A Piece of Wisdom

You know, I really really really struggle with keeping my opinions to myself, and when I don't, I really really really work at making sure, I say things in the best possible way. I have a lovely family member that lives in their own little world and quite often makes statements in such an insulting way that it leaves me speechless. Yes, sometimes, I wish I would just say things and not care about other people's emotions or feelings, but somehow I do care, so I am tactful in the way I say things. But, this family member at times just has a way of getting to me.

So, I thought I would share a Bible verse that I often turn to, because honestly I just need to be reminded. And, I know I am not the only one that struggles with people who live in their own little world mindlessly forgetting it is not all about them! Along with this verse, I also remind myself that  It is not about me as pastor Rick states in his book The Purpose Driven Life.  With that in mind here's the Bible verse I turn to often, especially when this family member pops in:

"Do not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 5:11 (message)

Have a great day!

Christmas 2009

This Christmas was surprisingly wonderful! 2009 was a difficult year for all of us. Though, I view 2009 as year of expanding our comfort zone--a year of change. I am grateful for every bit of it. I am blessed to have a healthy family, a healthy me, a roof over our heads and a good life. Yes, times are hard but somehow we seem much happier this Christmas then last. I felt my family and friends really embracing Christ's birth this year. Embracing the significance of the incredible gift He gave us. As Pastor Rick Warren discussed this weekend in church, with HOPE anything is possible. Hard times are only temporary, this too shall pass.

For this reason, I too (as I am sure many others) decided to make the word HOPE the word for me to explore this coming New year. Pastor Rick touched on five reasons for Radical Hope:

1. "God chose me before I chose Him."
2. "God always treats me with mercy."
3. "God has secured my future."
4. "God's power will protect me."
5. "God is preparing me for eternity."

What 5 great reasons to keep HOPE alive and well in my life!

This Christmas was an amazing Christmas with my husband, children, siblings, and my mother! I may not be monetarily wealthy, but I am so blessed with love and family! That makes me a very wealthy woman!

Friends, I pray that Christmas was an amazing time for you as well and I pray that HOPE is alive and well with you and that this new decade we are starting has incredible, wonderful surprises in store for you! May this new decade be filled with much love, much hope, much faith, much prosperity and much good health!

With lots of blessings and love,

Marie

Time Flies!

Christmas has come and left. We are awaiting the New Year--the beginning of a new decade! So many new things in store, I am beyond excited!

I am officially part of the Red Bee's design team. I have designed my first page for January. I spent over 5 hours creating one page. How is this possible? Anyway, I will be dropping it off sometime this week.

The patterned paper I used is from Bo Bunny, Pine Cone press and Bazzil. I also used a cool border punch from Fiskars.

I also wanted to include pictures of the projects I submitted to the Red Bee for the designer's position. I decided to make a page with Sydney. She was happy the day I took the picture of her. I just had to scrap it!

Creative Escapes 2009

Hello:

I'm back from Creative Escapes! I had a wonderful time! I must say the resort and the event were magnificent! I finally had the down time I needed! I did not think about work or the endless list of chores. Instead, I was blessed with the opportunity to engage in creative projects and get a little closer to God. 

I went for a very early run on Thursday. This was the highlight of the trip for me. I felt connected to our creator and yes... I took the time to take it all in! I so desperately needed the connection. The busyness of my life limited opportunities to refuel my soul. Oh, I so needed this. I feel very blessed and am very grateful for the time! I genuinely hated to leave. I felt refueled and really felt I needed more time. Arizona was incredibly HOT, but the resort more than made up for the heat!

Now, to the excitement of the event, I took a few pictures and I cannot say enough about what a wonderful time I had! Heather Bailey  is incredibly wonder-

ful and funny. I loved that she took the time to show me how to use her trash ties (though I am not sure, if I really did get how to use them). 

Loved Marah Johnson's class and I loved her! Marah was not kidding about the busy work. Loved getting my hands dirty. I felt free to play! Here are some pictures of her class. I took a picture of the project. Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to complete it.

Took a picture with Marah and her cool laptop cover. I'm hoping they will be out in the market soon. Marah is anticipating  the covers to be in the market by January. I know my MacBook is patiently waiting for the Parisian cover. 

Ok, it's late and I really need to get to bed! I'll post more pictures soon!

Stress Reliever--Creating Cards

A few weeks ago I had a creative moment. I was very very stressed! My stress reliever was creating a few cards! I took these pictures with  my little Casio camera. I can't wait to buy my Canon camera. Long story... let's say a certain poodle was involved with the destruction of my last very nice camera! Sorry for the poor pictures, but it was the best I could with what I had to work with. Here are some of the cards I made:

My Greatest Loves

I spend much time thinking. Seeking answers to my many questions. Many of these questions are more spiritual. I get, my main purposes in this life is to: love, learn and share knowledge. My main loves are four very important people in my life... my husband Les, my three children Jonathan, Stephanie and Sarah. I feel blessed God brought them into my life and I take great joy in observing their life paths. I often wonder what is in store for them. My prayer is that their learning experiences are well learned and that with those experiences they grow closer to our Father and that they love with great understanding, compassion, and unconditionally. 

We recently had Family Day at the Aliso Beach. Here's a picture of us sitting close to the warmest spot--the bonfire!