Friday, November 30, 2018

Bee Happy Scrapbook Layout


This scrapbook layout was created with Cricut Design Space.
Click here for the cut file if you want to make one too.

Cricut cartridge cuts:
Bees & Flowers - Create a Critter
Bee Happy title - Just Because Cards

Stampin' Up & Recollections cardstock
Blue background pattern cardstock from Craft Smith 12x12 pad

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Friendship Cards


Close To My Heart Documented Workshop Kit
for pattern papers and enamel dots.
Close To My Heart, Documented - Cardmaking stamp set
for sentiment and images.
Thanks for visiting with me today!

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

No Prob-LLAMA


This card is actually the size of a regular A2 card cut in half.
I just folded the card, and cut it down the middle with my trimmer. 
This made a tall and skinny card. Something a little different. It's so cute.

I followed the sample card from the Simon Says Stamp 
Limited Edition, I Chews You, card kit from September 2018.

White card base
Background sponged with yellow, peach, and light blue
3D llama, sentiment, and grass stickers from Doodlebug Design (from the SSS card kit)

I love this llama. He's so cute! I need a drawer full of these stickers.


Thanks for visiting with me today.
I love comments.
Here is your comment prompt for the day...
Have you ever seen a llama in person? Where?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Spread Love Wherever You Go


Close To My Heart Happy Times workshop kit
Close To My Heart, Lovely Garden stamp set

Monday, November 26, 2018

Happy Birthday Card



Close To My Heart, Florence Workshop Kit
Flowers colored with Spectrum Noir markers

Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
Do you color for crafting or relaxing?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Sunday, November 25, 2018

You Are Fabulous


Close To My Heart Happy Days workshop kit
Close To My Heart Tickled Pink stamp set
Fiskars Scalloped Scallop punch

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Hand Colored Flowers Thank You Cards


Close To My Heart, Florence Workshop Kit
CTMH Mini Stapler
Flowers colored with markers
Banner watercolored
Thanks for visiting with me today!

Friday, November 23, 2018

Find Joy in the Little Things


The Paper Nest Dolls image, Owl Always Love You
Image colored with Stampin' Up Blends
Stampin' Up cardstock
Doodlebug Design enamel dots & Down on the Farm 6x6 paper pad
The Stamps of Life, Oct 2017 kit club stamp set for sentiment

Anna Griffin Flower Grid Embossing Folder

Sizzix Dotted Rectangle Dies



Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
When was the last time you saw an owl?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Thursday, November 22, 2018

You're KNOT that Old


You're KNOT that old... get it... a pretzel... with a knot... hehehehehehe
Almost everything used to make this card is from the 
Simon Says Stamp Limited Edition card kit from September,
I CHEWS you including the pattern papers, sequins, cardstock, glitter paper, pretzel die, sentiment from the kit stamp set, and the puffy cupcake paperclip.

I also used a lacy circle die and stitched circle die.
The sketch is one of my favorites I created for Paper Play Sketches #1.




Thanks for visiting with me today.
I love reading your comments.
Here is your comment prompt for the day...
Do you like your pretzels salty, dipped in cheese, or another way?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Relax and Enjoy Your Day



Close To My Heart Workshop Kit, Fresh Air


Close To My Heart Fresh Air Cardmaking & die set

Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
When was the last time you went on a vacation?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Thank You For Everything


Mini Square Card
Simon Says Stamp, Nutty Over You stamp set
Heat embossed sentiment
Acorn embellishment
Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
What's the most common thing you use in your crafting?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Monday, November 19, 2018

Thankful Layout

This layout cut file is in Cricut Design Space in the Photo Memories section. It has "Halloween" for the title, but I just changed it out to say, "Thankful."
You can find the ready made cut file here.



Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
Do you love wearing and collecting Fall sweaters?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Sunday, November 18, 2018

Scarecrow Card




Peachy Keen face stamps
Stampin' Up Modern Label Punch & "Truly Grateful" stamp set (sentiment)

Saturday, November 17, 2018

Owl Fall Card

Time for a new challenge at Sunny Day Crafting.


Close To My Heart, Florence paper pack (retired)
Close To My Heart, Woodland Critters (retired) for stamped images

Friday, November 16, 2018

Happy Fall Friend


Simon Says Stamp, Nuts About You stamp and die set
Image colored with Spectrum Noir markers
Sizzix, Egelits for card opening on bottom of front
My Favorite Things, Stitched Banner Dies

The Stamps of Life supplies:
cardstock for card base
sentiment from August 2016 kit club
Dream Collection 6x6 paper pad
Thick Twine (love the thick twine)
Puffy Stickers (leaf and acorn)

Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
Do you color in your crafting?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Thursday, November 15, 2018

My Besties Christmas Card


My Besties Image 221, find it in the store here



After I created this card, I decided to create a digital sketch of the card design.
Colored with Stampin' Up Blends
Stampin' Up cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Sugar Plum, Old Olive
My Favorite Things, Stitched rectangle & circle dies
Tiny Banner punch
Stampin' Up, Christmas in the Making (sentiment)

Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
Do you ever use card sketches in your crafting?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

So Grateful


This card was created using the Simon Says Stamp November card kit, "Thanks & Leaves," and following one of the sample cards on the insert sheet. 
Stampin' Up inks & Painted Harvest stamp set for the filler dots.


