deep{er} #2: reflections [post1]

Hello, friends:)

**After 8am EST- please click HERE for my Imagine Crafts video and project! 

First of all.... THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for your encouragement from my last deep{er} post HERE! WOW! I never expected so many of you to leave comments! Praise the Lord! 

And please know that I'm praying for you!!! If you ever need prayer or if you are going through a similar situation, please leave a comment or email me {savannahland2 at comcast dot net}! I want to lift you up!!! 

So this is my first real deep{er} reflection post... and let me tell you- this is harder than I thought it would be! What do I share? What do I write? Will anyone understand what I'm saying/reflecting on? Is this even a reflection!?!?! 

I've got even more questions going on in my mind as I write. I am praying that this touches someone and that writing these posts gets easier! LOL! 

UPDATE: Last week, I was a bit ambitious with my goals! This is what I wanted to accomplish- 

1. To pray daily and spend time getting to know God (again). I want to meditate on who He is... I need to remember He is almighty.... amazing... in charge...etc. 
2. I also want to finish a couple of other studies before I dig deep into His Word. I want to start slow and get back on track before I dig really deep! ***Every day I do 2 studies: The Power of a Praying Wife and 3 Minute Devotions. I highly recommend both books! More on each of these studies later! These are on-going studies. I would like to finish the last three chapters of When Life Is Hard by Dr. James MacDonald. I started this as a study with a friend, but due to schedule conflicts, we never finished. I want to finish it before I start my next deep{er} study.  

I would have to give myself an 80% on these goals! I'm in need of meditating on scripture daily more, and I'm STILL NOT done with finishing the When Life Is Hard book. I completed chapter 4 (which is what I will reflect on this week)... but I failed at getting deep in the Word. I did write some notes in my new Bible....and I did read Acts 17-21... but as for really digging in... I missed that last week. Fingers crossed I get some time this week to do that! 

REFLECTION: Before I get into my reflection... I think the Lord is speaking to me. I'm not kidding when I say EVERY (E-V-E-R-Y) single devotion, mailer, podcast, etc. that I've heard or read this past week was about prayer! That's one of my goals.... and I'll touch on that more later, but I couldn't believe how many times I heard something on prayer this past week. David Platt, Nancy, Leigh DeMoss, Dr. Tony Evans, Chuck Swindall.... they all were talking about it! I can't wait to listen to these podcasts again! 

Ok--- back to my reflection, I finished Chapter 4 of When Life Is Hard, and I want to share my thoughts: 

• This book has me thinking about my trial and situation again. I know that Trav and I did everything biblical when dealing with it, and I believe 100% that we are obeying God and following Him in our next step. That doesn't mean that I wasn't hurt... or that trials won't hurt us. And I guess it hit me this week that I've never really been through a trial like this where I was so depressed and lost hope. I lost so much in this trial... and I even fell from the Lord. I pushed Him aside. I didn't want to talk to Him or cry out because this situation had been going on for about 6 years... why cry out more? And then again... if I cry out and God asks me to move or change "my plan".... that would be the WORST! I know that's foolish to think but that's what I thought. I now know that God's plan is BEST and that I need to use this trial and situation to glorify Him. The purpose of this trial is to change my character and to point others to Him. That being said... I'm glad I'm getting back on track. 
• In the chapter, it states "There will be a time when there's no more time". {Psalm 95:7} I don't want to waste ANY MORE time! I need to be a living example of submission to God, as well as a "true Christian" (living what I believe-- side note: I feel like there are so many fake Christians- I want to be real and give my life completely to Jesus so that when people see me... they know who my Savior is and see Jesus in me).. ok what was I saying? LOL! OH! I need to be a living example of submission to God and real because there are people watching me as I go through this trial. Unfortunately, I didn't handle the beginning of our trial that great. I stated earlier that I was super depressed and felt alone. I focused on ME. I need to focus on JESUS! I can't look back... I need to press on and go forward! This trial is hard but I have Jesus and Travis with me--- I WILL get through this, and I WILL come forth as gold {Job 23:10}.

It's kind of funny that I end with the verse from Job  This past Tuesday was my birthday, and Trav gave me the most amazing gift. He is so thoughtful!!!! He presented me with a necklace that was created by Peaces of Indigo on Etsy. The gold bar has filigree on one side and has "I will come forth as gold" engraved on the other side. There is so much more meaning to this necklace- the chain, the trial, the homemade design, etc. I love love love this necklace! It's exactly what I needed to lift my eye off of myself and on to Jesus. THANKS, Trav!!!

My goals for this week (this week we are on vacation so my goals are simple):

1. To finish Chapter 5 of When Life Is Hard
2. 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:}

There's STILL time...

