Matildy Jane Designs

2012-01-19T10:01:00.001-06:00

Come scrapbook tomorrow at north Jackson Michaels and learn about SMASH books! 3-9pm, 6 hours of fun! Door prizes, too!

Married to a saint . . .

2012-01-12T21:56:00.003-06:00

No, not a football player. But a saint, nonetheless. Anyone who knows me already knows that he is a saint. He's been married to me for 22 years. He'd have to be a saint! lol! And anyone who knows him already knows it, too. He's just a great guy, my sweet hubby. Patient. Kind. Loving. Tolerant.

Well, anyway, this particular post is regarding his latest incredible act of tolerance. I'm a scrapbooker. If you are a scrapbooker, you already know what that means. I also sew, teach scrapbook classes, sell scrapbook things, and do custom orders. Needless to say, I have stuff. Lots of stuff. It's everywhere. I even have my own room for my stuff. I've had my own room for a while. But I've never managed to get all my stuff collected into one room. There's some in a closet in our bedroom. There's some in the den where I watch tv (remains of the Christmas card project). There's some in the living room waiting to be moved to it's new spot in my room. Right now there's some on the kitchen table (current project I was working on while baby sitting grandchild and needed to be close to where she was playing). And there's still some in the room I used to have before I moved into my current room. Yep, it's everywhere.

But that's not what this post is about. Recently, I acquired a lot of vintage ribbons and trims. Not that I needed them. But that's beside the point. For the last week or so, I have been hand washing all of them to get them ready for sale or to go in my stash. HAND washing. In our bathroom sink. Every time he went in the bathroom to take his contacts out, or brush his teeth, or shave, he waited for me to move the ribbons. Sink full after sink full after sink full . . . you get the picture. Well, almost. Then they have to be hung to dry. On clothes hangers in our shower. From our shower head. In our bathroom. Every time he got ready to get in the shower they had to be moved. Day after day after day. When they stopped dripping they were transferred to our bedroom door to hang to finish drying. It was kind of like having one of those old fashioned beaded curtains over our door. Except not beaded and slightly damp.

Not one complaint. Not one snarky comment. Not one angry outburst.

Through all this process we have been passing a really nasty cold around our house. And sweet hubby, who rarely gets sick, got it. When he gets a cold, he's, um, a very noisy sleeper. (Was that tactful enough? lol) I tend to have trouble sleeping. Noise keeps me awake. I'm not nice when I can't sleep. So, bless his heart, he insisted on sleeping on the couch for the entire four nights he was sick, so that I could sleep. Possibly in self defense, but still . . .

Not one complaint. Not one snarky comment. Not one angry outburst.

In addition to all of that, we have had a significant change in our lives in the last month. Sweet hubby is an incredible musician. He plays in numerous bands, does arranging, recording, and engineering for other musicians, and, until the end of last year, led worship at our church. With his resignation there, and us changing churches, he no longer has an office. So all of his equipment came home. Keyboards, sound mixers, amps, music stands, boxes of music, recording equipment, etc., etc., etc. My job right after Christmas was to get the living room set up for him to create a studio to work in. But I got sidetracked with the ribbon project and some other work related things and just didn't get around to it. So all of his equipment is piled in the den and in the trunk or the car. And still . . .

Not one complaint. Not one snarky comment. Not one angry outburst.

Now some of you who do not know him at this point may be thinking he's just a wus. Not true. Actually, the truth is, he's just that nice. A true gentleman. A man of incredible integrity. A gift from God. And he chose to be married to me. WOW! Even after 22 years, this still just blows me away. And here's something that will probably blow you away. In all the time we've been married, even before we were married, not once, never, not even one time, has this wonderful man even hinted at being attracted to another woman. Not a comment on another woman being pretty, or sexy, or even slightly attractive. NEVER!

Don't get me wrong, he's not perfect. He makes mistakes. He gets frustrated. But no matter what, I know that he will always try to do what he thinks is right. And part of that means not saying things that you'll regret later and always putting the ones you love ahead of yourself. His life is such a great example to me of what it truly means to 'die to self'. A life given to God is a life given in service to Christ and to others. I'm so thankful that I have a daily reminder of this living right in front of me. Sometimes I forget what really matters. This past week I've been blown away by my sweet hubby's selflessness. I want to be more like that, less like me, more like Jesus. This is my verse that will be taped on my mirror for a while. The bathroom mirror. Over the bathroom sink. That doesn't have any ribbons in it. So my husband can shave, brush his teeth, and take his contacts out without having to wait for me to move something first. Yep. I'm married to a saint.

