Imagine Crafts: Inky Leaves

Hello, friends:)

I'm super excited today to share another Imagine Crafts video! Click HERE or HERE to check it out:) 

I used my Tsukineko Memento Luxe inks along with some leaves for a super fun and tribal decoration!  ***Be sure to change your settings to HD before watching! THANKS:)

I hope that you will stop over on the Imagine Crafts blog to check out my video and leave some love!!! Or click HERE to watch the video on YouTube or HERE on Vimeo.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Be blessed:)

Virtual Smooches: Paper Smooches SPARKS Inspiration #2

Hello, friends:}

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

I'm sharing another version of my take on THIS week's Paper Smooches SPARKS Designer Drafts challenge. 

Here's a sneak peek of my video:

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

Virtual Smooches: Paper Smooches SPARKS Inspiration #1

Hello, friends:}

Today is Thursday was my day to share a video over on the  Paper Smooches video blog- Virtual Smooches! But I had to wait until the Paper Smooches SPARKS challenge went live on Sunday to share! LOL! 

I'm starting a new series on the VS blog--- it's not going to be every week, but every once in awhile I want to share how I found inspiration or how I came up with my design for the PSS Picture Perfect and Designer Drafts challenges. 

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 October 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.

Get ready for this.... I think I followed this sketch 90%!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you didn't just fall out of your seat! LOL! 

I am starting a new series on the Virtual Smooches blog--- I want to share how I use these sketches (and the Picture Perfect challenge photos) as inspiration. Sometimes I change them so much that I'm sure it boggles the brain! So I wanted to begin sharing my thought process on video! LOL! Be on the lookout for this video on Monday---- ANNNNNNNNND I will have another idea on Thursday using this sketch. NOTE: I'll have another video as long as my idea works! LOL! 

I used some Fancy Pants Designs papers along with my Paper Smooches Spiritual Sampler stamp set. I also die cut images with the PS Ovals 1 and Hearts dies. Trav looooooooves this card. He said it's in the TOP 2 of his favs! LOL! 

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 November 1st. I cannot wait to see what you make!!! 

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

deep{er} #13: reflections

Hello, friends:)


Again I'm late! Time just got away from me yesterday to proof my post... and then I realized I didn't have anything written! I had stuff to say but didn't write any of it out! LOL! 

I'm SO glad you stopped by! THANKS for "walking" with me... even if I'm late:) 

UPDATE: As I'm writing this... I'm beginning to think I'm not the ONLY one tired of my trial.

I bet YOU are tired of hearing of this trial and how I go from up to down to confused to focused... last week I was looking at my own situation, not on God. Some old habits and thoughts came creeping into my mind. This sent me on a downward spiral. Good thing I have Trav. He really helped me get focused. And I've always have God.... but I don't always go to Him first. 

Funny that He knows all of this and called me out on it this week. He had some sermons and broadcasts or blog posts specifically placed into my path this week that DRILLED into my hard skull what I need to do during this trial: 

Sunday 10/19- Church of Hope, Pastor Scott
Apparently I was hungover on my self-focused-self-centered-pity party because I had a bad attitude the entire day (all the way to church, during service, and on the drive home). But what did God have planned? A sermon about God as our Victory/Nissi [Exodus 17]. 
Lesson Learned: I can't be focused on myself- I have to look higher. I am NOT alone- Trav is with me and so is my God. Battles are not short--- WHAT?!?! This trial could go LOOOOOOOOOONG?!!?!? If I haven't won, then this battle isn't over. And most importantly, I need to go surrendered. I can't win this battle if I don't surrender to God. 

Ok- I've got it, Lord. Thank you for the reminder that I need to look to You and not inward or at my situation. I understand that this battle might be longer than I want. Help me to surrender to Your plan (which is way better than what I want or could imagine). Why do I want to hang on when I know You've got something better for me?! 

Monday 10/20- our devotions
I guess that this theme of "reminders for Sav" needed to be continued another day because Trav's devotion for the day was about Job and his trials, as well as how his friends gave bad advice. Trav mentioned that his devotion pointed out that God didn't answer Job for 6 chapters. I get it! I get it! Lord, I understand that this trial might be for awhile. Help me to hang on and not give up! 

My devotion on the True Woman blog.... Five Ways to Glorify God While You Wait. Are you serious?!?! Lord, I'm going to read this at another time... I get it! I'm supposed to glorify You in the good and bad...I know I'm in a waiting period...I know this trial is going to go long....do I really need to have so many "reminders"? 

Tuesday 10/21- Moving Forward with Dr. Stephen Rummage, Jesus In Your Storm
Are you kidding me, Lord!?!? Another series and sermon about a storm!? Ok... (deep breath along with a sigh) I'm listening. *NOTE: The day before (series before this one) was about FORGIVENESS! GOOOOOOODNESS! I guess God wants me to learn about this storm and then go back and learn about forgiveness, which was my goal for this week- to forgive those who've hurt me.

