Scrapping Everyday Miracles

My mother. My bestfriend.

2012-02-27T00:00:00.001-08:00

It's February 27th...and it's amazing that I get to do the praise post for today because today is my mom's birthday.

2 Ki 4:30
But the child's mother said, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So he got up and followed her.

She wakes up early n the morning and cooks breakfast for my dad and I sometimes alongside doing the laundry too. She helps me decide on which clothes to wear on dates and parties. I talk to her about my work, about my boyfriend, my friends, my day in general. She misses out on some details but that's fine too...she listens. She's strict and wears a sharp look in her eye when she's in an awful mood. She was a cheerleader, a prom queen...she could have been around the world if she wanted to but she stayed and took care of a spoiled little girl -- THAT'S MY MOM! I am what I am because she stood by me and supported me and I wouldn't trade her even if the Queen we're to be my mother.

And I'll thank Him everyday that the woman who bore me was born this day.

FB Giveaway AND February Sketch Challenge

2012-02-20T06:50:00.000-08:00

It is Nicole and I am excited to bring you our sketch/techniques challenge for February and a Facebook Giveaway featuring products from Nikki Sivils.

SEM FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY featuring Nikki Sivils

This month the DT was blessed with a ton of products from our generous sponsor, Nikki Sivils. So we used some of those products on our examples for this challenge. We were so excited that some of us even created 3, 4 and 5 more projects with the supplies. We want to share those with you to so we decided to create an album and post it on our FB page. Everyone that comments on the album will be entered to win a gift pack featuring papers from Nikki Sivils and other scrappy goodness. Click here for your chance to win..... it is so easy peasy... just comment on the album!

FEBRUARY SKETCH/TECHNIQUE CHALLENGE
Okay so are you ready for our Challenge. This month we have both a sketch and technique... You an choose to use both or just one of them. First we have this lovely sketch from Pagemaps....

Our technique is using toothpick flags on your project... what is so great is that it is super easy to make them and they are soooo cute... We have a free flag download to help you make some toothpick flags... http://www.backtopaper.com/2011/10/03/lets-make-toothpick-flags/

Arent these the cutest!

Everyone that links up their project using either the sketch or the flag technique by Feb. 29th will be entered to win a fabulous prize pack from Nikki Sivils!!!!!

Here are our examples from the DT

Can't wait to see your projects! Just link them below... Don't forget if you want another chance to win the prize from Nikki Sivil enter Challenge #13....

Don't forget our Facebook Giveaway either! (just like our page in order to be able to comment on the album...)

Heartfelt post…

2012-02-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well here we are with another Valentine's Day upon us. For some it's a great day, others a whatever day and for some a day to dread. I used to be in the latter camp because it just reminded me that I was alone with no "special someone". This was back in my early 20's and as hard as I tried I could just never get anywhere with guys that I liked. (In retrospect I think this was God protecting me but that is a whole separate post!) Feb. 14th was just downright depressing. Even after I graduated from college and had truly started walking with God I was still trying to make things happen and engineer my love life. Guess what? I still wasn't getting anywhere. Finally I decided that I should just let God run the show and be in charge of bringing the right man into my life. (I'm often a little dense about that sort of thing.)

In the meantime, there was a Bible study program that I was going to sign up for. I had a choice between a co-ed young adults group or a women's only group. On the one hand I could study God's word and maybe meet a guy too! On the other hand I could study God's word and not be distracted by trying to meet a guy. Since I had put God in charge of my guy meeting department, I decided to join the women's group. And with that fateful choice I ended up finding my future husband. How you may ask? God really does have a sense of humor. A new friend in my group set me up on a blind date with a friend of her husband's. It was a wonderful date, with a wonderful high-quality man, and we have now been married for ten years. God is good! I am so thankful for my husband and he is just the right man for me. All those past guys I pined over would not have been. You can have faith that God does have a plan for you and while it may not be what you think it should be, you can trust him. You don't have to do everything in your own way and in your own strength (I am still learning this lesson by the way, I'm still a little dense I think!) So happy Valentine's Day to you all. You'll always have a valentine in Him.

Here's our January Winners!!

2012-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone . . . Roulien here today with our lucky winner and the DT's choice for the top 3 layouts from our main challenge!!! We are so thankful that so many of you played along with us at SEM this month!! Each and every layout that was entered are beautiful creations, and we had a real hard time picking the Top 3 layouts!

First let me announce the randomly drawn prize winner from our wonderful sponsor, I Love It All!
I've used Random Generator to select our winner this month! And the lucky winner is . . .

Patricia Kragten

Congratulations Patricia!!! Please contact us at our SEM email and we will make sure your prize is send to you!!

Now it's the Top 3 layouts picked by the SEM DT members:

1. Jenny (Wifey Cookie)

2. Wendy Crowe

3. Brenshevia

Congrats, Ladies ... we just loved your wonderfully creative layouts! We have a "Top 3" blinkie on the right handside of the SEM home page, feel free to copy the code and display it on your blogs!! It's well deserved!!!

Challenge 13 is already on the blog and we can't wait to see what all of you do with this challenge!!

Happy Scrapping and have a blessed week!!

April - August DT Call

2012-02-10T03:15:00.000-08:00

I am excited to announce that we will be having a DT Call!
We would love to have you apply for our April- August Design team!
The call will run from Feb. 10-24

We are an inspiration challenge blog... we want to encourage you to look at what God is doing in your life and scrap about it. He has blessed us with such wonderful talents and we should glorify Him with them.... We bet that most people are experiencing God every day and never even notice. We have two challenges per month. Our main challenges inspire you to spend time with God as you scrap; we also include a scrap twist getting people to try the newest and funnest scrapbooking techniques and products Our second challenge is based on sketch or technique and inspire you to be creative. We have a lot of fun at SEM and would love to have you as part of our team....

Requirements
1 layouts per month as an example for our Main Challenge

Optional 2nd layout per month for our Sketch/Technique Challenge

Plan and post one Main Challenge during your 6 month term

Post 4 additional posts (Heartfelt Post, Sketch/Technique, and Praise Post) during your 6 month term

Participation in our DT private Facebook GroupParticipation in any events such as blog hops, crops, etc.

(DT schedule is posted at the begiining of the term)

Selection Process

Part 1

Apply for the DT by Feb. 24th by sending an email to scrappingeverydaymiracles@yahoo.com

Please include:
A little bit about yourself... who you are, where you live, etc
Share a little bit about what God is doing in your life
Why you would like to be on the design team
2 projects
link to your blog

Part 2All potential DT members will be asked to join our "Getting to Know You" Facebook group from Feb. 21st-.27th This will give us a chance to get to know each other.... This will be a place that current DT and future DT will be able to mingle... Current DT can ask you questions while at the same time you can ask us anything you would like to know. You can share your projects and the inspiration behind them... Sound fun!!!!

On Feb. 29th everyone will be contacted as to whether or not they made the team... the new DT will be given the April Main Challenge prompt on March 1st so that they can start working on their April examples. The new DT will also be given the new schedule in March.

Deadline for applying is Feb. 24th

Applicants from all over the world are welcome to apply...
Any questions or to apply please email scrappingeverydaymiracles@yahoo.com

Challenge #13

2012-02-06T05:23:00.000-08:00

(Jan.'s winner's will be announced Sat Feb. 11th)

Happy Valentine's Day... I know it is bit early but still want to say it!

Everywhere I go I see hearts hearts and more hearts... Red ones, pink ones, white ones, candy, paper and plastic... just hearts hearts hearts. Which got me thinking each of us are passionate about something... each of us have things that we just put our heart into! Col 3:23 says "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord...." Which leads me to this months challenge....

This months challenge is to scrap about something that you are passionate about.... something you are or did work at with all of your heart! It is okay if you dont want to scrap about yourself... it could be about anyone that has put all of their heart into doing something!

The scrap twist is to use a heart in or on your project....

DT LAYOUTS

(click on the DT member's name to hear more about their layout)

Here is my layout... I am so proud of my daughter especially when I see her work so hard to accomplish something... She wanted a trampoline so her father and I said she could have one but she had to earn it. We have a ton of marbles and we told her that we would give her a marble for every time she was good, kind and listened to her parents; when she filled a whole jar with marbles she could have a trampoline. She really put her heart into earning it.... and after 10 weeks she did it.

Wendy's layout and this is what she has to say about it.... "I am passionate about expressing all the Lord has done for me through my violin playing, my writing and my scrapbooking."

Here is Sherri's layout and she shares..."I am passionate about showing my girls that it's okay to step out of their comfort zones once in a while, and try something new. Two years ago I stepped way out of mine and joined an Adult Tap Class. I never want to stop learning."

This is Jeannine's beautiful layout and she says...."I am passionate about being a mom. There is no higher calling than to raise a child to be a loving, caring, responsible person and to love God with all their heart, mind and soul. I love the relationship I have with our daughters and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world."

Kline created this layout and this is what she has to say about it...."My mom's passion and love for our family keeps us together. From the cooking to the cleaning to the laundry, I really can't imagine calling our house a "home" without her."

Roulien created this stunning layout about her husband.... She explains "My husbands love for our family amazes me!! It's such an unselfish love . . . always putting our well being before his own, loving us, taking care of us! It's more than love . . . it's passion!!!"

Lisa's creative layout.... She says, " God created me with an overwhelming drive to create and I'm always seeking to utilize that gift."

Our sponsor for this month is Nikki Sivils!!!!!!

Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker is a scrapbooking company specializing in premium papers and embellishments that will make you smile. From whimsical designs to cute, cuddly creatures, Nikki Sivils designs straight from her heart hoping to inspire creativity and expressions of love and life.

Blog: http://nikkisdoghouse.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.nikkisivils.com/

You can win an assortment of Nikki Sivils products and collections.... WOW!

All you have to do is complete the challenge and link it up by Feb. 29th...

And dont forget we will also be picking our top 3 layouts from this challenge! Our top pick will be invited to be our Guest Designer in May!

Winner's will be announced the second Saturday of March....

SEM- Fifth Monday of the Month Post

2012-01-30T05:15:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone
Today is the fifth monday of the month which only happens a couple times a year so we dont usually have a post scheduled soooo I thought I would write a post and share with you why I started Scrapping Everyday Miracles...

About six months before starting SEM (Scrapping Everyday Miracles) I found a picture that I wanted to scrap and immediately I thought wow... at the time I had no idea why God had us in Alburquerque nor how over the following 2 years after the picture was taken how He would use us there.... I spent the whole two hours scrapping and talking to God at the same time. When I was finished it was the best scrapping experience I had ever had.... Here is the layout

Well probably a week later I did the same thing.... I found just a simple picture of my daughter and started talking to God about her, our life and our goals.... once again I realized how wonderful it was to share my scrapbooking time with Him... at the same time I realized I probably wouldnt have seen the miracle in the picture if I hadnt really taken the time to think and look for the miracle of that moment. Having that sweet wonderful present from God my daughter waving back to me.....

I got a comments from people about how they loved the themes of my layouts and really wanted me to start a challenge blog where people could use the challenges to create their own layouts while spending time with God. I realized that God wants to be part of all that we do so of course he would love to scrapbook with me. I realized that there are so many miracles that God is doing in our lives if we just take a moment to see them. I am amazed that now as I look through my pictures I see so much more.... I think about the relationships between people or what was going on or how I feel.

Several months later SEM was born....I hope that each and everyone of you have enjoyed our challenges and inspiration... I hope that each of you have been able to experience how you can scrapbook and spend time with God while doing it....I hope that you have been able to see more of the everyday miracles around you... that no matter how hard life seems sometimes God is there..... He is continually saying here I am....
I leave you with a quote by Einstein ""There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."

Dont forget Challenge #12 and the Sketch Challenge... you have until the 31st to get your layouts in.....links are in the sidebar!!!!!!

Praise!!

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hello, Jeannine here and today I'm going to share with all of you how God has been working in my life the past few weeks because it's just too amazing to not share!

To begin with, I need to tell you that our youngest daughter, Rachel, left for Africa last Thursday for a missions trip with our church and will be there for 18 days. Rachel has never been away from home for that long, she's never been that far from home, and she's never been anywhere that has the threat of getting yellow fever, malaria, or a number of other horrible illnesses so this was really pushing me to my limit! (Seems funny how I'm the one being pushed to my limit when she's the one going there, but if you knew me, you'd understand. lol)

I'm doing much better today than I was on Thursday, but I think that's partly due to the fact that I know they're now in Mango safe and sound, and partly because God has been reassuring me that I don't need to worry. I know that just because God tells me not to worry doesn't mean it will be smooth sailing for them all the time, but it's still a comfort to hear from God that way. :)

So, onto what I wanted to share with all of you... Thursday night as we made our way to the airport, my anxiety was slowly building the closer we got to the airport. Dave and the girls were talking about the trip and I was quiet because I was trying to talk myself into not worrying! Finally, I realized that I can't do this on my own so I prayed and asked God to give me peace. I also prayed for Rachel to have peace because I know she hides her feelings at times and thought maybe she was feeling a little anxiety about the trip too. (She's not terribly fond of the long flight.) I no sooner finished my sentence asking for God to give us peace when I opened my eyes and (the way it happened, it was like it was right there on the side of the road) saw a billboard that read, "Stop the worry". Can you believe it???!! What are the chances of us passing that billboard at that moment in time, you know?! I told Dave and the girls, "Let the God moments begin!" and I explained to them what had happened. Before I said what the billboard said, Rachel interrupted me and said, "Oh!! The 'Stop the worry' billboard? Is that the one?" I said, "YES!" She said, "I saw that too!" Bethany & Dave did not see it. Interesting, that only Rachel and I did, huh? Well in all fairness, it was on our side of the vehicle. Still though, I find it interesting that Rachel and I both saw it at the same time. Not a coincidence, if you ask me.

