deep{er} #22: reflections

Hello, friends:)


Welcome back!! It's been about two weeks since I've posted-- we have been super busy!

UPDATE: We've been busy starting the year and beginning our journey as the Worship Leaders for New Hope East Campus. Last week was our first week leading the worship, but the past two weeks have been filled with meetings, meetings, and meetings! We LOVE this new adventure and serving the Lord again with the gifts that He's given us. This is a dream come true! We appreciate your continued prayers! THANK YOU! 

Then... my grandma came into town! She stayed here with me for a day and then we headed out to her Winter home in Avon Park. I had a great time with my grandma. I especially enjoyed having her attend my Bible study group on Monday night. She literally talked about that group the whole time I was with her- she just loved that there were so many women (my age) who were interested in the Bible! She even said that she wanted to try and attend a Bible study up in Indiana when she returns home. That got me to thinking about giving her a devotional book **NOTE: My grandma is a Catholic. She never has done a devotional. My favorite thing about her trip this week was that she completed 2 days of her new devotional! Both times I walked into the living room about to go to bed, and she told me that she finished her reading for the day. I just love it! I pray that she will continue to go deep{er} and continue to read this devotional book! 

This is how I found her devotional- it's on the side table in the living room, open with a pen. Grandma said she liked the first couple of devotions-- hopefully she will continue to read it:) 

REFLECTION: So for this post... I'm doing something different for my reflection. I am going to get real honest and just share my heart. 

The past week I have really felt "the world" coming in on me. I'm not sure if it's because I've stepped into a new position at a church or if it's just something that God is revealing to me. All week I've heard things (from family and on TV/etc) or seen things that just break my heart. This world NEEDS Jesus! 

This world is getting worse. Temptation and sin are everywhere. And what breaks my heart is that "Christians" are not different... most of them conform to the world. Now don't get me wrong--- I've conformed to the world too! So maybe I should say that it breaks my heart that I am enticed and go along with (believe/follow/etc) the world. 

But I'm tired of that, and honestly, the Bible says I shouldn't follow the world [Romans 12:2]. 

Example #1: So just last night I was with Trav at our local mall. We were in a store, and he was trying on pants. I was sitting on my scooter (I decided to use it since there would be a lot of walking), and I saw a pair of sweat pants for $40! Forty dollars!?!?!?! 

Goodness! And then I saw a super cute tank top on the top shelf. 

And THEN I saw what it said, "Good Girls Like Love Bad Boys". **I just reread the shirt--- I thought it said "like"... it's even WORSE now that it says "love"! :(

Really? Is that appropriate? Wouldn't you want your daughter to wear a shirt that said "Daughter of the King" or "Precious and Loved". What breaks my heart is the message on the tank top. This feeds young girls' minds that bad boys are the prize/goal and that it's ok to be "bad". Oh how that is wrong! 

The Truth is that each girl is precious and loved so much by God. And God wants these girls to find, fall in love with, and marry a man that treats her like Jesus loves His church. We should honor God with our body and relationships.  

I just want to sit there in that store and tell each young lady that buys that tank the Truth. Or buy each tank so no one would get them... but then I would promote this company by buying this shirt... maybe I should make my own shirts to sell. Either way, I just wish there was a way to stop these lies. I don't want any girl to follow the world like I did-- believing these lies and making choices that they might regret someday because what they did dishonored God. 

Example #2: This is a bit more personal. I love my family so much that I want nothing more than for their hearts to be opened to Jesus and the Truth. And I should say that it's hard each time situations like this come up. I just don't know what to say, and I feel like I'm being attacked (persecuted) because I'm a "Christian". 

Ok--- these are the type of things that are said that make my heart sink. 

• God grades our sin on a curve (i.e. murder is worse than lies, etc).
• It's ok to cuss because God knows how frustrating some situations are.
• I can't _____ (drink, cuss, etc) because of Savannah.

There are other things said in conversations, but these are the most outrageous because they are so far from the Truth! And the worst part is that all I could say is, "That's not true! The bible says..." **NOTE: The worst-worst-worst part is that I couldn't say where in the Bible my proof was located. Not that that mattered- the ones who say this don't care if I can locate it in the Bible. Their response is to just end the conversation before it starts by saying we could believe two different things. Which is also FAR from the truth! Especially if we are both "Christians".