Wednesday 10/22- Passion Tour with Louie Gigglio and Kristian Stanfill, Church of Hope
WOW! What a concert/set of worship and sermon! I love listening to professional worship leaders! I'll be honest---sometimes I get jealous because I *WISH* I was a great leader like them. 

Funny thing about this night was that Louie did 2 different sermons- he just started talking about God's will and how to know if we are in it. That's exactly what Trav and I are wondering! Where are we going? What should we pursue-- should we still lead worship? Where? When? How? Are we qualified? ***OK--- most of these questions are mine. Not sure if Trav is really thinking this, but I'm sure he might think of some of these too! 
Lesson Learned: God's will isn't complicated. Ask yourself, "What are you most passionate about?"... pursue that and try to make the biggest impact for Jesus while serving where I'm at. I was dead before Jesus came into my life. I can't do anything if I'm dead- I can't change anything/my situation. I need Jesus. Louie also mentioned that there was a "cry for help" and then no answer for 400 years. From the last page of Malachi to Matthew... 400 years passed. Then they cried out, "God is back" [Luke 7]. 

Oh Father. I was kidding last week when I said I would wait or work on this for 100 years... I don't think I can! And I know I can't wait for 400 years. I will do my BEST to get through this today...and then I will work on tomorrow. One day at a time. Help me to not give up but to glorify you ALWAYS! 

Thursday 10/23- Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Lee DeMoss (radio), Prayer for the Battle
I'm not even going to tell you what I was thinking... but Lord, I'm REALLY listening now. Thank you for putting these series and sermons in my path at just the right time. Help me to listen with my ears, heart, and mind. 

Friday 10/24- I was with Trav most of the day getting the windows tinted on my new car. I did find some time to read that TW blog post. 
Lesson Learned: Things to do when waiting (and glorify God at the same time): 

1. Do what comes next- I am on the right path. I am trying to not get stuck or frozen in my situation. Keep moving forward.
2. Evaluate my heart- Has the thing I want or miss or what I'm longing for become my idol? Did this longing replace my longing for Christ? Good questions... I can say that it did for awhile and that I'm trying to get back to Jesus satisfying my soul... not the world or my wants.
3. Be where you are- ok... this is a bit tricky. We are trying to "be" here... I need to remember to glorify God, pursue the works of the Kingdom, live faithfully for Christ- WHEREVER I am... God will use me! 
4. Trust in God's sovereignty- this "season" isn't a mistake; God has a plan. There is a sovereign purpose for this trial... during this waiting... I'm trying to trust God with this.
5. Continue to cry out- one day Christ WILL return and the wait will be over! At the TW conference a week or so ago, I heard someone talk about crying out continually. I feel so stupid when I cry out over and over about the same thing. I guess I need to work on this. I need to continue to cry out for answers, as well as to be placed where we can serve! 

Saturday 10/25- New Hope Community Church, Pastor Eddie

That brings us to today... and I have to be honest that I didn't want to go to church tonight. Trav wanted to hear this new series by Eddie about the book of James. I knew this topic/sermon/etc. was going to hit me right between the eyes! I knew it! 

Lesson Learned: Psalm 34:1-3 How do I praise the Lord at ALL times? Suffering with dignity honors God. True joy comes when we pursue God's presence. Trials are joy when God is our goal. Most of the time, we are trying to get out of the trial--- when we do this, we miss the journey with God. Anything "good" in me/in my life is from GOD! Perspective of what He's done for us will help me find joy in this trial.

(sigh) I see what You're saying, Lord. I apologize for not focusing on You but on me and my situation. I made you smaller than my problem. I think I get it--- and if not, I know that You will help me understand again tomorrow with a scripture reading or broadcast. :) Thank you for continuing to run after me and help me understand- esp. when I want to give up or have a really bad week. Thank you that You love me so much that You won't let me drown in these waves or in this storm. THANK YOU for your plan! Help me to focus on YOU! 

REFLECTION: I think I've shared my week's reflection in my update:) LOL! 

I'll leave you with this photo of our study room. Doesn't it look so pretty in the Fall sunshine!? (Don't mind the open closet door- that's where I hide all the stuff that just sits around and doesn't have a place! LOL!)

My goals for this week:

1. To slow down and have some silent time before prayer (more on this later- NO REALLY! I promise to share more on this later!)
2. Get Travis to order me the Dr. David Jeremiah Agents of Apocalypse study set (CDs, books, and study guide)!!!!!! *This did not happen last week... and the 30th is the last day we can order this set! MUST SUCCEED by the 30th!
3. Finish TW'14 notes and begin on Monday the TW Manifesto with Courtney
4. Continue to pray/read my devotions daily  

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 October 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!!!

This week I pulled out some of my older papers (Basic Grey Persimmon) and created a birthday card for my friend. She loves coffee (she should since she works at Starbucks), so I used the mug from the Paper Smooches Hot Concoctions set. I also used the Seeing Stars and Blissful Banners sets for my sentiments. I also layered my Birthday Words die cut sentiment (using some of my FAVVVVVVVVVVVVORITE Chickaniddy Crafts Gold paper). Super simple card since it's just layering papers, die cuts, and sentiments! 