I'm a picture addict, so anytime I can get a picture to remember a special moment, I want to get one. Yesterday after church Dave and I went out for lunch and I asked him if we could go down that part of the expressway again so I could see this billboard in the light of day. I was so curious to know what it was advertising! Here's the part that I find so interesting. As we drove down the expressway, I was looking for this billboard, fully expecting it to be right off the side of the road because the night that I saw it, it was not something I had to search for, it was very obvious and easy to see. It was like a big neon sign! Dave was looking for it too (even though he didn't see it on Thursday night) and he assumed it was one that was right on the side of the road since Rachel and I both saw it so clearly. Well as it turns out, we almost missed it because it's probably 200 yards away from the road!! When I finally saw it, Dave pulled off the road onto the shoulder so I could get a clear picture of it, which you can see below. If you look at the picture, you'll see how far off the road it was and if I remember right, it was kind of hard to find because there's a bridge we went under before we'd be able to see the billboard. I'm sure there are people who would say it's just a coincidence but I will not believe that. As I said, the night that I saw it, it seemed very big and close and it's not close and not nearly as big as I remember it! lol I still don't know what it's advertising!! LOL I don't really care, I just love the fact that God used that sign to tell me something he wanted me to know - "stop worrying, I've got it under control!" :) By the way, the anxiety disappeared instantly once I read that billboard. ;)

This is what it looks like if I zoom in. I apologize for the poor quality photo, but it was taken with my husband's cell phone.

Let's back up a little bit. About two weeks ago was when I started to think more about how dangerous this trip to Africa seemed to me (whether that's true or not that's how I felt about it) I started to worry and feel anxiety about it. I didn't tell anyone because it embarrasses me when I get like this. I had downloaded an app for my iPod a long time ago, called You Version, and have been "reading" my Bible that way. I put quotes around the word "reading" because I don't actually read, it's read to me because that's an option you get with You Version. Well about 2 weeks ago, when my anxiety about the trip started to build, I noticed that my app wasn't working properly. It would normally read a portion of Genesis, a portion of Matthew, a portion of Psalms and then a portion of Proverbs but for some reason, it started acting funny. It would read the next portion of Genesis, Matthew and Psalms, but for some "unknown" reason, it kept repeating the Proverbs scripture. You will not guess what portion of scripture that the app kept repeating. Take a wild guess. It was Proverbs 3.... you know, the chapter that has the scripture that talks about how we should TRUST GOD! ROFL For those who may not know, it says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path." (Ok, I kind of combined the NIV with the King James but you get the idea. lol) I kid you not, that happened for 5 or 6 days in a row. I thought something was wrong with my iPod or the app so I reset my iPod, then I deleted the app and downloaded it again and it kept doing it!! I'm like, "What is wrong with this app?" ROFL I even talked with our older daughter, Bethany, about it because she's the one that told me about the option to have it read to you so I asked her if she'd ever experienced that before and she said no. Interesting.

I hate to admit it, but I'm kind of thick headed. If you need me to understand something sometimes you have to repeat it over and over before it sinks in. God knows this about me too. I don't know how he could have so much patience with me, but thankfully he does! Here's why I say that... I still worried even after that happened because believe it or not, even after the app reading me Proverbs 3 five or six days in a row, my thick head didn't get the message! I kept worrying.

Another thing... I was whining to God one day recently saying, "I miss hearing from you, Lord. I love it when you speak to me. I'm trying so hard to stay close with you but it's so hard when I don't hear from you." Ok remember that when you read what happened next. lol

I get this email every day from a site called "Whisper of God". (If you don't get this email I strongly suggest you sign up for it because it has been amazing for me. Just go to "whisperofgod.com" and you'll see where you can sign up for the email. It truly has been a whisper from God so many times for me!) I was going thru my old emails about 4 days ago and came across some from Whisper of God that I hadn't read yet (I'm terrible about checking my email) so I clicked on them to see what I'd missed. Here's one that I read that day:

"There are those who become disappointed thinking that God hasn't spoken to them because they have not heard a loud booming voice. But, He does speak to us all of the time - mostly in quiet ways that we need to keep our eyes, ears, mind, and heart open to hear."

Is that awesome or what?! So once I read that I thought, "Ok.... apparently God IS speaking to me but I'm just not hearing it because I'm not listening. I need to listen!"

Here's what happened next. Yesterday morning as I was getting ready for church, I prayed and asked God to speak to me very clearly because I really needed to hear from him. My friend, Patti, told me about this great book called "Crazy Love" the other night so after church, I went to the bookstore to see if they had it and they did. I wasn't sure if I wanted my own copy or not because Bethany told me she's got it and would loan me hers. I like to write in books if they're good though so I wanted to thumb thru it to see if it looked like one that would really get my attention. Get this. I randomly opened the book, not having any idea what the current chapter would be about when I opened it and it opened up to page 42. Now, this in itself is weird because normally if I open a book up like this, I usually open it up half way thru. I don't know why, but that's what I do. This time I did it differently. I opened it up to page 42 and you'll never guess what it was talking about on page 42!!

Here's what I read: "Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives."

CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS??? ROFL I mean, it may as well have had my name written in there, my word!!! The moment I read that sentence I said to myself, "Ok. That settles it. I don't need to see anymore. I'm buying it because it's obvious God wants me to read this book." lol

Believe it or not, there's MORE but I'll stop at this so I don't keep you here reading all day but is that cool or is that COOL??? I cannot tell you how much I love it when God does this. I LOVE IT!!!! Just knowing that the God of this universe cares enough about little ol' me to repeatedly tell me things he wants me to hear just blows me away. How awesome is that??!!

You know, when Rachel told me months ago that she was going on this trip to Africa, I remember thinking, "Oh great. I already know how this is going to play out. I'm going to feel anxious and it's going to stink because I hate feeling anxious!!" However, I also remember this little voice inside saying, "Or.... Rachel won't be the only one learning from the experience - you will too." Being the thick headed person I am, I brushed it off! LOL Well it's all coming back to me now and I must say it's been awesome. I absolutely LOVE hearing from God. There is nothing like it in the world. Nothing.

So.... just in case any of you are experiencing anxiety, I hope what I've shared will comfort you as it has for me. As I'm typing this all up I'm thinking to myself, "My word, girl. What does God have to do to get through to you??" LOL I'm so thankful he's so patient!!

Getting Sketchy in January

2012-01-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Lisa here and I have a great sketch and bonus technique for you all to try. Also, starting this month we're trying something new with the sketch challenge. If you complete this challenge and link it up here, your name will go "into the hat" for a chance to win the prize (a gift certificate from ILOVEITALL) for Challenge 12. Complete Challenge 12 and your name goes in for a second time so you can have two chances to win the prize from our sponsor!

This sketch is by my talented friend Debbie G and one of the things I like best about it is the chance to use multiple patterned papers! (and I have quite a stash!)

I also like to have texture as a part of my layouts and I found this fun technique where you emboss felt. I used a piece of embossed felt to make the orange tag and gears on my layout below. Check out this video if you'd like to give it a try. So here is the result of all this scrappy fun:

Sherri also did this fabulous layout using the sketch:

And Roulien also made a great layout featuring her brand new grandson:

We would love to see your take on this sketch! Link up your creation by Jan. 31 for a chance to win a $20 Gift Certificate to I LOVE IT ALL .

Best part is that this month everyone wins with a 15% discount when you purchase anything from the shop... just use the discount code ILOVEITALL.

Don't forget to check out Challenge 12 too..... There are some great entries already.

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

A new year, a new Word Of The Month.

This is the time of year when many of us will make New Year'sresolutions. All variety of commitments have been made in the pastcouple of days. Perhaps this is where my thinking was as Iconsidered the word for this month. The word that kept coming back to mewas grow. It started as change, but I knew thatthe essence of the word change is to do a 180 degree turn, to refrainfrom doing one thing and begin doing another. That wasn't exactlywhat was stirring in my heart. I was feeling more the desire to BEchanged and not so much to turn away from any one thing. That'swhere grow comes in. It's perfect. Scripture alsouses the word refined to describe growth. Romans 12:2 quotes thisdesire for growth perfectly “do not conform to the patterns of thisworld, but rather be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

I do not make resolutions, mine rather,is a conscious effort to be more, do more, understand more, lovemore, and, to the best of my ability, live in a way pleasing to God. Love my neighbour, give of my resources (my time, my finance, myhome), and be a reflection of what I believe Jesus is calling me tobe in this broken world, as a woman, wife, mother, sister, friend,and all the many roles I fill in between. May I propose thatJanuary, regardless of your faith background be a month of pursuinggrowth? A becoming more of the person you'd like to be in thisworld. Growth in the areas that really make a difference. Perhapsit's growth in the area of financial responsibility, or personalhealth, or integrity in your place of work, or parenting, or openingyour home to create community among neighbours and friends. We areall works in progress, a commitment to growth deepens the quality ofour character, and help us to leave a legacy we can be proud of. Rather than simply being, and surviving our lives, we have a realopportunity to be inventive, to thrive, to love deeply, andunconditionally, and to affect the world around us in a trulyuplifting and positive way. How will you choose to grow this month?

This month I want to start a year long habit of taking my scrappingto another level. I want to intentionally capture, and document moreof the everyday miracles, and blessings God is pouring out on me. Rather than focusing on just one or two photos over the course of amonth or so. I want to record snippets of every week. The goal forme is to be able to look back at the everyday, ordinary goings on ofmy family's life and see it all, the good, and the not so good, theareas where I've allowed God to stretch me, and those where I knowHe's at work in, and through me, my kids, and my hubby.

The title page of my "Moments In Between" Album. You can see close ups and read more about my project on my personal blog here.

If you become inspired to focus on anarea of growth in your own life, we'd love to hear about, just linkus up in the comments section. We'll be here to listen, cheer you on, and celebrate with youas you do. It's not always easy, but it sure helps to have friendsalong the way.

Don't forget about Challenge #12, itmay be the perfect way to begin recording your own in between moments, plus there's a wonderfulprize up for grabs too.

Sherri

December Winners

2012-01-07T02:25:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! I wanted to share our December winners with you today....

First here is our top three layouts... they are just wonderful layouts...

Our top choice... Debbie

Here are the DT other two choices rounding out the top three...

Wendy with this beautiful layout

Kellie with this fun and creative layout:

Ladies feel free to grab the top 3 badge in the sidebar to proudly display on your blog... really everyones work that was submitted was just beautiful!

From all the submissions we randomly picked a winner for the prize package from Paper Issues... and that winner is Wendy....

Congratulations and we hope to have you play along with us again this month in our challenges... Challenge #12 is posted here....

Challenge #12

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

New year -- God has blessed us with yet another year to realize our dreams, our hopes, our aspirations. My bucket list changes every year. Some dreams I've already realized, some are still a work in progress, some I'm still praying for.

"And the LORD answered me, and said,
Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables,
that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time,
but at the end it shall speak, and not lie:
though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."
Habakkuk 2:2-3

So the challenge is to scrap about a dream. It can be one you've already realized like finally traveling to that one place you've always dreamed about going. It can be a work in progress like maybe saving up for a new house or a dream vacation. Or it can be one you're still waiting for. Whatever it may be we encourage you this month to ponder upon it and scrap it!

Scrap twist: Use the word "dream" on your project. You can use it on the title or the background but it has to be visible on your project ;)

DT LAYOUTS

(click on the DT member's name to hear more about their layout)

Kline: This is a photo of me as a child. I tucked away my goals for 2012 inside the mini folder behind the photo since some were a little too personal to show. I have a ton of goals this year and they're grouped into "Family", "Career" and "Me".

Wendy: My layout is about some of the personal dreams/goals/wishes I have for me this year. Some will take discipline, some will take effort and all will take prayer!

Roulien: I made a layout but included a booklet with my dreams that were accomplished during 2011. Putting them down on paper made me realize just how blessed I am!

Sherri: Ever since discovering Sharon's sweet little scrapbook store just outside the city, it has been a dream of Sherri's to work for her at The Scrapbook Cottage. Little did she know that within 2 years her dream would come true when Sharon opened a second store in the city, and offered her a position as a 'Cottage Girl'.

Lisa: I created a layout about the dreams I for my son and how God is helping fulfill them.

This month's sponsor, Monika, is offering one lucky winner a $20 gift certificate to her Etsy shop ILOVEITALL.