When responding, I try really hard to not be pushy/etc. And I try hard not to lose my temper. How does one defend God? How do you put out the fiery darts of lies and misconceptions from the devil? Can I just shake my family and yell at them, "You don't KNOW the Truth!" Ok that last question is not a real question... and the first one isn't either. I know it's not my job to defend God. My job is to share and speak the Word. It's God's job to open up their hearts. 

(sigh)

I'm changed. I am no longer who I was because of Jesus. I want to share the Truth and help others. So I guess my reflection this week is that I want to find a way that gently shares the Good News and Jesus with my family and with the world. 

My Prayer: Help me, Lord! I want to be the light in this world! And please open up my family's eyes to Your Truth, Word, and love! Open their eyes so that they would see how much they (we all) need You. Help them to accept Jesus and be changed!

My goals for this week:

1. Pray pray pray :)
2. Continue reading You and Me Forever- Trav and I are doing a book study with our pastors using this book. We are on chapter 3! LOVE!
3. Continue with Today in the Word Acts Bible study.
4. Continue with chapter 4 of the Dr. David Jeremiah Agents of Apocalypse
5. Start working on my 2015 Spiritual Goals.
6. Find time to complete another video for you-- I've got SO much I want to share;) 

I pray that God has been speaking to you--- and that you are blessed beyond what you have asked or wanted ❤️. Remember, if you need prayer, please contact me {savannahland2 at comcast dot net}. 

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

Paper Smooches SPARKS: January Picture Perfect challenge

Hello, friends:}

Today we start another weekly challenge over at Paper Smooches SPARKS blog!! This week is a Picture Perfect challenge.  

This week we are inspired by the following picture:

 

Picture: Credit

Instantly I saw the birch tree branch and knew I had to use the PS Autumn Groves set for my creation! Then I was on Pinterest and saw THIS photo and thought that I could recreate something similar by using the whitewashing technique and Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko Memento Luxe Wedding Dress ink. LOVE! 

You can kind of see the whitewashing technique on the trees-- I just used a watercolor brush, lots of water, and Memento Luxe Wedding Dress ink to color the trees in. SUPER EASY! 

I also used the PS Scripty Sayings and the Sassy Script (small hearts) stamp sets, as well as the Seasonal Tree (birds) and Hearts dies. 

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 January 17th. I cannot wait to see what you make!!! 

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Virtual Smooches: CAS Sympathy Card

Hello, friends:}

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

I had the coolest idea for a gift for a baby shower project for today's video, but I got a call last night that a family friend had passed away. So I decided to share my process in making this CAS sympathy card.

Honestly, sympathy cards are one of the hardest projects for me! I never know what to put on them! 

Here's a sneak peek of my video:

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

WINNNNNNNNNNNER:)

Hello, friends:)

Sorry I'm a bit late in posting my Season's of Giving Blog Hop winner! 

THANK YOU for all of your sweet comments on my video! I'm glad I could make you laugh:)

The winner of the $15 Paper Smooches gift certificate is.....

Kim Potts said...

LOL, I had fun watching your bloopers video. Thanks for sharing and for the PS giveaway! 

kimpotts1026@gmail.com

JANUARY 1, 2015 AT 8:08 PM

Congrats, Kim P!! Please email me {savannahland2 at comcast dot net} to claim your prize. You have 48 hours. 


That's it for me today! Be sure to stop by soon!! Be blessed:) 

Whisker Graphics: DIY Scarf

Hello, friends:}

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.