"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30

Is Jesus increasing in your life? Are you becoming more like him? If not, what's holding you back? And is it worth it? Whatever is keeping you from living the life God intended you to live needs to be re-evaluated. Trust Jesus to be your example. Give him everything. You won't regret it. I promise!

Blessings,
Renea

2012-01-12T09:24:00.001-06:00

Previous post was from the song, 'Forever Reign' by One Sonic Society.

2012-01-12T09:18:00.001-06:00

You are light when the darkness closes in. You are more than my words will ever say. Oh, I'm running to your arms! Jesus.

2012-01-08T21:07:00.001-06:00

Prayer request for a friend who's nephew was killed in a car accident today. He was in his 20s.

2012-01-07T12:36:00.001-06:00

'Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.' Mk 5:19

2012-01-02T14:29:00.001-06:00

Got so excited about #OLW I got my husband and daughter involved. My word- consistent. Hubby's- integrity. Daughter- still thinking.

One little word . . .

2012-01-01T14:35:00.000-06:00

Consistent.

con·sist·ent

[kuhn-sis-tuhnt] Show IPA

adjective

agreeing or accordant; compatible; not self-contradictory:His views and actions are consistent.

constantly adhering to the same principles, course, form, etc.: a consistent opponent.

holding firmly together; cohering.

Archaic . fixed; firm.

If you aren't familiar with Ali Edwards, you should check her out. She's an amazing lady, with an amazing ability to put things into perspective. I've just discovered her work in the last few months and, well, I'm just amazed by her! lol

She has a class called, "One Little Word" that goes for an entire year. I'm participating this year and would love for you to join me on this adventure. What do you want to see happen in your life this year? How do you want to focus your time, your talents, your life for 2012?

My word for 2012 is 'consistent.'

Something I am not.
Something I really want in my life.
Something I strive for but never achieve.
Something I need.
Something my family needs from me.
To be consistent.
In my faith - compatible, constantly adhering to the same principles, course, form, etc. (with what I know to be true)
In my prayer life - agreeing or accordant; holding firmly together; cohering (with my Father's best for my life)
For my life to reflect what I claim to believe - not self contradictory
In my diet and exercise - fixed, firm (following through, completing my goals)

So that's my word for 2012. Consistent.

What word would you choose for your one little word?

Blessings,
Renea

2012-01-01T09:50:00.001-06:00

'I trust in Jesus, my great deliverer, my strong defender, the son of God!' A new year. Who do you trust? Happy 2012!

2011-12-30T09:32:00.001-06:00

Sometimes it is the destinations that are out of our reach that create the circumstances God uses to remind us that we are never out his reach. Andy Stanley

Snow!

2011-12-29T11:28:00.001-06:00

As anyone who knows me knows, I hate cold weather. Most people who know me think I really hate snow, too. I don't hate snow - as long as I don't have to spend any time in it. After living in it for a while, all I see is grey, dirty, cloudy, depressing . . . well, you get the picture! lol

However . . . (ready?), when it's falling, and just after it falls, it truly is a spectacular beauty that takes my breath away. We left Mississippi Monday about 9:30pm and drove straight through to northeast Ohio, arriving about 1:30pm central time. It was raining when we left home, and still raining when we arrived in Ohio. Yep, that's right. Sixteen hours of driving in the rain. Fun, huh? But about an hour after we got to my SIL's house, the magic began. The rain changed over to snow and by late afternoon it was all snow, the biggest snowflakes I had ever seen!

Photographing snowflakes is not my forte. But I did get a couple that I thought were neat. Hope you enjoy! This was before dark.

This was after dark with a flash.

Look at the size of those snowflakes! Awesome! As always, the pictures are clickable to get a bigger view! I'll get around to some Christmas posts sometime! Hope your holidays have been beautiful, peaceful and filled with joy. God is so good!

Blessings,
Renea

2011-12-26T07:15:00.001-06:00

Jesus. My friend. Guide. Brother. Hope. Peace. Comforter. Protector. Mighty Warrior. Father. Savior. Redeemer. My Jesus. Thank you.