Formerly a Marketing Director and now Work-from-Home Mom, Monika has turned her love of all things crafty and creative into a small business. Her Etsy shop, ILOVEITALL, stocks a cheerful array of subway art prints & motivational typography posters, custom & personalized home decor prints as well as note cards, mini books & journals and an eclectic selection of cool crafting supplies to include paper and embellishment packs, library cards and colored binder rings. She shares news of special sales & coupon codes on her blog and on Facebook . In fact, use the coupon code ILOVEITALL for a 15% discount on your purchases from Monika's shop.

We will also be choosing our top 3 picks so don't forget to link your projects here by January 31st!

2011-12-31T10:14:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!

We hope everyone has a safe and wonderful New Year! Thanks for joining us in our challenges each month. We have some wonderful challenges and events coming in 2012... so we hope to see all you this next year. We pray that you have many wonderful blessings and miracles in 2012.

Much love,
All of us here at SEM

Getting sketchy

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

I have a sketch to share with you today. When I'm in a scrappy funk and don't know where to start with all my pretty paper, glue and embellishments a sketch is a great way to kick start my creativity. I also tend to gravitate toward a good sketch when life is busy and I've been away from my scrap room for too long. Eventually I just have to drop everything and scrap, (anyone else know what I'm talking about?) and a sketch really speeds up the process. I recently came across this sketch by Kristine Davidson of Creative Scrappers, and with her permission I'm encouraging you to join me in scrapping your heart out with this quick and easy sketch.

I love that it's fairly simple, as the clean lines allow the user to add as many or as little embellishments as her little heart desires. Many of us are smack dab in the middle of the busy season preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus with loved ones. I invite you to join me in taking a little time out, and scrapping a little something using this great sketch. I took some time out to break open some new product, and scrap a photo of my girls all dressed and ready to embark on the first run of our ski trip last Spring.

If you'd like you can pop by my blog to see a second layout I created with the same sketch.

Here are a couple layouts Nicole came up with using the sketch....

If you've been having a hard time coming up with a design for Challenge #11, perhaps this is just the spark you need. As an added incentive to get your scrap on, I'll offer up a RAK to the first person to complete the challenge. You have until December 31st to link up with inlinks and share your inspiration with the rest of us. For a chance at the Paper Issues prize up for grabs for Challenge #11 you'll want to link up here too. Who knows you could win two prizes in one month for the same layout. I think that would be great a great way to wrap up the year.

Happy Scrapping!

Lots and Lots of Winners Today!!!

2011-12-12T03:35:00.000-08:00

Hallo Everyone . . . Roulien here today and I have the great pleasure of announcing a few winners!!! I love doing this . . . it's always nice to make someone's day with a prize!!!!

First up we have the winner for our November challenge! We had some great entries and some new faces joining in!! From a random draw our winner for the November challenge is . . . . JULIE!!!
Congratulations Julie!!!! Please sent me an e-mail with you snail mail address and I'll have you prize sent to you!!

For the Christmas Inspiration Week we have lots of winners!!! We had so much fun making and showing our inspiration projects and we hope that everyone who hopped along had fun with is!!! Thanks for every comment!! We really do appreciate it so much!

Without any further ado . . . Here is the winners for our Inspiration Week!!

The Eyelet Outlet Winner (chosen by random draw): Cathy Sanders

Burlap & Butterup Winner (our secret phrase): Melissa

Scrapbook Circle Winner (for linking a project): Liz from http://herestohandyandy.blogspot.com/

Day 3 Crafty Paper Girl Owl Giveaway - Lolo from http://lolo-artesanato.blogspot.com/

Day 7 Dot and Whimsy Fringe Giveaway - blsd2scrp from http://blsd2scrp.blogspot.com/

The DT members also had some prizes to give to some lucky winners!
Nicole's blog Winner - Patricia
Wendy's blog Winner - Samantha
Roulien's blog Winner - Miriam Pratner
Lisa's blog Winner - Libby E.
Jeannine's blog Winner - Leila

Congratulations Ladies!!!! If you are one of our winners . . . Please sent us an e-mail at scrappingeverydaymiracles@yahoo.com to claim your prize!!!

If you are a blog winner . . . please contact the DT member by leaving a comment on their personal blog!

We are so thankful for each and everyone who played along with us!!

Have a wonderful week!!!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-12T02:54:00.001-08:00

We want to wish you a very Merry Christmas.... We really hope you have a very blessed holidays with your friends and family.

So many times Christmas becomes a material time, about the gimmes, but long, long ago someone gave each of us the most awesome gift possible and it doesn't cost anything! Yet, most have been too busy to open this gift, or maybe it doesn't look like the newest thing and so it was overlooked. God gave his one and only son as a gift to each of us, a gift that cost so much to Jesus and yet nothing to us. A gift that if accepted will change the course of your life. A gift that has the power to change any situation and never leave you to deal with life on your own.

If you are wondering who Jesus is and why he is the greatest gift. I would love to share a link with you to a website for an online ministry supported by the Billy Graham Foundation... http://peacewithgod.jesus.net/god-so-loved-the-world/
Visit the link above to see the videos, hear testimonies and experience the Gospel presentation based on John 3:16

A Fantastic Announcement!

2011-12-12T02:27:00.001-08:00

I want to announce some just great for all of us at SEM... I am sure that you have seen that we were very blessed by the projects and inspiration last month from our guest designer Sherri Funk....

Well she has graciously agreed to stay on the team as a permanent design team member. We are so blessed by her talent and giving heart.

So Welcome Sherri!!!!

Challenge #11 Due Dec. 26th

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas Miracles

Oh how I love the holidays... the food, the weather and the Christmas cheer. It is a special time of year. Even though there is a lot of hustle and bustle to get through the season I really try to enjoy it. I like to spend time thinking about the blessings in my life and all those little miracles that God did in my life in the last year. I am sure that many are coming to your mind as you read this... Maybe something that didn't go the way you hoped, but later on turned out to be a huge blessing. Or maybe you just have been too busy to realize that something you've wanted for so long just occurred? Or maybe you are reminded of a true Christmas miracle that happened last year. What ever your blessings and miracles are in your life it is truly the season to remember them. Instead of complaining about the holidays or the shopping or any of the problems this holiday season let's focus on all the wonderful blessings around us. Let's smile to think about the Christmas miracles that are going to happen no matter how small they may seem.

The challenge is to scrap about something you are thankful for this holiday season... it can be current, something from this year or even a miracle from Christmas' past.....If you dont have a picture of it that is okay use any picture that will remind you of the blessing. The most important thing is just to take sometime to scrap, talk with God and be thankful at this wonderful time of year!

Remember your project doesnt have to be a layout it can be pretty much anything...

My scrap twist for you is to use a treasure on your creation - make sure that you tell us why it is a treasure!
Here is a picture of the prize you could win if you complete the challenge by Dec. 26th....Merry Christmas!

DT LAYOUTS

(click on the DT member's name to hear more about their layout)

Here is my (Nicole's) layout:
I really wanted to do a Christmas picture but when I looked through my pictures this one really stuck out to me... so I went with kinda a fall themed layout instead... My blessing is that my daughter and my niece are best buddies with each other... I am blessed that they love each other so much since my sister and I arent very close, they live on opposite sides of the world from each other and they are very different from each other... Still they make a great pair! My treasure is buttons that belonged to my Great Grandma their Great Great Grandmother... She would have loved these two little ladies so much!!!!

Here is Kline's... I've been planning a hot spring escapade for almost a month but it got canceled at the last minute :( In my 3 months in Japan, I've never tried the "onsen" (Japanese for "hot spring") but I was able to experience going on a long road trip in its place :) Some things never go as we expect, but God really has a knack for surprises ^_^

Here is Roulien's: My treasured item is a photo taken in 1995, when both my parents were still alive. It was taken at the spur of the moment, nothing posed! But every time I look at it, I'm reminded of what it feels like to be loved by your family! With us living abroad and my parents not here with us anymore, it's something I tends to forget!

Here is Sherri's: I took this opportunity to document the unexpected blessings that came with the birth of my third child. Although 3 children in 4 years was not the way I planned it, God had a lot to teach me about humility, and grace through the experience of raising three little ones. My treasure is the pendant from a souvenir necklace I purchased the weekend I became pregnant with baby number three.

Here is Lisa's and this is what she had to say:: I altered a box to hold my treasured letters, cards and valentines that my husband and I have exchanged in the past 11 years. I am very thankful God brought him into my life and that I waited for His timing and plan, which was not the way I thought things should work out. I finally let God do things His way instead of trying to make things happen my way and was mightily blessed as a result.

Here is Jeannine's and this what she had to share about it:

I am very thankful that her two daughters have such a deep relationship with the Lord and have a strong desire to serve him. My page focuses on how both of my daughters have a servant's heart and I explain how that is evident in their everyday life. My treasured item are the screen shots of my daughter's Facebook walls because both of them have walls riddled with comments from family, friends, and co-workers who's lives have been touched by these two amazing young women. My husband and I feel very blessed to have two daughters who are making a difference in this world for God.

Wendy's Projectt: My treasures that I included were some of the notices we had received earlier this year, acceptance letters, and then I journaled on some of the cards inside of the envelopes.

This month our sponsor isPaper Issues...

Paper Issues is a place where you can find paper inspiration. We feature all kinds of paper artists. Every month we post a theme and you can link up your paper crafted projects. Our current theme is Holiday Madness. We would love to feature you!We would like to offer Scrapping Everyday Miracles readers an extra 30% off with the code SALE30 for the month of December. We also have a Facebook page.
Link to store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/paperissues?ref=em
Link to Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paper-Issues/154022354631083
New theme: http://paperissues.blogspot.com/2011/11/holiday-madness.html

Here is the prize you can win! Also dont forget the DT will be choosing their top 3 favorite layouts!

Link your layouts by December 26th.....

Day 7 of Christmas Inspiration Week

2011-12-04T06:02:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the Greatest Gift of the Season blog hop!

Welcome to Day 7 of our inspiration week!

Hi it is Nicole and I am so excited to be bringing you our last project of the week... did you have fun? Were you inspired... I know I sure was and the projects were simply amazing and the prizes were really amazing... It was just a whole lot of fun! Well I have had a really busy holiday season so far... I have been selling at the local handmade Christmas market... as well as making enough product not just to sell but to to give as presents to our friends and family. Just what is it... well it is sugar body and lip scrub... The scrubs pictured above are Peppermint Candy Cane body scrub called Santa's Favorite and the little container is the lip scrub which is Honey and Vanilla flavored called Sweet Honeybee. I thought maybe you would like to make some of your own... I think they look adorable when put into canning jars and given as gifts. Unfortunately they dont have small canning jars here in Norway so we had to use plastic but I still think they turned out cute. If you would like to get the recipes to make your own scrub... or if you are wondering what is sugar scrub and what would you use it for... stop by my blog... I will share all about it there..... Also if you stop by my blog I have fun prize I am giving away can win! Oh wait you will also get the last word you need for your secret phrase... my blog address is scrapmethis.blogspot.com

Our next sponsor is Dot & Whimsy with a Holly Jolly crepe paper fringe giveaway - thanks so much Shellye we appreciate your support. Enjoy shopping and make sure you leave a comment here for a chance to win some gorgeous fringe!

Thank you so much for joining us this week - we hope that you have enjoyed yourself and have been inspired! Make sure that you e-mail us at scrappingeverydaymiracles@yahoo.com with the secret phrase to be entered into the drawing for the prize from Burlap & Buttercups. You have until December 10th to link up your inspiration projects to our Mr. Linky for a chance to win a December kit from Scrapbook Circle. Make sure that you stop by tomorrow, December 5th for our December challenge and another special for the month of December! Merry Christmas!

The details:

1. Come back and visit us each day this week to be inspired. Hop to the Design Team member’s personal blog and collect your secret word. At the end of the week e-mail us at scrappingeverydaymiracles@yahoo.com with the secret phrase and you will be entered into the drawing for this awesome prize from Burlap & Buttercups, one of my personal favorite kit clubs.

2. Create something or many things based on our inspiration and link it to the Mr. Linky by December 10^th for a chance to win a December kit from Scrapbook Circle, yes this is also a favorite of mine!

3. Every day that you come back to visit you will also find a new discount code to give you some help in your shopping; some codes are good just for the day and others are for a week so make sure you get them quick!

4. Have a ton of fun and don’t forget to join us on Monday, December 5^th for our December challenge and another awesome prize package!

Day 6 of our Christmas Inspiration Week

2011-12-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Greatest Gift of the Season blog hop!

Welcome to Day 6 of our inspiration week!

Hello everyone! This is Jeannine and today I’d like to share with you an inexpensive and simple gift idea.

Here are two mason jars that I used to make “cookie mix in a jar” as gifts for a few people on my list. These would be great gifts for neighbors, co-workers, teachers, or anyone else on your list!

It didn't take long at all to make them and they're very inexpensive too! Head over to my blog, Creative Chaos, for detailed instructions on how you can make these. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab the secret word!

Our next sponsor this week is Paper Loves Glue with an awesome discount of 30% and a free sample of Baker's twine with all orders over $10 in merchandise. The code for the discount is SAVE30 and will run from today through December 4th - thanks so much Kim we appreciate your support. Enjoy shopping!