The season: Winter. The weather here in Florida: mid 80's. BUT...I'm ALWAYS cold! So when I saw THIS tutorial on how to make a scarf using fleece and yarn, I knew I could use my FAVORITE WG divine twine to make a fashionable scarf to wear:) 

I followed the tutorial on THIS blog but swapped the yarn for WG Coral Solid and Gold Metallic divine twine. This was so easy that I completed this project while riding in a car on Christmas Eve! Here's how I made this scarf: 

1. Cut about 60+ strands of divine twine that are about 18 inches long. Set aside. 
2. Cut your fleece to create clean/nice edges. *My scarf is 10 inches by 60 inches. 
3. Cut small holes all along each of the ends of the scarf.
• Fold one edge end up about 1/4 of an inch. 
• Create SMALL holes using sharp scissors and snipping the fabric every 1/4 of a inch.
• Repeat for the other end of scarf.
4. Create tassels and attach to scarf.
• Gather together 2 or 3 strands of divine twine and fold in half. *It doesn't matter if it's exactly in half. These strands will be trimmed later:) 
• Take crochet hook and place it through a hole and grab the divine twine and pull it back through.
• Take the tails of the divine twine and thread it through the loop. *Do not pull hard, but gently pull your divine twine to secure it in place.
• Repeat for each hole and end of scarf.
  
5. To finish your scarf, use a rotary cutter and ruler to trim the ends evenly. *You can also add a bit of fray-check to the ends of your divine twine to make sure they don't fray:) 

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??? Like bitty bags with GOLD designs! ACK! LOOOOOOVE LOOOOOOVE LOOOOOOVE! Check it out HERE! 

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Paper Smooches SPARKS: January Anything Goes (wk1) challenge

Hello, friends:}

***Please click HERE for my Season's of Giving Blog Hop and 2014 Bloopers Reel! GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!! Deadline for giveaway is Jan. 5 at 11:59pm EST! 

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 actually made this card about three weeks ago... for such a time as this! I ran out of time this week to make anything new. So I'm sharing a Christmas card- LOL! I guess that is ok because I need to start making my Christmas cards EARLY... like NOW! So I actually send them out this year! LOL! 

I used the Paper Smooches Christmas Words 2 and Snowflakes dies to create this CAS holiday card. The papers are from an OLD Doodlebug pad. The sequins is from Pretty Pink Posh. Super simple-- LOVE it! 

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. 

Katie

Larissa

Lori

Lynn

And don't forget to stop by the Paper Smooches SPARKS blog for more details. This challenge ends January 10th. Hope you join in the fun--- this is the EASIEST challenge ever!!!!!!!!

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

deep{er} #21: reflections

Hello, friends:)

***Please click HERE for my Season's of Giving Blog Hop and 2014 Bloopers Reel! GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!


Happy NEW Year!!! I hope that you had an awesome Christmas holiday and that the beginning of 2015 has been wonderful and full of positive events, news, and blessings! 

UPDATE: THANK YOU x100000 leaving so many wonderful comments on my last post about my weight loss and Christmas review! And that brings me to our next update....

We have a giveaway winner! I was sad that some of you couldn't leave a comment on my blog, so I accepted comments on Facebook as well! And because I had extra entries, I had to pick a winner the old fashioned way- pulling names out of a hat (or tub). 

Trav and Olsen actually helped me pick a name! 

And our winner is.....

Wendy Kraft said...

Thank you so much for the opportunity to win these awesome gifts. I really do enjoy your Saturday posts as this prompts me more to go deeper. Also, great job on eating better, it truly shows how how you have worked:) it is challenging as I have been on this journey since October 1st and man is it hard to be good everyday, too many treats this time of year! God bless.

DECEMBER 27, 2014 AT 3:28 AM 

Congrats, Wendy! Please send me an email (savannahland2 at comcast dot net) with your address to claim your prize! 

I wish I had enough prizes for everyone... maybe I'll have another giveaway soon:) 

And for my last update, I wanted to share a gift that my Mom got me. I was shocked! I don't know the story of how she got this book but I want to know-- so Mom, if you are reading this, text me the story:) My Mom sent me a devotional book on the Psalms, Unending Praise, written by Margaret Steinacker. Mrs. Steinacker lives in my hometown in Indiana (well, the next town over)!!! And she even signed my book! I can't wait to read it! THANKS, Mom:) 

REFLECTION: Ok.... so last week was a bit of a this and a bit of that due to it being the end of the year. My reflection will be really short (again)! 

The thing I heard over and over, and even read about, was humility. I've always wanted to be humble- I know in the Bible it says that God opposes the proud [James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5]. And I will admit that I've been puffed up before... sometimes I don't even know when pride is sitting in my heart until God points it out or until someone else does! 