Change

2011-12-25T22:50:00.003-06:00

I hate it. Change, that is. It depresses me, stresses me, and generally makes me angry, unhappy and pretty hard to get along with. The whole lot of it just bothers me. Today marks a huge change for my husband and me. We will be attending a new church beginning next Sunday after 16 years in the same church. I should be excited about the opportunity. I'm trying to be excited. But it's change. I just don't like it. Not that change is always bad. This change is for the best. I know that. I believe that. I'm satisfied that we made the right decision. But it's still change. I have to make new friends. I have to find new things to be involved in. I have to learn a whole new set of things that I need to say 'no' to. (Saying 'no' has never been my specialty. 'Oh, sure, I can handle that!' - whatever 'that' happens to be. Who needs sleep? lol)

Yesterday, Christmas eve, during a communion service at my daughter's church, I was reminded once again that change is often a beautiful thing. Can you imagine the frightening changes that Mary had to go through? How terrifying her future must have looked through her human eyes. She was just a young girl, a teenager! And, Joseph, bless his faithful heart! He must have been crazy in love with her! He wanted to "put her away quietly", ie. send her somewhere to avoid the gossip and ridicule he knew was coming. Have you ever realized that the night Jesus was born, Joseph was in his home town? He had family there. As a matter of fact, his whole family had been ordered to be there to have their taxes assessed. Yet, not one of them could find room in their home to let him and his nine-month pregnant fiance sleep. So, here is this teenage girl, who has never had sex, alone with a man she is engaged to but not married to, in a cave with filthy animals, after traveling about 3 days on a donkey or walking, without a midwife or her mom or a best friend, and she's in labor. Don't you think maybe once or twice she and Joseph had to think, 'God, are you serious? Really? This is your idea of bringing Messiah to our people?'

But aren't we grateful that Mary and Joseph accepted what they were facing and were obedient to God's call on their lives? Because of the changes they were willing to make in THEIR plans, forsaking THEIR dreams and plans and accepting God's plan, the Savior came! Yes, change can really be a beautiful thing. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior then you know this to be true. I'm so thankful that God loved me enough to accept me the way I was and continues to love me as I try to become all that He created me to be. I have much to learn. I never want to stop the changing process. It scares me half to death but I know it has to happen. As my husband and I embark on a new adventure I know there will be challenges. But God will be with us every step. I know I will still have some moments of discomfort. But I also know that every time we are obedient to God's call on our lives, the blessings always outweigh the fears and frustrations. I pray that whatever changes you are facing this Christmas, that you fall on His grace, stand on His promises, and trust in His faithfulness to get you through it.

Blessings and a very merry Christmas,
Renea

2011-12-21T19:41:00.001-06:00

Jolie - Grammie! Is that Rudolph the nose red reindeer?

2011-12-21T13:24:00.002-06:00

There are still 15-20 lambs not adopted on the tree at Walmart in Flowood. Any help would be appreciated!

Incredible give away!

2011-12-10T17:52:00.000-06:00

This is an awesome give away from Courtney at Webster's Pages! You should totally check it out!
http://courtneywalsh.typepad.com/telling_stories/2011/12/handmade-holiday-giveawayfor-the-creative-in-your-life.html#comment-6a00d8341c1a6753ef01675e9a7b1b970b

Life isn't fair . . .

2011-12-06T19:36:00.000-06:00

In Dec 2008, our middle daughter gave birth to the most beautiful little creature I had ever seen. Just in case you don't know the background, Jolie was born premature and with a lateral cleft. The surgeon did a magnificent job of repairing her little mouth, so much so that most people don't even notice the scar. I knew the day would come when someone, or she, would notice it. I wish I could say I had prepared for that. But, truthfully, she is so beautiful and full of life that I just hadn't thought about it much.

Well, the day arrived. I don't know if a child in her class said something or if she just looked in the mirror and saw something that was different from the other kids. But it happened. A few weeks ago I was on the phone with my daughter when Jolie asked to cover her scar with a bandaid. I can't tell you how many people told me how different your feelings are for your grandchildren than they were for your children. I adore my kids. But my grandkids hold a place in my heart that I can't even begin to put in words. It hurt when someone was mean to my kids. Or when life just wasn't fair. But in comparison, oh just rip my heart out and stomp on it! I know Jolie will be ok. She is resilient and smart and funny, and she truly is beautiful. But the thought of her being hurt literally reduced me to tears, lots of tears. All the mama lion instincts in me rose up like a raging storm. I wanted to go marching up to her preschool and scream at the kids in her class. Now how silly is that? I opted instead to tell my daughter to let Jolie know next time she brings up her scar that Papa, (her hero), thinks she is the most beautiful little girl in the whole world, even prettier than all the Disney princesses, (her idols). That seemed a little more reasonable and healthy than beating up a bunch of four year old kids.