Every day one of our Design Team Members will post a project to inspire you. They will also post a link to their personal blog where you can go and see more detailed pictures, tutorials, and collect a secret word! You will need to visit every day and collect all the secret words to create a phrase that could win you an awesome gift from one of our sponsors! Don’t forget to leave comments on our DT’s blogs because some of them will be doing giveaways also.

The details:

4. Have a ton of fun and don’t forget to join us on Monday, December 5^th for our December challenge and another awesome prize package!

Be sure to check back in tomorrow for another great project!

Day 5 of our Christmas Inspiration Week!

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Greatest Gift of the Season blog hop!

Welcome to Day 5 of our inspiration week!

Kline here and today I'm gonna share with you my recent love -- mini albums. I AM ADDICTED to making these!!! What I love about minis is that they are small -- easy to decorate and carry around. Plus photos and memorabilia related to one event are all in one little album. Okay, so I'm a slow scrapper and it usually takes me 3 weeks to finish one now {on and off -- side by side work, family time, cleaning my room and going out -- of course} and my minis aren't really that small because I love to embellish A LOT! Haha! So enough about that, here's my Christmas themed mini "Merry Memories".

Merry Memories -- Christmas 2009

Please head on over to my blog, Aptitude4Paper, for closeups and today's secret word.

Our next sponsor this week is Precocious Paper with an awesome discount of 15%. The code for the discount is SEM15 and will run from today through December 4th - thanks so much Tessa we appreciate your support. Now go shop!

The details:

4. Have a ton of fun and don’t forget to join us on Monday, December 5^th for our December challenge and another awesome prize package!

Day 4 of our Christmas Inpsiration week!

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Greatest Gift of the Season blog hop!

Welcome to Day 4 of our inspiration week!

Happy 1st of December friends. Can you believe Christmas day is just around the corner? It's Sherri here, and I have the privilege of hosting today. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to make a beautiful Christmas wreath. The thought of a home made wreath use to intimidate me, but after trying my hand at a Fall Themed one a few weeks ago I've discovered how fun the challenge of pulling pretty flowers, greenery, and notions together can be. Here's the wreath I created.

If you'd like to see how I pulled it all together, feel free to pop over to my blog and check out the tutorial. While you're there don't forget to grab the secret word that will qualify you for the fabulous prize up for grabs at the end of the week. Happy creating friends!

Our next sponsor this week is Ringo Crafts with an awesome discount of 15%. The code for the discount is RINGOBLOG and will run from today through December 4th - thanks so much Ariel we appreciate your support. Now go have fun shopping!

The details:

4. Have a ton of fun and don’t forget to join us on Monday, December 5^th for our December challenge and another awesome prize package!

Day 3 of our week of Christmas Inspiration!

2011-11-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Greatest Gift of the Season blog hop!

Welcome to Day 3 of our inspiration week!

Hello everyone! It's Lisa here and I've completed a project that I've been wanting to do for a few years now. I have made an advent calendar out of decorated tags. Here it is as it will look on Dec. 25th. Starting Thursday I'll put each day's tag up and the countdown begins!

Many of these tags are based on the '12 Tags of Christmas' that Tim Holtz does every year on his blog. Hop on over to my blog, Creative Juice, to see each tag up close. You can also grab the secret word and comment on my blog for a chance to win a prize!

Our next sponsor this week is Crafty Paper Girl with a discount of 20% and a holiday owl giveaway! The code for the discount is CRAFTY20 and will run today, November 30th - thanks so much Amanda we appreciate your support and we love the owl! Now go do some shopping and don't forget to leave a comment here for a chance to win this fun owl!

The details:

4. Have a ton of fun and don’t forget to join us on Monday, December 5^th for our December challenge and another awesome prize package!

Be sure to check back in tomorrow for another great project!

Day 2 of our Christmas Inspiration Week!

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Greatest Gift of the Season blog hop!

Welcome to Day 2 of our inspiration week!

Hello everyone, Roulien here . . . and welcome to day 2 of our exciting Inspiration Week!!! I can't wait to share my little project with you all today!! When we decided to do the Inspiration Week, I immediately knew that I wanted to do home decor projects! Since Christmas is not a recognized holiday here in Saudi Arabia, anything "chrismassy" is hard to find and quite expensive. And I badly wanted a Christmas tree for our home, so I created one . . . which I LOVE!!!! Here is my project . . .

I would love for you to head on over to my blog, My scrappy story, where I have a little tutorial on how I created our christmas tree and a prize for one lucky winner. While you there don't forget to pick up the SECRET WORD, for a chance to win a wonderful prize!!!

Our next sponsor this week is 42 Things with an awesome discount of 20%. The code for the discount is MIRACLES and will run from today through December 4th - thanks so much Jo we appreciate your support. Now go do some shopping!

Every day one of our Design Team Members will post a project to inspire you. They will also post a link to their personal blog where you can go and see more detailed pictures, tutorials, and collect a secret word! You will need to visit every day and collect all the secret words to create a phrase that could win you an awesome gift from one of our sponsors! Don’t forget to leave comments on our DT’s blogs because some of them will be doing giveaways also.
The details:
1. Come back and visit us each day this week to be inspired. Hop to the Design Team member’s personal blog and collect your secret word. At the end of the week e-mail us at scrappingeverydaymiracles@yahoo.com with the secret phrase and you will be entered into the drawing for this awesome prize from Burlap and Buttercups, one of my personal favorite kit clubs.

2. Create something or many things based on our inspiration and link it to the Mr Linky by December 10th for a chance to win a December kit from Scrapbook Circle , yes this is also a favorite of mine!
3. Every day that you come back to visit you will also find a new discount code to give you some help in your shopping; some codes are good just for the day and others are for a week so make sure you get them quick!
4. Have a ton of fun and don’t forget to join us on Monday, December 5th for our December challenge and another awesome prize package!

Have fun creating, and be sure to check back in tomorrow for yet another great project!!!!

Day 1 of our Christmas inspiration week

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Greatest Gift of the Season blog hop!

Welcome to Day 1 of our inspiration week!

Hi all, Wendy here! Today I am going to inspire you to decorate your tree (or maybe give some away).

Here are just a few of the Christmas ornaments that I created so far... I need to make 30 for gifts so I am cranking out a few more even as you read this! :) I have created some using paint, some with Queen & Co felt, stickers, rub-ons, sheet music, yarn, alcohol inks, and I always pull out my trusty glue gun so I can glue some lovely Prima goodies to the finished products! Make sure you head on over to my blog, Our Journey to Destiny, for an in-depth look at each type of ornament and some other Christmas projects I've been working on. Oh and don't forget to grab the secret word! Make sure that you leave a comment too because I have a giveaway from another one of my favorites!

Our sponsor that is going to begin the week of shopping is Designs by Diana (our sponsor for this month's challenge) with a ... 20% discount off your total purchase. The code is MIRACLES20 and is good until December 11 - so go have fun shopping! Thanks so much Diana for your support.

The details:

4. Have a ton of fun and don’t forget to join us on Monday, December 5^th for our December challenge and another awesome prize package!

Welcome to the Greatest Gift of the Season blog hop!

2011-11-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Greatest Gift of the Season blog hop!

This promises to be a week of Christmas inspiration that is sure to get you jump started for the season plus we have some awesome prizes and discounts from our great sponsors!

The details:

Burlap & Buttercups is a monthly kit club delivering beautifully coordinating scrapbooking supplies. Every month we provide our subscribers with a generous assortment of patterned paper, cardstock, stickers, ribbon, and many other fun embellishments – enough to create a number of layouts and projects. Each of our scrapbook kits puts inspiration at the fingertips of those seeking to preserve treasured memories. We continuously browse the manufacturers' latest offerings, selecting some of the hottest new products to hit the market… so our members can simply open their boxes when they arrive and begin creating!

4. Have a ton of fun and don’t forget to join us on Monday, December 5^th for our December challenge and another awesome prize package!

Here are the links for the days of our Christmas Inspiration week:

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7

Inspired by: Japanese Nail Art

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

Kline here today to share with you a random inspiration I picked up from my recent trip to Japan. My friends and I were in Tokyo station when I noticed the lady in front of me wearing these chunky nail art. After closer observation I noticed there were actually Swarovski stones and resin rosettes in there. Kinda like these:

Japanese Nail Art

The ones I saw were longer than these and while I couldn't imagine wearing one of anytime soon, I found these to be really cute. Fast forward a month after and I was making a mini album with two photos that I envisioned would be framed by a diecut. I painted the diecuts silver (I would have painted them white but didn't have it at the time) and then I thought, "So how do I go about embellishing this?" That's when I was reminded of that pretty nail art I'd seen at the station and I thought, "I guess that could work..." So I took out random small embellishments in shades of pink and lavender and here's what came out:

I've always been one for clustering and I loved how these frames turned out!

Now the challenge for you is to find inspiration in the most obscure things. I believe God gave us eyes not only to see but appreciate beauty as well. Mine came in the form of nail art, how about yours? Try to look at the things around you in a new light and who knows, you just might get the perfect addition to that project you're cooking up for Challenge#10 which is due on the 25th!

Inspiration Week Giveaway

2011-11-15T14:07:00.001-08:00

We have something exciting to share to share with you... coming Nov. 28th we are going to have a The Greatest Gift of the Season Inspiration Week.. Each day one of the DT members will share a project with you... oh the projects are just great for those you would like to create a present for. But this is not all we will have discounts each day from some our favorite Etsy stores, Manufactures and Scrapbook Stores. Of course we will have Prizes each day as well! It will be a lot of fun and a great way to start the Christmas season.

We were thinking why not give something away right now... so we have a prize package full of brads from the Eyelet Outlet.....

All you have to do to enter is take the Inspiration Badge at the top and post it on your blog letting all your scrappy friends know about the fun week coming up. When you are done with that come back here and link your name below... Giveaway will last until Dec. 4th 11:59PM PST

Inspiring

2011-11-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! This is Jeannine and I'm here to share with you what this month's Word of the Month means to me. The word this month is "Inspiring" and for me the first thing that comes to mind is my husband, Dave. He inspires me in many ways but I think the way he inspires me most is how he can do anything he puts his mind to doing. He doesn't know the meaning of the word "can't" because in his mind, if he decides to do it, then it can be done because he will make sure it gets done. I've seen him take on things that I would never have guessed he could do and yet not only did them but did them with excellence... which is another way he inspires me -- anything he does, he does it with excellence. Not only do I feel inspired by him, but I admire him as well.

One of the things he decided to do was to start painting pictures using the Bob Ross method of painting. He's never taken a painting class in his life and the only way he knew how to do it this time was by observing Bob Ross on a program that came on TV each week. When he told me he was going to try his hand at it, I would never have guessed he'd produce the beautiful paintings he did. He truly is an amazing man. I've never met anyone like him and doubt I ever will again because he's one-of-a-kind. Hmm.... sounds like a good title for a scrapbook page!

Here are a few pictures of Dave painting that I wanted to share with you so you can see some of the many paintings he's done and maybe you can understand why this man is so inspiring for me!

What does the word "inspiring" mean to you? We'd love to see anything you've created that focuses on something or someone that inspires you! Just a reminder that any projects submitted for the Word of the Month are not eligible for a prize, but we'd love to know who or what inspires you so please feel free to share with us!

Also, we have something fun coming up at the end of the month so be sure to check back!! Here's a little teaser to give you an idea. ;)

Challenge #10

2011-11-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hello, Lisa here! As with last month, there will only be one challenge this month, due on Nov. 25th. We are also having another "word of the month". We encourage you to think about this word and create something with your interpretation. This would be a great time to make a tag or maybe an art journal page – whatever suits you. We will be showcasing some of your word projects here on the blog throughout the month, but they are not eligible for the prize – only the challenge.

INSPIRING: What inspires you? Certain people? Those everyday miracles around us? Creation? God's character? What are your thoughts on this? Show us with a project!

CHALLENGE #10: Nothing speaks of God's miracles and blessing more than nature. God created a world full of wonders and they are all around us. In the Bible Jesus says that if the people stop singing God's praises even the rocks will cry out… Luke 19:40 (NIV) "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." Your challenge is to find His miracles in the natural world and what they mean to you. It could be through a beautiful landscape or the amazing intricacy of a flower. Open your eyes and camera to the created world around us. You may be surprised at what you find!

Scrap Twist – Re-purpose something to use as part of your layout. It could be a piece of vintage ephemera or an ad from your junk-mail. Or parts of packaging or other "non-scrapbooking" supplies. Get creative!

Please create a layout or project that deals with nature and uses the scrapping twist of re-purposed stuff. Link your project here by November 25th for a chance to win a $10 Gift Certificate to Design by Diana or a guest DT spot!

Here is my sample featuring the mighty Sequoia tree (a kind of redwood). They are truly awe-inspiring! My re-purposed parts are the mailing tags, a clothing tag, and kraft paper from some packaging.