Hello, friends:}

Just wanted to let you know that I didn't realize I would be on vaca when I should be announcing my winner for the Whisker Graphics giveaway....

So I've extended the giveaway deadline! You have until Monday, August 11th at 11:59pm EST to enter! I'll announce the winner when I return on Tuesday! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Click HERE to check out the post and to leave some love! 

THANKS so much for celebrating my birthday with me! I feel extra special!!! I'm so blessed! 

Have a great weekend!

Virtual Smooches: A Layout

Hello, friends:}

***Don't forget about my GIVEAWAY HERE:) Deadline: August 8th

Today is my day to share a video over on the  Paper Smooches video blog- Virtual Smooches! 

Today I've done something a bit different (again)! I normally do not scrapbook... but today I'm sharing a layout that I created using my PS stamps/dies. I LOOOOOOOVE this photo of Trav and I.... and I thought I should make a page for my neglected scrapbook. Plus, I keep telling Kim that I will make a page someday! LOL! Well.... that day is TODAY:)  

Here's a sneak peek of my video:

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

Whisker Graphics: Birthday Celebration

Hello, friends:}

***GIVEAWAY details below! 

Today I'm sharing my Whisker Graphics creation that is featured on the WG blog-- you can also read about this creation over on the WG blog HERE.

Today is also my BIRTHDAY! WHOOP WHOOP! And I'm giving away a prize to one of YOU!!!!! Be sure to check out the details below!! 

So to celebrate my birthday, I created some fun decorations using WG divine twine! I've made some divine twine tassels (following THIS tutorial). These are great for presents and for decorating birthday balloons! 

After I made several tassels, I added them to some balloons filled with helium and tied them to a golf tee. This golf tee holds the balloon in place perfectly! 

We cut about a 6 foot strand of divine twine for our balloon decorations.

Look at how pretty these balloons and tassels are!

Divine Twine used: Cherry, Cotton Candy, Green Apple, Orange, Lemon, Plum Purple, Teal

Here are couple of extra ideas for this party decoration: 

1. Use only one WG divine twine color to make these decorations POP!
2. Make your tassels a bit longer and fuller!
3. Add a letter to each balloon to spell out the birthday boy/girl's name! 
4. Use colored balloons to match the WG divine twine! 

Giveaway details: here's how to win- follow along with the giveaway widget below. Please note: Complete as many entries as you wish! Some entries can be done daily! There are EXTRA entries:) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner announced on my blog on the 9th of August.

That's it for me today! And be sure to stop by the WG blog for more inspiration. Also-- did you know about Whisker Graphics's new products??? Check it out HERE! 

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Paper Smooches SPARKS August Anything Goes (wk1) challenge {post2}

Hello, friends:}

*Please click HERE for my Chickaniddy Birthday card... and to wish my Mom a HAPPY BIRTHDAY:) 

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!!! 

So.... today's card was given to my MIL and FIL last Friday on their LAST day of work! They have officially retired! HOOOOOORAY! Congrats, Lori and Kevin! 

I used some of my FAVORITE supplies for this card-- Becky Higgins Project Life Midnight Ed. 12x12 papers, washi tape (including white washi tape by Kelly Purkey), Dear Lizzy Splendid alphas, My Mind's Eye teal brad, Tsukineko Memento Luxe Espresso Truffle ink, and my fav fav fav stamps and dies by PS!!! LOOOOOVE! I used the Paper Smooches Flap Happy and Spring Fling stamp sets along with the Love Struck Icons and Toppers dies. What a fun card--- it's perfect for Trav's Mom/Dad! 

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
Angeline
Erin
Jenny

And don't forget to stop by the Paper Smooches SPARKS blog for more details!!!! This challenge ends August 9th. I cannot wait to see what you make!!! 

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Chickaniddy Birthday {post1}

Hello, friends:)

*After 3am EST- please click HERE for my Paper Smooches SPARKS post and creation! 


Today I'm sharing an extra creation that I made using some of my Chickaniddy papers and embellishments! 

Today is also my Mom's birthday--- HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!!!!! Now you might already know who this birthday card is for! :)

I went with a simple design of layering several Chickaniddy Twirly Girly papers as my cardbase. Next, I added the large cake sticker and a banner with some fun brads and gold thread in a cluster. To finish my card, I added one of the super cute silhouette stickers to the left side of my card. I love this silhouette-- it reminds me of my Mom (strong and beautiful- and it just looks like her! Well, at least when I was growing up!). 

Chickaniddy Supplies: Papers- A Girl's Generation (TG140S09), Tea Party (TG14OS03), Itty Bitty Ballerina (TG14OS08), Goldie Lox; Stickers (TG14EB02, TG14EB04); Brads (TG14EB06); Enamel Hearts (TG14EB07)

I really love how this card turned out--and I hope that Mom enjoys it just as much! Happy birthday, Mom!!!!!!! Celebrate YOU! Psalm 118:24 

Thanks so much for stopping by! Be blessed:)

deep{er} #1: a background

Hello, friends:)

Today I'm sharing something a bit different...