I always told my kids, "life isn't fair; deal with it." I know that sounds cruel but it's true. Expecting life to be fair is unrealistic. People will do mean things. Problems will arise. Bad things will happen. A couple of months ago I heard a quote on "Blue Bloods" that has replaced my 'deal with it' mantra. "Life isn't fair, but you can be." Gotta love wise words coming out of the mouth of Tom Selleck, right? lol

We can't always expect 'fair' from others. But living with the assurance that God is always fair, that His love is never conditional, that His mercy is unending, and that His grace is sufficient, makes being fair with others much easier.

Blessings!
Renea

2011-12-05T10:03:00.001-06:00

He'll break open the skies to save those who cry out His name. The One the winds and waves obey is strong enough to save you!

Never forsaken

2011-12-04T22:01:00.000-06:00

"Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you." Joshua 1:5b

My husband and I both have had a tendency in the past to hoard 'things.' His stemmed from a lifetime of moving around. His father was an amazing man who dedicated his life to ministering to others. He was one of the most brilliant men I've ever known. His incredible gift for seeing things as they really were, and how to make them what they needed to be, covered every imaginable skill. Building things, repairing just about anything, and seeing deep spiritual solutions that others couldn't even comprehend, made him a sought after pastor for churches in crisis. He could walk into a board meeting with heated division and see what needed to be done. And he set about to make it happen. Once that had taken place, he was called to go somewhere else. My husband learned by experience that nothing remained the same. So his solution was to just keep everything in stacks, or as I affectionately refer to them, piles, because he didn't see the need to put away what was just going to be moved again. I can laugh about it now but it used to really drive me crazy!

My experience was just the opposite. My parents lived in the same house from the time I was 2 years old until I was in my 30s. Every year during the holidays we did the same thing. Thanksgiving at my maternal grandparent's house, Christmas eve at home, Christmas day at my dad's sister's house. All of these holidays were filled with aunts, uncles and cousins, the same ones every year. We attended the same church my entire life. I had the same neighbors for most of my life. I had the kind of stability as a child that most people can't even comprehend these days. But my life fell apart just before my 30th birthday. Divorce. Single parenthood. A date rape and pregnancy. More single parenthood. Then I met my wonderful husband, fell in love, got married and lived happily ever after! Well, at least mostly. lol

So why did I hang on to so much 'stuff' from my past? While my husband clung to things because they were fleeting, I clung to things because they had been what I saw as my stability. I wanted my children to see the 'stuff' they had as children, smell the holiday meals that were so familiar to me, sense the everyday commonness of the iron bed I slept in at Grandma's house, hear the mantel clock strike the hour in the main room of her house. I wanted little old ladies to hug my children on Sunday mornings and tell them they remembered when they just little and still in diapers. My sense of loss had been so frightening to me that I was afraid if I let go of the 'things' that I would have nothing to hold on to. My husband and I both, unintentionally and unknowingly, confused the lines between what is of value and what matters.

As we head into the season of Christmas, I challenge you to look for the things that really matter. As it has been said, no one will say on their death bed that they wish they had spent more time at work, or whatever it is that keeps you from participating in the activities that will make life-long memories for your family. Make time to snuggle with your spouse, read a book to your child or grand-child, make cookies for the senior adult in your neighborhood, sing Christmas carols, go look at some pretty lights. After all, Christmas really does only come once a year. You don't want January to get here and you realize you missed all the fun!

All the stuff will go away sooner or later. But God will never leave you or forsake you. Enjoy the beauty of the season. But most of all, steal away for a little while just to be alone with God, and be amazed at who He really is.

Blessings!
Renea

Tim's tags, day 3

2011-12-03T15:00:00.001-06:00

This man is a genius. That's all I can say, except, wow . . .
http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/12/12-tags-of-christmastag-3.html

A joyful heart . . .

2011-12-03T12:58:00.002-06:00

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 NASV

I found all of this in an old box that has been stored at my house for, (embarrassed cough), about 25 years. Wow. I sewed for many years before I was a scrapbooker. They've all been washed and cleaned up now, ready for my craft room. As I was going through these, (side note - Boxes are not good places to store things long term. It was gross!), several things occurred to me.