Our guest designer Sherri's layout:

Our guest designer Karen's layout:

Wendy's layout:

Roulien's layout:

Jeannine's layout:

Nicole's layout:

Our sponsor this month is Design by Diana:

Design by Diana Etsy shop (www.etsy.com/shop/DesignbyDiana) is run by Diana Fisher, most widely known for the scrapbooking challenge site, Sketchy Thursdays (sketchythursdays.blogspot.com/). In her shop, she sells handmade fabric or paper flowers that can be used on scrapbook pages, cards or even worn as fashion accessories.

In addition to the handmade flowers, you can also find small kits or found items, as well as original cards.

You can follow her blog at www.designbydiana.blogspot.com/, or on Twitter at twitter.com/#!/dianajfisher.

As our prize this month, Diana is offering a $10 gift certificate to her store. Thanks Diana!

AND WE HAVE SOME WINNERS!!!

2011-11-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's November already??? It's the month of giving Thanks and we have so much to be thankfull for!! Without any further ado . . . Here is the winner and our top 3 for October!

The winner for Challenge 9 is . . . SCRAP IT GIRL!!!!

Congrats . . . Please contact us at the e-mail address in the side bar, or leave a comment on this post, and we'll get you prize right to your door!!

And here is our Top 3 picks for October!

Irit with this gorgeous layout!

Scrap it Girl

And Leila

Our Guest Designer for December will be . . . IRIT!!! Congrats . . . we are so excited to have you!!

Challenge #10 will be posted on Monday, November 7th ~ and we are so excited about it!! Such a great challenge this month with a gorgeous prize!! See you all on Monday!!

Have a GREAT week!!

Guest Designers for November....

2011-10-31T05:29:00.000-07:00

I get the awesome pleasure of announcing our guest designers for November... that is right designerS not just one but two!
First we have Sherri... she has been a huge support to SEM since it first started so we are so blessed to have her this month... she is super talented... I cant wait to share some of my favorite work of hers with you! We asked her to answer a couple of questions...

Where are you from?

I was born, raised, and still reside in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Can you share just one of God's everyday miracles in your life?I never take for granted the amazing women I have in my life. Loving, strong, Godly women who allow me to glean their wisdom, cheer me on, and pray with, and for me as we walk together through this journey called life.

When did you start scrapbooking and what brought you into it?
I started scrapping around 2006, after the birth of my third daughter.

What is your favorite thing about this craft?
To me it's an extension of the words in Deuteronomy 6:4-8 to remember the commands of the Lord. This is a fun and creative way to preserve the memories, blessings, and lessons of our family.

What 3 items do you reach for most often?
Border punches, ribbon, and sewing machine

What is your favorite cereal?
I'm not really a cereal person, but every once in awhile I can be found sneaking a bowl of my girls' Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

What is your favorite bible verse?
One of my favorites is Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” To know that no matter how grand a dream we could dream for ourselves, God wants to bless us beyond even that, is so exciting to me as I consider my role as a mother, friend, and servant of His.

Is there someone in your family you think is following you creatively?
All three of my girls enjoy scrapping from time to time, but my nine year old loves most to join me in my room, scrapping, and card making. She even loves to take pictures of her projects, just as she sees me doing.

Besides scrapbooking, what do you enjoy doing?

I lead a small group, participate in an Adult Competitive Tap Class, enjoy working out, watching football, going to movies, and having coffee with friends.

If you could have any super power what would it be?

I'd have to say being as quick as Dash from The Incredibles. That way I could pretty much be in two places at once. It would really help out when hubby is out of town and the kids need to be in different places at the same time.

Where is your favorite place in the world?
The breath taking beach front in Turks & Caicos, snuggled up with hubby in front of the fireplace on a cold winter night, anywhere else my family is.

What are 3 things you would like to do someday?
Take the girls to Dinsey World, take a helicopter ride over the Hawaiian islands, see Celine Dion perform in Vegas.

What is one silly fact about you?
I always carry a tiny can of room deodorizer in my purse. You just never know when you're going to have to use a public bathroom after someone's already used it to their full advantage.

Who are some people who inspire you?
On a scrappy level: Christine Middlecamp, Sasha Farina, Elizabeth Carney, and Marcy Penner. On a personal level: Cathy Dyck, Linda Unruh, Val Stade, and Beth Moore.

Do you have a blog?

Yes. faithandscraphappiness.blogspot.com/

Next we have Karen.... Karen is also amazing. I love all the colors and fun she has with her layouts and projects. We are very blessed to have her this month!

Here are her answers to our questions...

Where are you from?
I live in a semi-rural area in south-east Queensland, Australia.

Can you share just one of God's everyday miracles in your life?
I'm blessed in so many ways. Something that's very special to me is waking up every day to the sound of kookaburras and magpies, and seeing the occasional kangaroo in my garden.
When did you start scrapbooking and what brought you into it?
I've been making albums and decorating journals with memorabilia since I was a kid, but I first started 12x12 scrapbooking in 2004 or 2005 when I needed an album for some special photographs. I discovered a scrapbooking store with more papers than I ever imagined - "real" 12x12 scrapbooking products! I sought out an online forum to find out more... and I've been out of control ever since!

What is your favorite thing about this craft?
I love everything - for me it ticks all the boxes. It's a way to preserve my photographs and memories in a meaningful way; a creative outlet; it's tactile and fun; there's no rules! I've been so fortunate to meet some wonderful people through scrapbooking, both online and in real life, who have become very dear friends.

What 3 items do you reach for most often?
Besides photographs? My big-and-noisy guillotine, patterned paper, and double sided tape.

What is your favorite cereal?
Natural muesli with almonds and coconut.

What is your favorite bible verse?
Psalm 118:24 This the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
(I remember learning to sing this in Sunday school - and we also learnt to sing it in New Guinean Pidgin English!)
Is there someone in your family you think is following you creatively?
My daughter Jasmine - she loves scrapbooking, and she's getting pretty good at sewing too.

Besides scrapbooking, what do you enjoy doing?

I love sewing, reading, camping and hiking. I also love yoga and Body Balance, and hanging out with my family and friends.

If you could have any super power what would it be?
My daughter lives life on the autism spectrum, and sometimes I wish I could read minds - so I could understand what she's thinking.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
Chalkie's Beach - Haslewood Island, in the Whitsundays.What are 3 things you would like to do someday?
Swim with a dolphin, visit Italy, become a grandmotherWhat is one silly fact about you?
Every time I visit a new place, I always seek out the secondhand bookstore!

Who are some people who inspire you?
My family and my friends - they inspire me to keep growing and changing and becoming the best "me" I can be :)

Do you have a blog?

Yes! I'd love you to visit me at http://beingkaren.blogspot.com

Both ladies have created beautiful projects for our November challenge so make sure that you come back on October 7th to check out the challenge and all of the designers layouts! Thank you ladies for your support and for sharing your talent with us!

Praise Post

2011-10-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

Hi it is Nicole... sorry this post is a day late... one of the DT members had some thing come up and was not able to post... since I had shared a praise in a really long time I decided to stop by.... I really want to praise God for the opportunities he gives me to serve others. Nothing fills my heart with more joy than to be able to give to someone else. I love missions and love going on long and short term trips to serve... and praise God that I have had several opportunities. Lately my prayer has been to be able to do that more here in Bodø, Norway where I live... since we dont have a church the opportunities dont seem to come as often... yet that isnt true. Sure they may not be as many "planned" activities but God opens the door no matter what.... One of the huge blessings this week is how God opened the door to us being able to have Thanksgiving... Last year My husband and I wanted to serve a Thanksgiving meal to our family and friends. Since most of them are not Christians it was an opportunity to share what we are thankful for and share God's love... we dont have big house but some how we squeezed 25 people into it. This year we have our past guests as well as those that couldnt come last year and new friends we have made that are looking forward to the celebration. There is no way we can fit 50+ people in out house. So this week God provided a place for us to have it... space was available at the neighborhood meeting hall that has a brand new kitchen... and the lady agreed to let us have it for less than the normal rental fee... on top of that my husband's pay check was a little more this month making it possible to rent the space... So everyone can be invited... I still dont know how I am going to cook for 50 people but we willcross that bridge later... I have great friends that are looking forward to helping me cook which opens the door to even more fellowship. Anyhow I am excited!

It is too bad that I havent scrapped any layouts of last years Thanksgiving but here is a layout that I made that shows my husband and I feeding the homeless in Albuquerque NM when we lived there. I really love the quote by Mother Teresa

Thanks for dropping by... have a really blessed week!!!!!!

Sketch Day!!

2011-10-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Good Morning ladies . . . It's Roulien with your Monday Sketch/Technique inspiration!! Every 3rd Monday of the month we will be bringing you either a sketch or a fun new technique to try and use on your challenge layout for the month!! We are so excited about all the changes here @ SEM and hope that you'll find them inspirational as well!!

I love sketches!! I love the freedom to change the sketch to suit your photo's and embellishments! But sketches also makes it so easy to create beautiful, artistic layouts without fussing about the placement of your photos and embellishments!! And that's why I decided to share a sketch with you today! The sketch is one from Jolene Pienaar, and she graciously agreed to us using her sketch on the SEM blog. I wanted to create a layout with our word of the month UNCONDITIONAL, and what it mean to me!

Every time I see a cross, I'm reminded of God's unconditional love for us! It reminds me of the sacrifice that has been made in order for me to be saved!! It tells me that God loves and cares so much about me that he offered us his Son in order for us to be saved! It makes me humble and grateful and so very blessed!!!

Here is the sketch I've used for inspiration:

And here is my layout based on the sketch:

I would love for you to use the sketch in either this months challenge or in using our word of the month ~ Unconditional! Please also leave Jolene some love for using this gorgeous sketch! You have until October 31ste to link up your layout using the Inlinkz button!

If we have 10 or more participants I'll give a little RAK to one lucky lady!! I can't wait to see what you do with this sketch!!

Happy Scrappin'!!

Unconditional

2011-10-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

So what thoughts have crossed your mind when you think about unconditional? What emotions do you feel?

I think of the color blue – just like the sky – vast without boundaries, beautiful. I think of how the birds soar in the sky, total freedom.

I think of a grandparent’s love (for some) – the amazing ability to love their grandkids no matter what they look like, act like, or any other set rule; just love.

Then I think of the relationship I have with my husband – October 9^th makes 12 years of marriage for us. I think of the ups and downs we’ve experienced and yet we have been blessed in that the Lord has really worked in our marriage to give us unconditional love for one another.

But what if none of this rings true for you? What if you are like so many that don’t know about a spouse’s unconditional love or maybe a grandparent’s love, then what? That is where the Lord comes in. Each and every one of us, no matter the situation we find ourselves in can partake in unconditional love through a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ – no strings attached! Once you ask the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and be your Lord and Master you have instantly opened the door to unconditional love – no strings attached! Isn’t that amazing? The creator of the universe thinks you are worth His love no matter what you look like, no matter what you’ve done, no matter what you think or do, no matter what you’ve done in the past or in the future, NO MATTER WHAT!

That is the way that we each need to view unconditional; it is a gift given just because. And just like you would want your child to do – open the gift and totally embrace the freedom of unconditional love from the Father – no strings attached. So what are you waiting for? Go create, go dance, go sing, but most of all – go enjoy the life you’ve been given and the freedom to soar in the blue sky of unconditional Father love. Blessings!

Blog hop winners!

2011-10-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time this weekend making new friends in our friendship hop and now it's time for some winners...

Nicole's blog winner is - CarrieB
Wendy's blog winner is - Clmk523
Lisa's blog winner is - Lesli Asay
The grand prize winner for the kit is - Brittney
The grand prize winner for the stamps is - Laure
Congratulations everyone! Please make sure that you stop by the blog where you won to claim your prize.

September's Winners

2011-10-05T23:33:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone it is time to announce the winners from September...

The winner from Challenge 7 is Libeeti
The winner from Challenge 8 is Kcee McVic

Our top picks are
Karen B with this layout for Challenge 7

Irit with this layout for Challenge 7

Leila with this layout for Challenge 8

So it with great pleasure that we announce that Karen B... will be our guest designer in November....

If you are a winner please contact us at our email address in the sidebar and if you are a top 3 feel free to post our top 3 badge on the sidebar on your blog! Congratulations everyone!

October's Challenge #9

2011-10-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a new month and a new challenge. We are going to be doing things a little different this month! First of all, there will only be one challenge due on the 25th of October. Secondly, we are introducing a word for the month. This word will be our focus here on the blog. We encourage you to think about this word and create something with your intrepretation. This would be a great time to make a tag or maybe an art journal page - whatever suits you. We will be showcasing some of your word projects here on the blog throughout the month, but they are not eligable for the prize - only the challenge. So without any further delay, October's word and challenge!

UNCONDITIONAL: What does that mean to you? At first I thought of unconditional love or maybe unconditional trust, and then I thought of unconditional obedience. What are your thoughts on this? We can't wait to see where this will take you! Make sure you stop back by next Monday for some more on this!

CHALLENGE #9: Grandparents hold a special place in our hearts, don't they? What will you always remember about your grandmother/grandfather? Is it sweet, loving things he/she says to you? Is it a hobby you both shared? Is it a favorite tradition? Maybe it's something they both taught you, such as being a hard worker or a person who values family time.