If you follow me on Facebook, you might have seen this photo and post stating that I'm starting a new series on my blog. 

It's true. I want to go deep{er} with God, and I want to share with you what I learn. 

I'm not a biblical scholar.... or a pastor... actually, I'm just a simple gal who wants to be a faithful servant. I want to shine His light everywhere I am--- and that includes my blog.

This little series will post on Saturdays. I originally wanted to call this "Saturday Reflections" since I will be reflecting on the week's studies and what God has shared or shown me. But I've gone back to the word deep{er}. This is my 2014 One Little Word.

The Story: It started in 2013 (or actually in December of 2012)... that's when I first heard of OLW. I wondered what I could do the next year that would make a difference in my life and in others' lives. The only thing I could think of was to go DEEP into God's Word. So my OLW for 2013 was DEEP. 

Unfortunately, I got sidetracked and didn't go as deep as I wanted. I did start some bible studies, took notes during sermons, went to conferences, and such. But I didn't dig into God's Word like I wanted to. Things happened and hurts held me back. I kind of shut down near the end of the year. 2013 wasn't supposed to turn out the way it did. 

Time came for me to pick my new OLW for 2014. I figured that I couldn't go wrong with going deeper....and added {er} to my 2013 word. I wasn't going to give up on my previous word. It wasn't God's fault that I hadn't succeeded.... and all He wants is a relationship with me anyway.... it was a win-win for all. 

Unfortunately, 2014 didn't start the way I had planned and more hurts happened. I was in a depression at the end of 2013... and after being hit with situations that were devastating (everything seemed to be going from bad to worse to worser to worse-est).... I put God aside and really was numb from it all until just recently. I think that my OLW will be deep{er} for awhile... or at least until I finish 365 days of going deep{er}! LOL! 

Q: So why share all of this with you???? 

This is my way of holding myself accountable to my 2014 OLW. If I'm not going deep{er} into God's Word... if I'm not digging deep into the meaning of God's Word.... if I'm not studying life's instruction book (also known as the Bible)... then I can't share anything with you. So I will share weekly to hold myself accountable of going deep{er} with God. 

This is my way of shining His light into my work. 

And honestly... my goal is to become more like my role models and women in the bible that lived and breathed Jesus. I want Him to be King over ALL of my life. I've asked Him into my heart (back in college)... but there's more to a relationship with Him than just asking Him to be my Savior. I want that "more life". 

Q: So where do we go from here?

Well, this post is just the background info to my new series. Starting today, I plan on getting started on my bible studies.... and I pray that you will join me! 

My goals for this week:

1. To pray daily and spend time getting to know God (again). I want to meditate on who He is... I need to remember He is almighty.... amazing... in charge...etc. 
2. I also want to finish a couple of other studies before I dig deep into His Word. I want to start slow and get back on track before I dig really deep! ***Every day I do 2 studies: The Power of a Praying Wife and 3 Minute Devotions. I highly recommend both books! More on each of these studies later! These are on-going studies. I would like to finish the last three chapters of When Life Is Hard by Dr. James MacDonald. I started this as a study with a friend, but due to schedule conflicts, we never finished. I want to finish it before I start my next deep{er} study.  

I hope that you will join me again next week. I'm planning on sharing what I learn from When Life Is Hard and other devotions.... ANNNNNNNND I want to share with you our new Study Room in our house. This SR has made me super excited to dig deep! OH! I also want to share with you my new bible and how I've changed my prayer book... there are lots of things I want to tell and show you!!  

I pray that this new series and these posts on my blog bless you. I hope that we will "dig deep" with God together ❤️.

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


ps... these NEW posts will NOT be this long! I just had to share a bit of my background for this first post! My hope is to just share my reflections and a bible verse each week! Nothing too lengthy :)

Virtual Smooches: July 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 July 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:) 

July 3: 1 Card 2 Ways (masculine/feminine)

PS stamps: Word Up; PS dies: Feathers  

PS stamps: Bold Buzzwords; PS dies: Feathers  

July 17: 2 Videos + a BONUS

PS stamps: Reflections; PS dies: Loopy Leaf

PS stamps: Digits; PS dies: Birthday Words

This card was featured on the Imagine Crafts blog HERE!   
PS stamps: Sugar Rush; PS dies: Kudos  

July 25: Customized Latch Cover

PS stamps: Chilly Chums; PS dies: Chilly Chums and Alphawhimsy  

July 31: Birthday Cake Decorations (Pinterest Idea FAIL)

PS dies: Digits and Ovals  

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:}