This box was from a very different time period in my life. Back then money was so tight that I literally never threw anything away. I was reminded of how resourceful I can be when necessary. These are some of the 'containers' that I had used for storage.

Necessity is the mother of invention, right? It was a rather comical reminder to me that even in the hard times, God is still faithful. We were so poor back then that I'm amazed we didn't starve to death! One year as we were wrapping presents, (ie- clearance items I had picked up over the entire year so the kids would have something to open Christmas morning!), we ran out of tape. We had no money to go buy more. My mom owned a florist so I did have an abundance of ribbon. That year I taught our oldest how to wrap presents without tape by tying the ribbon around the box! We still laugh about it.

Marie Osmond's book, "Might as Well Laugh About It Now" is one of the current books on my stack of reading material. The title is from her outlook on life: "You're going to laugh about it someday . . . Might as well laugh about it now." My husband has told me about a million times over the last 22 years that 'it's' going to get better, referring to whatever 'it' was troubling us most at the time. Usually I've doubted his sanity. He's been right every time. Granted, things may have gotten much worse before they got better. But eventually, 'it' always got better.

Funny how that happens. The truth is that life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes those downs are extremely painful. Loss hurts. Fear can sometimes grip us so tightly that we can't even breathe. In those times, I'm trying to take Marie's advice these days. Go ahead and laugh, even if it's through the tears. Look for the bright spots through the pain. Cherish the happy memories but don't forget to make new ones. Let go of yesterday's hurt and look forward to tomorrow's sunshine. And just remember, like my sweet hubby says, it's gonna get better!

Blessings!
Renea

2011-11-28T10:06:00.001-06:00

The riches of Your love will always be enough. Nothing compares to Your embrace. Light of the world, forever reign!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-25T02:27:00.000-06:00

I've been a little MIA for a while. Just so busy with work, home, family, all the usual. But I wanted to take a minute to say I hope everyone had a wonderful day. I hope you took a minute to count your blessings and reflect on God's gracious love for you. And, I hope you didn't eat so much that you're miserable now! lol

We will actually had a quite day at home working on a few projects. My family is getting together Sat for the big turkey meal, after which I'm sure I will be miserable!

And remember, don't spend all your money on the black Friday sales! I've got some goodies coming up soon that you're going to want!

Blessings!
Renea

2011-11-20T10:19:00.001-06:00

Just saw the most beautiful thing, a man walking to church with his 2 children, bible in one hand, his little girl's hand in his other.

It's official!

2011-11-17T23:15:00.000-06:00

The holidays have officially arrived at the Smith house. My first batch of pumpkin bread, partially iced here, to send to my husband's office and my daughter's office tomorrow. (I forgot to photograph the blueberry pie my other daughter took to school today.)

Christmas is right around the corner!

Class Calendar!

2011-11-11T12:02:00.001-06:00

The north Jackson Michaels class calendar is now available on-line! W00T!!!
http://www.michaels.com/on/demandware.static/Sites-Michaels-Site/Sites-Michaels-Library/default/documents/calendars/stores/Event_Calendar_Store_2877.pdf

Cool tutorial on using Tim Holtz' Rock Candy Crackle

2011-11-10T00:17:00.002-06:00

This is so neat! A new way to use Rock Candy crackle!

http://tammytutterow.typepad.com/tammy_tutterow/2011/11/tuesday-tutorial-frosty-deboss.html

2011-11-09T17:15:00.001-06:00

'There is no pit so deep that my God is not deeper still.' Corrie ten Boom

November classes

2011-11-05T15:43:00.000-05:00

I'm working on getting my Nov classes posted. I have next week up now. Not too late to sign up! All classes listed are at Michaels North Jackson, corner of Ridgeway and County Line Rd.

Oops.

2011-11-05T13:57:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to rework my blog. Not working out so well. Patience, please, as I try to figure out what I did wrong. (That was more for me than anyone else. lol)

2011-10-31T20:27:00.001-05:00

I'm wearing my own personal costume creation: band wife. Lol

2011-10-31T20:26:00.001-05:00

Headed to Underground 119 to hear my hubby play with Raphael Semmes and other cool guys!

2011-10-28T19:17:00.001-05:00

I found a sticky that sticks to the non-stick craft mat. Stencil spray adhesive. You can get it off but takes effort. Leave it to me! My gift! Lol

2011-10-28T09:02:00.001-05:00

My classes today, Michaels N. Jackson: 1pm Cricut Test Drive-learn the Cricut; 4pm Christmas Tags Tim Holtz Style-fun techniques.