Think about the ways God has blessed your life through your grandmother or grandfather (or both!) and create a page that focuses on the blessings he/she has been to you. Now some of you might be thinking right now, that you have nothing to say about grandparents, or maybe nothing good, but usually grandparents are apart of our family history. So how could you tackle this challenge so that you have preserved your history? Take a look at what our design team created, they too struggled with this and yet they perservered and wow!

Scrapping Twist: Use lace or ribbon somewhere on your project.

Please create a layout or project that deals with grandparents and uses the scrapping twist of lace or ribbon. Link your project here by October 25th for a chance to win an Echo Park Kit: For the Record or a guest DT spot!

Here are some examples from our talented design team...

Roulien created this

Leigh created this

Wendy created this

Nicole created this

Lisa created this

Thanks for joining us for October's challenge, we can't wait to see what you create. Make sure that you link us up by October 25th for a chance to win an Echo Park Kit or a guest DT spot!

Welcome to our September Blog Hop!

2011-09-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends to Scrapping Everyday Miracles September Blog hop!!!

1 John 4:7 “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (NIV)

We're so excited to have you join us in our fun friendship blog hop! We have joined forces with 2Cute Stamps to share with you our projects and inspiration. Each of the Design Team Members from Scrapping Everyday Miracles has created a project using a digital stamp from 2Cute Stamps about friendship!

All you have to do is visit each of the DT's blogs for inspiration, become a follower and leave a comment. There are RAKS to win along the way and if you leave a comment at each blog you could win one of our two grand prizes!!!

Tons of chances to win!
We have prizes from both Scrapping Everyday Miracles and 2 Cute Stamps....

This is what you could win from Scrapping Everyday Miracles!

2 Cute Stamps has a prize for you too... you can choose from 2 digital images or one rubber stamp...

The store is full of fun digital stamps as well as rubber stamps; so there is a little bit for everyone... The images are just the cutest... so what are you waiting for, head over to the store today! 2Cute Stamps

DT blog line up:

Scrapping Everyday Miracles
Wendy
Jeannine
Lisa
Leigh
Roulien
Nicole

Your next stop on the hop will be Wendy .....

You have until Sunday October 2nd @11:59pm EST to post your comments and become a follower at Scrapping Everyday Miracles and 2 Cute Stamps as well as commenting on each DT members blog. Winners will be announced Wednesday....
If you would like to be a sponsor for our upcoming challenges please let us know in the comment section and we will contact you, we really appreciate your support!

Don't forget to come back and join in our October Challenges!

Are you ready for some excitement?

2011-09-28T19:07:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone, Wendy here! So, are you ready for some excitement? How about a chance to win some prizes? Sounds good doesn't it? Well, you will have to wait a few seconds because first I wanted to show you some inspiration using some products from our sponsor 42 Things. We received some really neat upcycled tags, leafs, envelopes and other treasures to create with. Thanks 42 Things!

I created this layout about, what else? A flea market! It was like a match made in heaven!

Wendy's blog

Jeannine created this awesome journal with her goodies - and I would say this was the perfect match also! Great job, Jeannine!

Jeannine's blog

Now, are you ready for my surprise?

This Friday, September 30th, make sure you stop back bright and early for a ..... BLOG HOP! Prizes and everything, so tell your friends and get ready to enjoy some awesome cuteness as we hop together and make some new friends!

Friday's Praise Post!!

2011-09-23T06:03:00.000-07:00

Hello, Jeannine here with today’s praise post. I’ve been thinking about this all week and it’s been difficult to come up with today’s praise, not because I can’t think of anything to praise God for – quite the contrary! It’s because there’s so many things I want to praise him for that it’s hard to limit it to just one thing!

So how did I choose? I went with the most recent and that is that our youngest daughter, Rachel, begins a new job on Monday!!! She’s been working at an IHA pediatrician’s office for about 4 years now and as of Monday she will be working at the IHA Central office (the company’s headquarters)!! This is exciting news for several reasons, but I’ll just list a couple.

First it’s exciting because she’ll be working in the same office as her sister, who is our oldest daughter, Bethany. The girls have always been very close and they love the idea of working in the same office together. Bethany was so excited when she heard the news she started making lunch plans for next week! lol It’s so cute!! (She’s also planning a little surprise for Rachel… Rachel knows they’re having a going away party for her at the peds office but what she doesn’t know is that Bethany’s been invited to attend the party too and she bought Rachel a “congratulations on the new job” present for her new desk. Isn’t that sweet?)

Another reason it’s exciting is because from what I’m told, working at Central is every IHA workers dream job. It’s really nice there because it’s like a family. Rachel’s very close with the people she’s been working with at the peds office, but knowing her sister will be working with her again just puts the icing on the cake! (Bethany and Rachel used to both work at the peds office together a few years ago.)

Lastly, it’s exciting because she’ll be getting more benefits and higher pay. She’s a hard worker and Central will be very glad they hired her. The lady who hired her has had her eye on Rachel ever since she first got to know her about 2 years ago because she really liked how hard Rachel worked. She’s the kind of person who thinks going above and beyond should be the norm, not the exception. We’re so proud of her and I thank God for her (and Bethany!) every single day.

Challenge #8

2011-09-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
Wendy here and I'm so excited to bring you my first challenge! This challenge is near and dear to me right now as I am living it!

How many times have you complained about your weight, or maybe your hair, or maybe a facial feature that isn't to your liking? But have you ever stopped to consider what a miracle you are? How perfectly you were crafted and how your body works so well (most of the time, LOL)? There is a verse in the Bible that says, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Ps 139:14 My challenge to you is to first off, consider yourself a miracle - perfectly crafted by the Creator. Then I would like you to create a layout/project that celebrates YOU!

Scrapping twist: You must use a picture of yourself (it can be the whole you or just a part) and make sure to include some handwritten journaling to celebrate that gift also!

Precocious Paper is providing this gorgeous prize package to one winner from this challenge - all you have to do is link your layout/project here by September 30th for a chance to win.

Here is my layout:

My Journaling

Nichole's wonderful layout!

Nichole's blog

Jeannine's gorgeous layout!

Jeannine's blog

Leigh's fabulous layout!

Leigh's blog

Roulien's awesome layout!

Roulien's blog

Lisa magnificent layout!

Lisa's blog

I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with for this challenge! Please link your layout to this post by September 30th to be eligible to win a prize from our sponsor, Precocious Paper.

AND... not only do you have a chance to win a prize from our sponsor, but from all the layouts submitted for September’s challenges the DT will pick their top 3 layouts. If you are our top favorite, you will win a spot as our Guest Designer for November!

Capturing God's Miracles

2011-09-15T02:31:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone . . . Roulien here today with some of my favorite photos and memories from our recent trip back home to South Africa!!

It was so wonderful to be back home, and visit with family and friends!! We had a Indian family with us for the first part of our holiday and we showed them some of South Africa's most beautiful and historical places!

We were so fortunate to go to Robben Island while we spent 2 days in Cape Town. I really was the one place we went to that was all for me!! Robben Island prison is where our former president, Mr Nelson Mandela, spent so many years of his live to fight for the freedom of his people. I thought that standing in his prison cell would touch me somehow. I have to be honest and say that there was so many things on Robben Island that touched my heart! We were taking a tour of the Island when we went passed this little white church. My first thoughts were "I these wall's could talk!!" I learned that day that Robben Island was many many years ago a place where leppers were isolated. This little white church was used by them to worship God, and to have burial services for those who passed away because of the illness! We stopped for a quick coffee break near the little church, and I wandered over to take a few pictures of the building. At the back of the church I discovered a few gravestones of those who passed away. These graveyards could not be seen from road. I was reading the gravestones and I was feeling a profound sadness for these people I never knew. One of them particular filled me with sadness. It was the resting place of 2 little girls. I was standing there thinking of the isolation of the island and how alone these people must have felt. Immidiately I was reminded by God of his promise in Deuteronomy 31:16 that He will never leave or forsake those who believe in Him! It was such a powerful moment that it left me breathless for a moment!! Here is a picture of the Garrison Church which was built in 1841.

And this is the gravestone for the two little girls.

And this is the Lepper Graveyard that can be found on a different part of the Island.

I would love for you to share a picture of something that touched your heart this week . . . or reminded you of God's presence! You can use the Inlinkz button to submit your picture! I can't wait to see you captured miracles!!

Mini-Challenge: Tutorial Yarn Rosettes

2011-09-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone it is Nicole and I have a fun Mini-Challenge: Tutorial for you....

I found this fun tutorial over at Craftionary.... How to make yarn rosettes... I love rosettes and have made them out of paper and fabric but I hadnt seen how to make them out of yarn... So please go check it out! Here is the link
http://craftionary.blogspot.com/2011/06/make-yarn-rosettes-tutorial.html

If you make a project using rosettes (any kind of rosette is fine) and link it up to this post by 11:59pm PST September 19th... you will be entered to into the drawing for the gift certificate from our sponsor 42 Things....

Here is the layout I made using the yarn rosettes!

God's Blessings and have a wonderful day!

August's Winners

2011-09-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

So here our August winners.....
The winner of the prize pack from the Eyelet Outlet for Challenge #5 is Jana
The winner of the gift certificate from Tattered Inspirationis for Challenge #6 is Amber

Jana and Amber you can contact us at the email address in the sidebar to find out about claiming your prize...

Here are the Design Teams top picks.... (dont forget to get your top 3 pick button from the sidebar to display on your blog!!!!)

Sherri with this very creative and fun layout

Laure with this beautiful layout.....

Leila with this fun and whimpsy layout from Challenge #5

Friday Praise Post

2011-09-09T03:17:00.000-07:00

Hi there, it's Leigh here with another praise post.

When I shared a praise post back in June, I mentionned how much I love summer.

Well, this summer was no exception! Two months off from work/school to hang out with my three favourite people in the whole world-- well, it just doesn't get better than that! And although we didn't take any trips this summer, God blessed us with some great experiences, some of which included walking dogs for the Humane Society, a trip to the waterslide park, seeing a couple of movies in the city, etc.

Because I wanted to remember these events for which I'm thankful (but didn't always manage to capture on film), I created the following layout, where the journaling focuses on some of our summer highlights:

I used American Crafts (white) and Papertrey Ink (kraft) cardstock, The Girl's Paperie patterned paper, Papertrey Ink stamps & dies and My Mind's Eye decorative brads.

(You can click on the photos to view them larger.)

Thanks for looking!

September Sponsors

2011-09-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

I know that I am a bit slow but I have been out of town... so without further ado... here are Sept. Sponsors...

42 Things is an Etsy store that offers upcycled products and recycled paper crafts, envelopes, reclaimed paper beads, salvaged gift tags, die cuts, reuse, destash, bookmarks, postcards, and scrapbooking supplies.

Everything in the store is eco chic, green, earth friendly, handmade designs for you. Check out the store here http://www.etsy.com/shop/42things?ref=pr_shop_more#

Precocious Paper is also an Etsy Store that offers handmade flowers and other embellishments. What is unique to Precocious Paper is that each month they offer a fresh fun new sampler... full of all the newest flowers, ribbon, and embellishments. Know what is even better When you purchase your first monthly sampler, you will receive a special promotional code for the following month's sampler. You will receive free shipping on the sampler, as well as any other items you purchase at the same time. All the perks of a subscription without the commitment :). Want to see what a sampler looks like well here is Septembers...

Make sure to check out here store herehttp://www.etsy.com/shop/PrecociousPaper?ref=pr_shop_more# and you can visit PP on facebook as well http://www.facebook.com/precociouspaper

Announcing our newest Design Team Member

2011-09-08T05:42:00.000-07:00

Well hello everyone!!!!! It is Nicole....

We are sad to be saying goodbye to one of our design team members... Elizabeth has had to step down due to personal reasons.... we will keep her in our prayers and hope to still see her around here.... so with a spot open we have decided to as Wendy Antenucci to join us....Guess what she said YES! We are really blessed to have her.... She has jumped right in and will even be bring us Challenge #8 here in a few days!!!! Here is a little bit more about Wendy.....

My name is Wendy Antenucci and I live in SW VA and totally love it! (Even though we now have earthquakes in this area - go figure!) I have been married for 12 years to my wonderful husband Michael. We have 5 children - Tracy 9, Anthony 7, Marc 5, Vinny 2, and Gino 6 months. I am a SAHM, a homeschooler, a violinist, a math teacher/tutor, and totally blessed! I started scrapping when my daughter was a few months old b/c I had way too many pictures. At that time, I began to pray that the Lord would make me creative and the journey has been incredible ever since! This year I have been asking the Lord to allow me to be published and make a design team - well this makes my 3rd DT, still working on the pubs. :)

I accepted Jesus as my Saviour when I was very young, I was raised in church and loved the Lord. Fast forward through growing up struggles, dating, marriage and first 2 children. In 2004, the Lord really began to take over my life which has resulted in what I call our Journey to Destiny. My family and I are on a journey to fufill the dream the Lord placed in us, our passion; it began in DE and brought us to VA and we are just now beginning to see the fruits of many years of perserverence. We are apart of a wonderful church here in VA where my hubby and I are on the worship team. Lately, we have begun to step out in counseling those that the Lord brings to our door. My hubby is a very talented builder and just finished building us a house and is now working on building our church - so things are pretty busy in our lives on a normal basis anymore!