For example, I didn't even know I had pride about my teeth until I went to the dentist. Normally, Trav and I don't see our dentist; our check-ups are good and we see the doctor every 2 years. Well, we have a new dentist... they took x-rays... and found 3 (THREE) cavities in my teeth! WHAT?!?!!? I hardly-never-ever have sugar or sweets... I floss like crazy... I brush regularly... how did this happen!? I was sitting in the car sulking on the way home and realized that I had pride in my teeth! Weird... but it's true. I've only had one cavity (around age 8-12) and really good reports about my teeth for 33 years. And I'm not even sure if it really is pride in my heart about my teeth (I mean really... that sounds stupid! And not something I really think about... I don't sit here saying, "I love my teeth! They are amazing! Look at your bad teeth.")... I just know that I felt convicted that I needed to humble myself that day and especially about my teeth. 

Long story I guess! But anyway...

I just want to be humble. I don't want to think more of myself than I should... I don't want to think I've got it under control, especially when I don't... I don't want pride to take root in my heart or in my job or in my life. 

This all surfaces as we literally take our first step in our new position as Worship Leaders. I guess I'm just afraid of failing. I know I can't lead without God. I know I can't do anything without Him. I just want to make sure that I'm obeying, faithful, and persistent in seeking Him. 

I know the Bible says that God opposes the proud [1 Peter 5:5]... but I need to read the next verse as well, Humble yourself before God, and TRUST Him to take care of you [1 Peter 5:6]. 

So my reflection this week... Sav, you are taking a HUGE step of faith by leading worship. You can't do it without God-- Trust in Him that He's called you to this position! Humble yourself before God and trust that He will lift you up for such a time as this--- in due time... that time is NOW! Humbly lead for God! 

My goals for this week:

1. Pray pray pray :)
2. Start reading You and Me Forever- Trav and I are doing a book study with our pastors using this book
3. Continue with Today in the Word Acts Bible study
4. Continue with chapter 3 of the Dr. David Jeremiah Agents of Apocalypse
5. Start working on my 2015 Spiritual Goals-- hopefully I can share a picture of them next week.  

I pray that God has been speaking to you--- and that you are blessed beyond what you have asked or wanted ❤️. Remember, if you need prayer, please contact me {savannahland2 at comcast dot net}. 

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

Seasons Givings Blog Hop + GIVEAWAY

Hello, friends:} Happy NEW Year!!! Happy birthday, Jackson:)

***Giveaway details below! 
***Lots of info and long post below:)

Today I'm joining in the fun with a group of crafters for the Season's Givings Blog Hop! This hop is for you!!!!! We are sharing some creations, as well as a giveaway (on every blog), to say THANK YOU! 

I'm so thankful for you-- my friend! I love that you visit and are inspired by my creations. I'm sooooo thankful that you watch my videos! And your comments always make me smile- your comments make me feel extra special! THANK YOU! 

I would like to giveaway a $15 gift certificate to my FAVORITE stamp store- Paper Smooches! I will purchase the gift certificate once the winner has been chosen. 

***Watch my video and then leave a comment on this blog post to be entered in this giveaway. Deadline is 11:59pm EST Monday, January 5th. Winner will be chosen and posted on Tuesday, Jan. 6th. This giveaway is open to all!!! THANKS:} 

Today I'm sharing a special video-- it's my 2014 Bloopers! You can click HERE to check out my bloopers from last year.

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

WHEW! If you made it this far- Thanks ) That's it for me today! I hope that this new year will be blessed with lots of love, joy, and happiness! Here's the blog hop list and GIVEAWAYS:

Thanks for stopping by! Be blessed:}


ps... GIVEAWAY REMINDER: don't forget to leave comments along the hop for your chance to win!! Each blog has a giveaway! **Please note-- due to spam, I have to approve my blog comments. Comments will be published at a later date.

ps2... you can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and I also write blog posts on the Imagine Crafts, Paper Smooches, Paper Smooches SPARKS, and Virtual Smooches blogs! I'd love for you to stop by those blogs as well!!