2011-10-28T08:55:00.001-05:00

Better is one day Your courts, better is one day in Your house than thousands elsewhere.

2011-10-26T09:05:00.001-05:00

He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures. My chains are gone. I've been set free. Unending love, amazing grace!

2011-10-24T08:56:00.001-05:00

Praying today for Pastor Dave and Pam Garner as they embark on a new adventure with God that takes them closer to grandkids!

2011-10-23T23:41:00.001-05:00

Warning. When using Mexican vanilla in uncooked recipes, you might want to use less than called for. Powerful stuff. Oops.

2011-10-19T14:32:00.001-05:00

Texted my husband that the bridge on our street is closed. His reply, 'take the long way home.' #Marriedtoamusician

2011-10-19T09:19:00.001-05:00

Lions! Tigers! And bears, oh my! Running lose in Ohio!

2011-10-18T09:25:00.001-05:00

There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary, love for the broken heart. There is mercy and healing, grace and forgiveness. Cry out to Jesus.

2011-10-13T12:00:00.001-05:00

My dad has lost 2 siblings in 4 weeks. So thankful today for my family's Christian heritage and the promise of heaven.

2011-10-09T22:51:00.001-05:00

My thoughts exactly. 'I cannot imagine life without books any more than I can imagine life without breathing.' Terry Brooks

2011-10-01T16:33:00.001-05:00

My knight! My prince! Hubby is finishing the bacon. I love you more than you know right now, Dear!

2011-10-01T16:20:00.001-05:00

Aloe vera plant growersand producers rock. Amen.

2011-10-01T16:13:00.001-05:00

When I fry bacon, I'm sure there's a pig somewhere with a voodoo doll of me. Hot grease just landed on a paper cut. Evil pig.

2011-10-01T16:08:00.001-05:00

Frying bacon is Extraordinarily stressful for me!

2011-10-01T14:13:00.001-05:00

@louiegiglio: Continuing to stand with Iranian Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, sentenced to die for faith! Let's speak up! bit.ly/pyjlAB

2011-09-30T09:19:00.001-05:00

'We don't find answers so much in what we already know as in what we think might be.' Terry Brooks

2011-09-30T09:13:00.001-05:00

Lol. 'Actually my family and friends like me well enough, but they think I am weird. Or at least peculiar. I can't blame them.' Terry Brooks

2011-09-29T08:54:00.001-05:00

Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Thy commandments. Ps 119:66

2011-09-28T09:14:00.001-05:00

Praying today for students who had the courage to stand for their beliefs and pray for their schools this morning at 'See You at the Pole.'

2011-09-28T09:06:00.001-05:00

My chains are gone. I've been set free. My God, my Saviour, has ransomed me. And like a flood, His mercy reigns. Unending love. Amazing grace.

2011-09-24T10:09:00.001-05:00

Are you a more advanced scrapbooker? Want to try something new? Altered canvas trio class today,6pm Michaels N. Jxn.

2011-09-23T20:35:00.001-05:00

Want to start scrapbooking? Don't know where to start? Come take my workshop tom 10-5 at Michaels N. Jxn!

2011-09-21T11:13:00.001-05:00

Got dessert and drinks delivered to Crys' class. She was thoroughly embarrassed. My day is complete. Lol

2011-09-21T08:34:00.001-05:00

MY BABY IS 21 TODAY! Happy birthday, Crystal!

2011-09-20T10:13:00.001-05:00

Wondering if panic mode is justified because they forgot my extra espresso shot in my latte. I may need therapy.

2011-09-19T13:40:00.001-05:00

Thankful today for love, life, and freedom from the debt of my past sin.

2011-09-17T09:55:00.003-05:00

'Down these mean streets a man must go who himself is not mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid.' Def of a hero quote from Blue Bloods.

2011-09-17T09:55:00.001-05:00

'Down these mean streets a man must go who himself is not mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid.' Def of a hero quote from Blue Bloods.

2011-09-15T09:22:00.001-05:00

Today I have been married to the man of my dreams, my own personal Prince Charming, for 22 short years. So blessed.

Love this quote

2011-09-14T22:36:00.000-05:00

This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind…let it be something good. Author Unknown.

2011-09-14T12:15:00.001-05:00

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing. Our helper, He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.

Numbers . . .