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 October 25th. Hope you join in the fun--- this is the EASIEST challenge ever!!!!!!!!

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

deep{er} #12: reflections

Hello, friends:)


Thanks for stopping by today-- I know I'm a bit late in posting... it's been a rough week again. I need a vacation from my vacation to get back on schedule:) 

UPDATE: *If you follow me on Facebook, you have already seen this photo. 

Last Sunday, Trav and I received a message that we were on the Dr. David Jeremiah Turning Point TV show! I had forgotten that we visited Dr. David Jeremiah's church in August- and I NEVER thought that we would be on his show because he wasn't even preaching that day! But I watched Sunday's show about The Dragon (episode 5) (LOOOOOOOOOVE this new series), and there we were! We were featured for about 5 seconds!!! We weren't even at the church for that sermon!!! So weird! LOL! 

REFLECTION: My reflection this week is real short. I had a rough week (dealing with a specific situation at the gym, trying to get into a routine, etc). We also heard from an old friend from our former church... old thoughts/feelings have been swirling in my brain. 

I'm tired.

I'm ready for this to be over.

I want to take a step of faith but which way? Where do I go?

I want to go deep{er}... I don't think I'm making any progress at all! I don't want to go deep{er} into the pit... I want to get deep{er} with God. Unfortunately, I think this pit might be getting darker because it's getting deep{er} and I'm not getting out.

I apologize for not sharing more thoughts from my studies. I just feel like I take one step forward and twelve back. How does one make progress when you're being pulled so far back? 

Trav says that I'm making progress (he says the same thing about losing weight... but I don't see it. The scale definitely doesn't say I'm losing weight.). I'm getting restless in this waiting period. Restless and anxious. Please answer me, God! I want to obey You... but I can't hear You. 

(sigh)

I know... I need to pick up my cross and continue running the race. Honestly, that's hard with a broken heart and hurting soul. I guess I really haven't completed the grieving process, and I bet this is just a way of God saying, "Sav- you REALLY need to forgive those who've hurt you." I thought I did...and I've asked God to help me forgive them several times... but I'm still hurt and holding on to grudges.

What can I say? I'm a "work in progress". 

(sigh)

So this week... I'll be picking up this cross and working on forgiveness. One step forward and however many back... this time, THIS week- I'm going to continue...I'm going to keep my eyes on Jesus the best I can... I'm going to get out of this pit if it takes me 100 years! OH Lord, I pray it doesn't take me 100 years! Please help me get out of this pit within 2014! Or even by the end of the October... or better yet... by the end of this week! Thanks:)

**This is just proof that I am going forward and moving back... one week I have a great reflection and then the next week I'm in the dumps. 

My goals for this week:

1. To slow down and have some silent time before prayer (more on this later)
2. Get Travis to order me the Dr. David Jeremiah Agents of Apocalypse study set (CDs, books, and study guide)!!!!!!
3. Finish TW'14 notes
4. Continue to pray/read my devotions daily  

I pray that you are having a better week than I am--- 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:}

Virtual Smooches: Nail Art

Hello, friends:}

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

OOOOOOOOOOH MY GOOOOOOOODNESS! I'm embarrassed and excited to share my video with you today! Embarrassed because of the quality of this video.... excited because I've kept this video a secret for over a year! LOL! 

The best part is the Bloopers Outtakes that I got while recording the beginning of this video- Trav was literally laughing out loud while watching them! I can't wait to share those! 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:}

IMAGINE Crafts: Memory Box RECAP

Hello, friends:)


Today I'm sharing a recap of my project over on the Imagine Crafts blog. Click HERE or HERE to check it out:) Click HERE for the video on Vimeo! 

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

I paired several Memory Box images with my Tsukineko products! My fav is that I used my Tsukineko Gold Shimmer Spritz spray as ink! I love the subtle design of this spray on a stamp! I also used StazOn Jet Black and VersaFine Onyx Black inks for this card. LOOOOOOVE how this turned out-- this card could def. be mass produced for the holidays!

See? This is such an easy card--- perfect for mass producing! 

I hope that you will stop over on the Imagine Crafts blog HERE to check out my video or leave some love! 

Thanks so much for stopping by! Be blessed:)

Paper Smooches SPARKS October 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

I found inspiration in the flowers--- I originally wanted to make a frame with flowers around it... or a letter with flowers (exactly like the photo)... I also wanted to use woodgrain... but I came up with a SUPER SIMPLE card! And get this---- I used ONLY ONE stamp set! 

I used the Paper Smooches Blossoming Buds stamp set. And I guess I should be honest... this is a very simple card, but this was my 8th try! LOL! I seriously was struggling with the design! Well... with the flowers! Flowers are not my favorite- to color, to stamp, to use! LOL! I do love how this card turned out though...so it's a WIN WIN (minus the other 7 cards)!

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 October 18th. I cannot wait to see what you make--I actually can't wait to see what you are inspired by in this photo!!

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}