Pretty Pink Posh--- PERFECT! It's a winner:) And I think my Sister-In-Law Jamie will get this for her birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Jamie!!!! 

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

Alice

Lisa 

Erin

Jenny

And don't forget to stop by the Paper Smooches SPARKS blog for more details!!!! This challenge ends March 21st. I cannot wait to see what you make!!! 

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}