I am thrilled to be apart of SEM's design team b/c the Lord has done so much in my life and I would love to share my testimony so that others can also believe for miracles. I have been searching the internet for a group of scrappers that would help me document all the miracles and blessings that occur daily in my life. Looking forward to the journey!

Please check out her blog http://antenucci.blogspot.com/ and dont forget to leave her a little love....

Thanks again Wendy for joining us we are sooo happy to have you on the team!

Capturing Everyday Miracles Photo Challenge

2011-09-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, this is Jeannine bringing you today’s photo challenge!

Anyone who knows me at all knows that I am a bunny lover to the core. I love all animals really but bunnies hold a very special place in my heart. The pictures I’m sharing with you today are of my current bunny, Chloe. We got her from a small animal rescue facility a year ago this coming Sunday. The facility takes some of their small animals to a pet store not far from our house. They do that to give the animals more exposure so it gives them a better chance of finding a home for them.

On September 11, 2010 my husband and I went to the pet store where the small animal rescue organization had one bunny up for adoption. (They had about 40 bunnies back at the facility but they only had one at the pet store.) I’d just lost my bunny, Mylo, to illness just 10 days prior to this so I didn’t really want to get another one just yet. I just wanted to look at the bunnies because I missed Mylo so much. (Mylo was the best bunny ever, if you ask me. He was the most affectionate little animal you could imagine! He loved to give me tons of bunny kisses and he absolutely adored me and I adored him too. I was absolutely devastated when we had to put him to sleep because there was nothing more the doctor could do for him.) The moment I saw Choe, I knew I had to have her. I asked the worker if I could hold her and when he placed her in my arms, it was love at first sight! (On my part, not hers! lol) The sign on the cage said she loves to snuggle and that was true! She snuggled up with me immediately and it won my heart over that instant.

We ended up meeting with the lady from the small animal rescue organization and we had a chance to hold Chloe some more and watch her run around and interact with everyone before making our decision. She’s incredibly soft and she just felt like a perfect fit for me. It didn’t take me long to decide!

It took several months for her to really warm up to me enough to feel like she was bonding and she’s not affectionate like Mylo was, but she is affectionate in her own way. As I said, she loves to snuggle more than anything and can never get too much attention. The more you pet her the happier she’ll be! I always tell people that whatever she lacks in affection she makes up for in silliness because this little animal makes me laugh like no other. She’s so cute I can hardly stand it!

I took these photos recently when we were out on our deck and I had her in her playpen, which was covered by the gazebo so I didn’t have to worry about any big birds swooping down and taking her away from me! She really enjoyed our time out on the deck. Her little nose couldn’t sniff enough!! She just kept looking around, being the very curious bunny that she is, and just explored every inch of her space on the deck. I grabbed my camera to see if I could get some good pictures of her to scrap (which I plan on doing!) and got a few good ones. The ones I’m posting today are my personal favorites so far.

Chloe is a handful, don’t let her big brown eyes fool you! She’s Miss Attitude and doesn’t think twice about showing her attitude either. I don’t care though. For me it just makes her that much more endearing! We snuggle every night for at least 2 hours after everyone else in our house has gone to bed. Something she does that cracks me up so much is that she'll fall asleep in my lap in the funniest positions and then she'll have bunny dreams, apparently, because she'll start twitching like dogs do when they sleep. It's hilarious!

One of my favorite things that bunnies do is they flop on their side when they're content. When Chloe flops, she kind of rolls around and squirms on her back like a dog does when it's trying to scratch its back and the look on her face is so funny it makes me laugh! I'm telling you, it never gets old!!

Mylo will always have a very special place in my heart but I must admit, Chloe has her own very special place in my heart too. She makes me laugh every day and I'm so thankful that we found her that day at the pet shop. She’s absolutely adorable and I treasure every day I get to spend with her.

Challenge #7

2011-09-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there, it's Leigh here with another Scrapping Everyday Miracles challenge for you...

I was biking with my kids the other day: we had gone to the grocery store and were on our way home. The weather was so nice and I was enjoying a conversation with my daughter. And suddenly, I realized that, for a change, I was "enjoying the moment." I can so often get caught up in what's next on the agenda, or be thinking about other things, that I neglect to just simply enjoy the moment.

So here's Challenge #7: Create a layout that focuses on the miracle of the moment.

There's a quote on my Lululemon lunch bag that says: "Breathe deeply and appreciate the moment. Living in the moment could be the meaning of life." What do you think? ;)

Scrap Twist: Stamp on your layout.

Our sponsor for this is 42 Things, a shop on Etsy which carries lovely ephemera-type embellishments. Just click here to check out their shop.

Here's the layout I made for this challenge:

And I placed my journaling behind one of the photos:

Here's Roulien's layout:

Here's Lisa's layout:

Here's the layout Wendy made:

A two page layout from Jeannine:

Here is Nicole's layout....

I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with for this challenge! Please link your layout to this post by September 30th to be eligible to win a gift certificate from our sponsor, 42 Things.

AND... not only do you have a chance to win a prize from our sponsor, but from all the layouts submitted for September’s challenges the DT will pick their top 3 layouts. If you are our top favorite, you will win a spot as our Guest Designer for November!

Friday Praise Post

2011-09-02T06:22:00.000-07:00

Through it all... Have you ever had a bad day? Or what about days? Or how about when those days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months and then a year? Have you ever wondered when will I ever breakthrough? I have and guess what, through it all He is still God!

Hi, my name is Wendy and I have been invited to join the ladies here at Scrapping Everyday Miracles; here is some of my story and why I am thrilled to be here!

My family and I have lived a good life, there were ups and downs, but still overall it was blessed. We loved one another, we had healthy children, we had a good home. Life was good. March 2010 launched us into a season that didn't seem like it would ever end, we were hit left and right with hard things. We wondered if it would ever end. We wondered would we survive or would we lose everything? Our finances were completely shot and my husband didn't have a job and we were trying to finish up building our house because we had to move in. Then the really hard things began.

Our daughter got an industrial nail in her kneww while at Field Day. After a scary experience at the ER and some follow-up visits the drs said there was no permanent damage. The dr was amazed that there was no problems and said the nail went right in-between 2 vital parts, the Lord was gracious. Then our son became very sick and the drs couldn't figure out what was wrong, for 6 weeks we struggled and then he was diagnosed with Lyme's disease. Again, the Lord was gracious and after some antibiotics he has had no problems since. Then a day came that I will never forget, September 17th, our 16 month old boy was rushed to the Pediatric ICU with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. And even though our son now takes shots after every meal, he is alive and you would never know that he went through this harrowing time because of the Lord's grace. Someday I will also document a miracle of his complete healing! January came and our child that I was carrying developed an irregular heartbeat. Instantly, I was in the hospital wondering what had happened. After many tests the drs found that his heart was okay but he had an arithma. When I returned to my dr the next week for a checkup she listened to the heartbeat, it was completely restored! She had never heard of such an irregular heartbeat coming back into rhythm - my only answer was we prayed.

Through all of these things we had the constant threat of foreclosure hanging over our heads, and yet God was still God. I was told once by a very dear friend, that every cake has a timer set and it will go off - that cake will be done. But when would we ever be done?

And just as suddenly as everything began, there was quiet because guess what, the timer went off and our cake was done! There wasn't a specific moment that I can pinpoint that our troubles ended, but they did! Our bills (yes they do still exist) are all caught up and we've been able to begin paying things off. Work has been pouring in for my husband's construction business. All the kids are healthy and whole. Through it all, the Lord has kept us in the palm of His hand and delivered us. That is why I can praise the Lord because He is good, all the time, His mercies are new everyday!

Through it all... You are still God! Praise the Lord!

Capturing Everyday Miracles Photo Challenge

2011-08-31T08:20:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, Lisa here! I was thinking yesterday about blessings that we take for granted. We support a ministry called The Bible League and we get updates in the mail from them. One of the main parts of their ministry is providing Bibles to believers in countries around the world where it is very difficult to obtain one for themselves. They've shared stories about whole villages that must share a single Bible amongst themselves. Here I am in the U.S. with a whole shelf full of Bibles – different translations, group study Bibles, one-year reading plan Bibles… I am so blessed to be in a country and have the resources to easily obtain God's word to study and read for myself. I do tend to take it for granted. I am thankful there are organizations like The Bible League who are hard at work getting the Word out to those that don't have it and I'm happy I can help them. In the meantime, I'm also thankful for reminders to not take God's blessings for granted. Are there things in your life that you have been taking for granted? Look around and ask God for reminders of those blessings and then you can give Him thanks for them (and take some pictures to share here ; ) !) Link up your photos below. We'd love to see what you are thankful for!

Praise Post

2011-08-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

Well this week nearly killed me but I am so thankful for it... I guess I should tell you who me is Nicole... see my mind is a little bit scrambled! School started this week and for some reason I had the crazy idea to get a Masters Degree. Now I am a stay at home mom here in Norway and need to do something to get out of the house. It was scared but in the end God really blessed me with a great program... and great friends. I have gotten the chance to see friends that I made last year when I took a Norwegian Language class, hang out with some friends that just started going to school there as well and make new friends. It really is amazing how when feel that God is leading you to something and you step out in faith how he blesses you. I have been truly blessed... Like I said in the beginning it nearly killed me with all the lectures and long hours. But a little less sleep was well worth it! God is so good and I cant wait to see what he does in the coming weeks.

I kinda get to be in a unique situation because it is an international program... everyone is from other countries than Norway... Me and a friend from Gaza are the only ones that actually live here. So it gives me the opportunity to share God with others from all over the world (Africa, Napal, Russia, Canada, Gaza and China) So please pray that I let my light shine for Him and that they would have a desire to know God's love and salvation.... Also pray that I am able to balance the school, my family and still have time left over to spend a little bit scrapping.... I promise to keep you all updated on Facebook about my program...
God's Blessings
Nic

Capturing Everyday Miracles

2011-08-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

I find that capturing everyday miracles is sometimes a case of being in the right place, at the right time & with your camera at the ready.

Case in point:

I happened to capture this miracle last summer in Minneapolis at the Mall of America on our family vacation. We were taking a break from Nickelodeon Universe and went to explore Legoland. I must have been trailing behind for some reason (maybe I got distracted by something shiny! ;) ) Anyway, when I got to where the kids were, I immediately noticed that my boys were holding hands-- not a common occurence to say the least. But, in being in such a large place, I'm sure they felt safer this way. But whatever the reason, I knew I had to capture this moment on film.

I love how the everyday miracles which which God blesses us include our relationships!

Here's the layout I made with this precious photo:

I used Bazzill (cream) and Papertrey Ink cardstock (hawaiian shores), American Crafts, Cosmo Cricket & The Girls' Paperie patterned paper, a Basic Grey fabric brad, Papertrey Ink stamps (Wonderful Words, Half & Half) and die (Half & Half) and my Quickutz Alphabet dies (reuse).

Other times for me, it's just a matter of taking a photo to remember a moment.

Here's another example:

We were having a wiener roast the other night. I was sitting behind my youngest son while he was roasting a marshmallow. All of a sudden, I heard him singing softly: "Take my life and let it be, all for You and for Your glory. Take my life and let it be Yours.” It was a chorus from a praise song we’d sung that morning in church. It made me so happy to hear this and I knew I wanted to remember it always, so I took this photo:

Yes, it's from behind and you can't see his face. But I felt moving around in front of him would have ruined the moment. Besides, this is the true memory for me.

Here's how I scrapbooked it:

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (enchanted evening, kraft, stamper's select white), and Half & Half die. I also used Crate Paper patterned paper and a download for the title from a Big Picture Class.

Have you captured any everyday miracles lately? We'd love to see them!

Inspiration Challenge

2011-08-22T05:35:00.000-07:00

Hello again, this is Jeannine! I must admit, I was a bit intimidated by this challenge. For me, inspiration isn’t something that comes easily and it doesn't come frequently either and when I'm trying to get inspired, it's even more difficult. I guess God really wanted me to do this because he basically had it fall in my lap! How cool is that?! I was cleaning my desk off the other day and just when I was telling the Lord that I need his help with this challenge, I picked up some papers that were on my desk and this magazine from a year ago was underneath! (No, it hasn't been on my desk for a year! I dug it out recently because I was looking for something and never put it back. I think it's pretty cool how God did that for me though!)

So here’s the magazine cover that inspired me...

…and here’s the page I was inspired to create. (Since the journaling on my layout is a bit too long to share on this post, if you'd like to read it please visit my blog. I will be sharing the hidden journaling there.)

If this magazine cover inspires you to create a card, layout, or an altered item, please post a link to your project in the comments section of this post by August 29th and you’ll be entered to win a prize from our sponsor!! We can’t wait to see what you’ll create!!

Friday's Praise Post!

2011-08-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning . . . Roulien here this morning to share some praise with you! I want to continue on the same theme as our Challenge #6 which is all about friends/friendships that go the distance!