2011-09-12T20:46:00.000-05:00

Numbers fill our lives. So many areas of our lives are dominated by them. This past week, like most Americans, I was consumed with the numbers of 9/11/2001. The date. The time. The flight numbers. How many died. How many were never accounted for. How many rescued. How many still deployed fighting for our freedom.

But the number I was most consumed with this past week was ONE. On that dreadful morning, I was glued to the TV with my husband and father-in-law. I saw the second plane hit, live. It was all so surreal. Then a few minutes later I was jolted out of my state of shock and filled with complete horror. It was only a few brief seconds. But there, right in front of me, on live tv, I watched as one person jumped to his death from around the 100th floor. THAT ONE person is what I remember most from the whole day. I don't know his name, race, social status, family history, or anything else about him. But I watched as he chose to end his life by jumping rather than burning to death in the inferno of the tower.

As I pondered this for most of last week, it struck me how most numbers have a greater impact on us as they get larger. Weight. Blood pressure. Bank account. Age. Miles traveled. Years married. How many grandchildren. But it struck me as odd that the incredibly large numbers related to human suffering seem to be so overwhelming that they just float off into the oblivion of memory. How many people die every year of starvation, disease, abuse, murder, war? Yet for most of us, it doesn't really affect our daily activity unless it involves that ONE that we know, love, care for. For me, 9/11 is all about that ONE man. Every one who died that day was that ONE for someone. A spouse, child, brother or sister, co-worker. I believe this is much like how our Father sees things. We see a huge tragedy, thousands killed, our nation rocked to it's core. God sees that ONE, every single ONE, individually, as his child. Not just on 9/11, but every day.

There is no real comforting thought here that makes everything ok. Horrible things happen, even to the best of people. Yet I know that above all things, God is sovereign. I am so overwhelmed and in awe of how He loves. And I am confident that I can believe in things hoped for and things unseen because He has proven His faithfulness to me. My heart breaks for those who lost loved ones on 9/11 and since then. But I hope that the lesson in all of this for me is that, like that ONE who has kept those memories so real from that day, that I will view other tragic events in the same light. I don't want to get lost in the large numbers. Every life lost has meaning. Every soul saved is reason for rejoicing. We live in a world that is dying to find hope and I know where it's found. I pray that I find courage to share with those I come in contact with. Make me a light in the darkness, Father!

May God continue to bless America, but mostly, may He have mercy on us.

Renea

2011-09-11T12:22:00.001-05:00

Praise be to the Father who is able to do exceedingly more than we could ever think or imagine! And imagine pretty well. L3, Eph 3

2011-09-10T19:35:00.001-05:00

Great open house today at Michaels north Jackson store. Looking forward to awesome classes this month and in Oct!

2011-09-10T10:25:00.001-05:00

'Every blessing You pour out I'll turn back to praise. When the darkness closes in, Lord, still I wilk say, blessed be Your name!' Tree 63

2011-09-10T01:02:00.000-05:00

Just in case you didn't see - Michaels is having open house Saturday, Sept. 10th, 1-3pm for the classroom. All class registrations will be half price, even for Oct classes! Come sign up for scrapbook classes! We have a bunch of them to choose from! I teach at the County Line store in north Jackson.

2011-09-09T16:29:00.001-05:00

So cool to hear Tim Holtz's voice on the intercom at Michaels!

2011-09-09T09:50:00.001-05:00

Praying for those who've suffered from the wildfires in Texas.

2011-09-09T08:58:00.001-05:00

Come to Michaels tomorrow! 10am-noon for demos and MITI. Class open house 1-3. Class reg for Sept and Oct half price!

2011-09-08T09:22:00.001-05:00

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, oh Lord, my rock and redeemer.

2011-09-06T09:04:00.001-05:00

Oh, my God, He will not delay. My refuge and strength always. Always.

2011-09-03T12:08:00.001-05:00

Howard Jones Jazz featuring my most amazing Hubby on keys playing today at Tommy Jones Blues Festival in Terry at 2:15!

2011-08-31T19:31:00.001-05:00

Don't let where you are now keep you from going where God wants you to be. Craig Curtis

2011-08-30T12:50:00.001-05:00

A couple times a year I just give in, take migraine meds and eat a big bite of Hershey's. Mmmmm. Consequences will follow.

2011-08-30T09:41:00.001-05:00

In the dead of night whenever you call, please don't fight these hands that are holding you. My hands are holding you.10thavenorth

2011-08-26T23:06:00.001-05:00

So excited that I can set my alarm to 'off' for in the morning! It's the little things . . .