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)

Very recently I've received some news that really rocked me to my core! I was left feeling very angry, hurt and so terribly dissapointed! But in this time God showed me what wonderful friends he has blessed me with! Yes, true friends are a blessing! True friends are God's love in action! One incident between myself & my friends will forever be with me! The 3 of us were standing in Mari's kitchen busy making tea, I just told Mari what has happend in my life and how it made me feel! I was trying really hard to be composed, but Mari started crying which set me off and then Hydie joint us in the waterworks! Here were are . . . standing in the kitchen . . . crying and comforting each other all at once! Even though we were crying I could FEEL the love from these woman! No judgement . . . just love and acceptance! I knew that the sorrow they felt on my behalf was genuine and real!! God used this picture of the three of us to show me His love . . . showing me that even in this painful time in my life He is there for me through this wonderful ladies!!

Friendship is a blessing . . .
Friendship is everlasting . . .
Friendship is courage . . .

And I thank God for having such friends in my life! Here is a photo of the three of us from the page of the little mini album I've made to celebrate the wonderful friendships in my life. I feel so blessed and grateful to have this ladies in my life!

We would love for you to celebrate your friends/friendship with us here! Tell us about the friends in you life that means the world to you!
Have a wonderful day!!

Spotlight on the Eyelet Outlet!

2011-08-18T03:57:00.000-07:00

Hi It is Nicole and I have some fun projects to share with you! One of our sponsors for this month is the Eyelet Outlet... If you havent come across them either here online or at a show... you will be so surprised at all the fun brads and eyelets that they have. They truly have the most unique and fun brads out there. Their eyelets are really cool because you dont need a tool... you can actually set them with a pen... I know that I rarely use eyelets because I dont want to pull out all the tools and go through all the banging. Now it is as easy as pie to use eyelets and there are so many fun things that can be done with them. I would just encourage you to check out the store....

Here are some of the fun projects that the design team made using product from the Eyelet Outlet....

Leigh

Elizabeth

Nicole

Captured.

2011-08-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!!! It's Elizabeth here again to share with you a wonderful photography/story that I've been able to capture recently!!!

As many of you know I recently went on a girlie cruise with 3 very dear friends of mine. We went to the Bahamas and was able to go on a dolphin excursion. I was very excited to experience something like this since I had never been up close and personal with a dolphin before. The very thought was amazing to me so needless to say although I didn't know what to expect, I sure what very happy about doing it! My girlfriends and I decided on doing the deep water dolphin experience!!! Let me just share with you it was simply AMAZING!

We listened to the dolphin trainers discuss dolphins, we were able to kiss a dolphin, pet, swim in the water {no photos for this though as I was under water!!}, was pushed by a dolphin, and had free time with the dolphins as well.

I was a tad nervous since I wasn't sure what to expect, but these gentle creatures took all of my nerves and fears away once they came up close to us! There were times where I stood there in tears due to the experience being so beautiful.

As you can tell from these photos that were captured, we all were so excited to be able to experience something like this! If you ever get the chance to swim with dolphins like I did, you will be smiling like this too!!!!!

Faux stitching

2011-08-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

Hey its Elizabeth here and today I wanted to show you a sewing technique that doesn't require a sewing machine!! That's right, we all love our sewing machines but this little baby here will help you sew without even doing it! It's called faux stitching and its all the rage!

All you need is this lil' beauty!

Everyone meet the pounce wheel.
This lil' baby shows up on several of my projects!
And it just looks as if I have sewn on them, but really I've used this tool!
The only thing you need is this tool and something hard to use as a base so that you don't make dents in your furniture!

I just use this sturdy piece of cardboard that I've had for years. It's thick enough so that I don't get any marks anywhere!

Here are some examples of projects I've created using the tool.

This tool is easy to use!
Just be sure to press down rather hard when using so that it gets the full effect of "sewing"!

You can buy these tool almost anywhere these days. Here are some places that sell them online. I bought mine at our local Michael's years ago!

If you get this tool, you'll love it!

Link up your layouts using faux stitching by Aug. 24th for another chance to win the prize package from our sponsor The Eyelet Outlet....

Challenge #6

2011-08-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! This is Jeannine and today I am excited to bring you Challenge #6, Friendships that go the distance!

It is in our friendships that we often find so many miracles and blessings. We all have people in our lives who come and go, but there are those who stay close no matter what happens. Create a page focusing on the blessing of a friendship that has gone the distance. It can be a friend you've known since high school, or someone you've worked with, a neighbor you’ve known for years, or a friend you've met online! Someone who has been there for you through thick and thin. Share what makes the friendship so special that you're thankful to God for bringing them into your life.

Scrap Twist: use a layered title and add something thick and something thin on the layout.

You can make any project you'd like, whether it’s a layout, a mini album, cards, or an altered item, all we ask is that if you choose to make cards to please make two per entry. You can enter as many projects as you’d like so let your creativity go wild!

For every project you complete for this challenge you will be entered to win a $20 gift certificate (free shipping) from our sponsor, Tattered Inspirations!!

Here are some of the things you will find in her store...

Now… onto the DT projects meant to inspire you...

Jeannine

I created a two-page layout that focuses on the friendship between our daughters and our closest friend’s kids.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth feels a true friend is the greatest of all blessings.

Leigh

Leigh is very thankful for her "forever" friend.

Lisa

Lisa feels so blessed that her mom is one of her best friends and they can share life together.

Roulien

Roulien is blessed with so many best friends in different countries! Each of them is special in their own right. With this mini album she would like to honor them for always being there for her.

Nicole

To have a really good friend is one of the greatest delights of life.- Emerson

Our Guest Designer Regan

I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with for this challenge! Please link your layout to this post by August 31 to be eligible to win a prize from our sponsor, Tattered Inspirations.

Not only do you have a chance to win a prize from our sponsor, but from all the layouts submitted for August’s challenges the DT will pick their top 3 layouts. If you are our top favorite, you will win a spot as our Guest Designer for October! We hope you'll enjoy this challenge as much as we have!

Friday's Praise Post!!

2011-08-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! This is Jeannine again. My praise for today is something that happened a couple of weeks ago but I just learned about it yesterday so it feels more recent to me. My nephew, Jonathan, is in the army and was training in Australia for maneuvers he would be needing to use when he gets deployed to Afghanistan. His platoon (is that what they call them??) was up on a mountain for this training and it was late at night so it was dark outside. I’m not sure what they were doing exactly, but Jonathan was trying to run around the side of this mountain and was trying to pass another guy on the path when he stepped on some soft dirt and he fell down the side of the mountain and rolled what he called the “death roll”. He called it that because it makes you feel like you’re falling to your death! He couldn’t control the fall at all because he was rolling so fast. As if the fall wasn’t bad enough, every time he would make a complete turn as he rolled, his rifle would smack him in the head! He could hear his buddies yelling for him, feeling completely helpless because… well, they were helpless! At one point he stopped rolling so he tried to get up to make his way back up the mountain but then his foot slipped and he began to roll further down the mountain just like before. Finally after falling for about 100 feet, his leg got caught on something and that’s what stopped him. Can you imagine how terrifying that would be?? You’re falling down the side of a mountain and you’re completely out of control, it’s dark so you can’t see much of anything so you have no idea what you’ll hit next or how far you’ll be falling. The feeling of helplessness would be overwhelming. When you finally do stop rolling, you have to make your way back up the mountain, risking the fall all over again! He did make it back up the mountain and he said the only injuries he had from the fall were some cuts and bruises, a large knot on his head (even tho he still had his helmet on) and a large bruise on his back. Wow.

As I heard the story of what happened, all I could think of was how out of control he was during those moments he was rolling down the side of the mountain. I’m sure nobody likes to feel out of control, but believe me when I say I really, REALLY don’t like being out of control!! The thing is tho, how much control do we really have in life anyway? I mean sure, we can control some things but not much! Much less than we care to admit!

As I think about what must have gone through Jonathan’s head that day, not so much as he fell as much as once he got back up with the rest of his group, I can’t help but wonder how this changes his faith. I know if it were me, it would make me feel so close with God, knowing that God was the one who broke his fall. The branch was the tool God used to stop him but God was ultimately the one who stopped him. It would give me a whole new appreciation for God’s protection and faithfulness.

When I think about it from Jonathan’s point of view it makes me think to myself, “How many times has my life been spinning out of control in one area or another and I was trying to stop myself with no success?” I can think of a few times. In each situation, once I felt God’s hand on me because he stopped whatever it was that was hurting me from going any further, it made me very, very thankful but more than that… it made me realize how fragile life is and how important it is to keep my eyes on the Lord and trust him with my life. Nobody can be there for me like God can. Nobody can protect me like God can. Nobody knows when I need intervention better than God can. That day on the side of the mountain, while his buddies were yelling down to him and clearly they cared about his well-being, there wasn’t a thing they could do for him to stop his fall. The only one who has the power to do that is God and I’m very thankful today that God had his hand of protection on Jonathan. If it weren’t for God stopping him, there’s no telling what would have happened to Jonathan.

Thank you, God, for having your hand of protection on Jonathan!!

Capturing Everyday Miracles Photo Challenge

2011-08-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

It’s Jeannine here again and it's time for Capturing Everyday Miracles! I really enjoy Wednesdays because I like seeing photos that others have shared that tell of their everyday miracles. Let’s look back on last week’s submissions.

Annika created a page using her favorite photo of the summer, which was one of those moments when she wished she could stop time. Those moments are so precious, aren’t they? Here is the adorable page she made using the photo.

Leila shared a photo she took while at Whale Beach. Going by the big smiles on their faces, I think it's safe to say they had a great time!

The story I want to share with you today is quite extraordinary and pretty hard to consider this an everyday miracle because this kind of thing does not happen every day!

My niece and her family had gone on a mini vacation and had taken their dog, Oliver, with them. One night she did like she did every other night and let Oliver outside one last time before going to bed. To her horror, it was very apparent that he had accidentally eaten some poisoning that someone had left out and to save you all the nasty details, suffice it to say he was not doing well. From what she learned about the poison from the animal hospital they took him to, it’s something that’s designed to kill an animal “in ten steps”, meaning by the time the animal takes ten steps, it should be dead. Oliver not only made it further than 10 steps, he made it through the NIGHT!! My niece’s husband’s grandparents got Oliver to the nearest animal hospital, which was 30-45 minutes away from where they were staying and the doctor there did all he could to help Oliver. To all of our amazement, Oliver not only made it through the night, but he survived with no real long-term disabilities!! My niece never expected to see Oliver again, so she told her children that Oliver had died and then spent the next few days comforting her children. Little did she know, the vet would be calling her and telling her, “Guess what? Oliver is alive!” Can you imagine??? The vet said he’s never seen anything like it before. Oliver is definitely a walking miracle!

When I heard of the incident (which was before we knew Oliver was actually still alive), my heart went out to my niece, her husband and children. All I kept thinking of was how horrible it would be to see your beloved pet suffering so much and feeling so helpless. I immediately started to pray for my niece and especially her children during this very painful time. I’m sorry to say that it never occurred to me to pray for Oliver’s recovery because I didn’t think he’d stand a chance. (O ye of little faith!) When I learned that he not only made it through the night, but he made it several days and was going to be coming home with them, I was in shock! Even if I didn’t pray specifically for Oliver to pull through it, my niece’s daughter did and he hears the prayers of his children regardless of their age. It taught me a couple of very important lessons. First of all, never underestimate the power of a child’s prayer! Also, never allow yourself to believe that the situation is too far gone for God to save the life of a beloved pet, just because it's an animal and not a human. I will never forget Oliver's experience as long as I live. What an incredible story!

So without further ado, here is a picture of Oliver the day they brought him home after the incident. He looks the same as he did before it happened! By the way, I was at a family party at my niece's house just this past weekend and saw Oliver. He's doing great!! They've taken him in to the vet a few times since this happened and they said he's doing just fine. Unbelievable, yet....believable because God answers the prayers of his children!

Here's the sign my niece's two daughters made for Oliver's homecoming that they had displayed on their garage door when he came home. Isn't this precious??

I hope you will share your everyday miracle with us this week!

Winners!!!!!

2011-08-06T13:39:00.000-07:00

It is time to announce our winners... which is always so much fun... and we have sooooo many prizes to give away this time!

Our winner for Challenge #3 is Leila... she won the stickers from SRM and the bible cover from Leah Marjorie...

Our winner for Challenge #4 is Wendy... she won the ribbon from Paper Loves Glue and the blog makeover from Free Pretty Things for you!

The winner for Inspiration Monday is Sherri and she won 3 bundles of ribbon from Paper Loves Glue...

Now for our top 3 layouts...
Wendy's layout from Challenge #4...

Irit's layout from Challenge #3

Sherri's layout from Challenge #4

Wendy's layout was our top pick so she will be the guest designer for September!

Ladies feel free to grab the top 3 badge for you blogs... we really loved all your work!
Thanks again for all the entries... we are so blessed to have each and everyone of you!

Winners please contact scrappingeverydaymiracles.blogspot.com with your contact info so that I can forward it to the sponsors and/or the sponsors can contact you.