2011-08-26T09:25:00.001-05:00

Praying today for families in crisis. For wisdom and peace that only comes from the Father.

2011-08-25T19:38:00.001-05:00

I must learn to step away from the bling on projects! But isn't more always better? Lol

2011-08-25T09:46:00.001-05:00

Turn your ears to heaven and hear the noise in silence. Oh, how constant, how divine! Oh, praise Him! He is holy! David Crowder

2011-08-24T15:53:00.001-05:00

His mercy is always greater than all your wrong choices. You can come as you are and hear the sound of love. -Pocket Full of Rocks

2011-08-22T09:18:00.001-05:00

All of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory.

2011-08-20T12:52:00.001-05:00

COME CROP WITH US TODAY AT MICHAELS! North Jackson location. 1 to 7.

2011-08-19T14:40:00.001-05:00

Wow. Almost 1000.00 in HCC bookstore and still counting. I'm in the wrong line of work. Need to go into college textbook sales.

A desperate need right now!

2011-08-17T21:28:00.000-05:00

My dear friends, Charlotte and Roy Wingard, inner city missionaries in Jackson, are in desperate need of some financial support right now. Due to the economy, they have lost some of their support and are really in a bind. Please consider helping. They do an incredible work with people that many of us wouldn't let near us! My family has worked with them for many years and continue to be amazed at how God uses them.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions! You can copy and paste the link below to see the note from Charlotte. The second link is to their website just in case you don't have facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/?sk=inbox&action=read&tid=id.180194095386732

www.wingardhome.org

2011-08-17T19:07:00.001-05:00

To all plumbers, let me just say God bless you for your service to humanity and may you live long and prosper. Dirty job. Seriously.

2011-08-14T17:35:00.001-05:00

So incredibly sad what happened in Indiana last night. Praying for the injured and the families of those who died in this tragedy.

2011-08-14T13:14:00.001-05:00

God's timing is perfect. So is His sense of direction.

2011-08-12T10:28:00.001-05:00

Praying today for families in crisis. From abuse, abandonment and addiction to hope, healing, and security in Christ.

2011-08-11T22:34:00.001-05:00

I seriously think that was the best concert I've ever been to! And sitting with 3 musicians who knew every song made it even more fun!

2011-08-11T17:45:00.001-05:00

So excited! Headed to hear CHICAGO with my sweet Hubby! Woot! Thank you, J.P.!

2011-08-11T13:07:00.001-05:00

Into the darkness You shine. Out of the ashes we rise. There's no one like You! Our God is greater, stronger, higher than any other!

Don't forget . . .

2011-08-10T22:29:00.000-05:00

You can still get in on a couple of classes this month! And don't forget the Crop on Sat. this month instead of Fri.

Punch Around the Page, Martha Stewart Crafts, Friday, August 19th, 3:00-5:00 - Learn how versatile and fun it is to use Martha's Punch Around the Page and go home with a couple of gorgeous cards! These are beautiful punches that add so much to your pages and cards, even home decor! $10.00 plus class kit
*Punches do not come in the kit. You may use the ones we have in the classroom before you buy.

Glitter Class, Martha Stewarts Crafts, Saturday, August 20th, 10:00-Noon - Did you know that there are several different types of glitter? Learn the differences and how they work in this class and some cool techniques for applying glitter to your projects! $10.00 plus class kit

CROP! Saturday, August 20th, 1:00-9:00 - A whole 8 hours of fun cropping time!!!!! Come on out and play! $5.00

2011-08-10T09:36:00.001-05:00

Praying today for fatherless children, particularly in Jackson. 'The fatherless find their rest in Your great name.'

2011-08-08T14:18:00.001-05:00

Praying today for students, faculty and admin who returned to school today, specifically for safety and protection this year.

2011-08-07T15:18:00.001-05:00

You make beautiful things out of the dust. You make beautiful things out of us. You are making me new!

2011-08-05T12:50:00.001-05:00

Today praying for Pastor Bob and Carolyn Lanier and their family as they minister at One Accord Church, church plant in south Jackson.

Finally pics of the Paper Bag Mini Album

2011-08-05T11:57:00.000-05:00

This is my cover. I made mine about my family trip to D.C. last year.

There's lots of hidden pages for extra pics and journaling! (And, of course, I had to pick the page that I messed up with a stamp to photograph! lol

Each of those half circles pulls out another page!

And there are little slide out pages, too!