Thanks for visiting with me.
Your comment prompt for today is,
Read any good books lately?
Hugs,
Janis

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Happy Birthday Card



Stampin' Up! supplies:
Stamp Set: Lemon Zest
Punch: Lemon Builder
Dies: Stitched Shapes, Layering Circles
Designer Series Paper: Tutti-Fruiti
Cardstock: Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight
Inks: Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight, Real Red
Embellishments: Iridescent Sequin Assortment
Adhesives: Snail, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots


Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
Did you ever have a lemonade booth as a kid?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Monday, November 12, 2018

Welcome Home

For quite a while now, I've been wanting to share with you my walk with the Lord to hopefully inspire you and give you a chance to spend a little time with God thanking Him for all He has done, and is able to do in your life.

I try to write; I fumble it all up; I end up deleting it.

Well, this is me writing to you as a Sister in Christ sitting down together to share some time with the God who loves us more than we can imagine.

I'm not a writer. I'm not schooled in how to preach. I may not know exactly where a Bible verse is located that I've heard and want to reference without looking it up.

But if you care to, sit with me a while. Let's come together as Christian sisters and support each other in prayer and encouragement as well as in praise for the awesome God who created us, and has plans for us.

Today I just want to chat with you. No real Scripture reference to focus on or anything like that. Just spend some time together with you chatting like old friends.

I was born and raised Methodist. As a young married woman, joined a Baptist church. We move around a lot, and finding a new church each time just wasn't a priority for me. I'm keeping it real here. It should have been, but it wasn't. For years I have not attended church. I've had a little tug to find one. I would think about it off and on, but not act on it.

When we moved back to South Carolina a month or so ago, my mother-in-law invited me to her church. It sounded great, but I didn't go. It is 40 minutes away from where I live. Our son started going to that church with his Granny (my mother-in-law), gosh a year or more ago.... He liked it. Then he started dating the Praise & Worship leader for the early Contemporary Service. Two weeks ago, he married her. Several times since moving back home, he has invited me to church. Even going as far as to offer to drive out here, pick me up, and bring me back home. Now that's pretty awesome, and still I declined. The whole while having the following Scripture run through my mind over and over again. (Thank You, Holy Spirit, for not giving up on me.)

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." 
(Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)

Can you say rebellious? Stubborn? That was me. Thankfully, God is slow to anger, and forgiving, and full of mercy.

When my son got married at that church a couple of weeks ago, I don't think I've ever enjoyed a wedding service so much. No, I'm sure I haven't ever enjoyed one so much. It wasn't stale. It was personal. The pastor was genuine. Was just a normal man explaining to them what they were committing to, and explaining to us at the same time what our role would be in supporting them in this marriage. He explained the symbolism of the wedding ring. He explained how a man and a woman leave their families and cling to each other as a new family. As one person. He brought up Ruth from the Bible and explained the passage, "Your people will be my people. Your God will be my God." '(Ruth 1:16) And he explained what it means to become one in marriage. I absolutely loved it. Never have I heard things explained so simply. All with Bible references. This wasn't an opinion he had. This was Scriptural.

Let me back up just a minute. I was raised in a church where you didn't speak once you entered the building. You didn't audibly say Amen. You didn't raise your hands in worship. You stood up and sat down on cue and went through all the rituals and speaking parts expected of you. The preacher would read a Scripture and then go on to tell a story that always had me wondering what in the world does that have to do with the Bible Scripture? (And in his defense, that easily could have been my own immaturity as a Christian.) I wanted a Bible Study. I wanted him to read a verse, and then explain to me what it meant. I was hungry to learn, and not getting it. I'm not saying it was a bad church. I'm saying I didn't fit there. I wanted happiness. I wanted spontaneity. I wanted free feelings, not rituals and reciting things because that's what you were suppose to do. I wanted to learn what the Scripture meant, and have that meaning backed up with more Scripture. I wanted more of what I get with Kay Arthur of Precept Upon Precept. I wanted that kind of Sunday morning experience.

So... this church where my son got married, during the wedding ceremony  people laughed when something was funny. People agreed and said Amen out loud when they felt they wanted to do that. It was open. It was free. It was okay to participate in the service by responding. AND what I really loved was that the pastor didn't "preach." But instead he taught. And he backed it up with Scripture so if I wasn't sure what I was hearing was entirely accurate, I could go look it up and see if it aligned with God's Word. I wanted to be a part of this church.

Two Sundays ago, at the suggestion of my husband who I adore, I decided to go to church. I told Tom I was thinking about one right down the road from us. He was very surprised. He said why not Jimmy's church. I thought you liked it. I said I did, but I don't want it being so far away to become a thing. Tom encouraged me to go there. That's what Bonnie and I did the following Sunday. We went early so we could enjoy the praise band practicing before service. It was awesome! Drums, guitars, bongos, electric guitars, singers... and there is my brand new daughter-in-law playing the keyboard, singing lead vocals and leading the whole thing. How blessed am I? Very. This is what I call church. Sing along. Don't sing along. Raise your hands in worship, don't raise your hands in worship. Laugh if you can't help it. Say Amen if you agree... This is where I need to be. So what if it's 40 minutes away? God is there.

What I mean by that is I can feel His presence to the point of tears just walking in, because I am so overwhelmed at the overflow of love and His presence and how unworthy I am to be in His presence, that it's all I can do to fight back tears. And a few sneaked out. I won't lie. I tried to stop it and hide it, but Bonnie noticed and asked if I was sad. I told her no, they were happy tears. Last week was all about getting back to the presence of God with other believers. About being so overwhelmed with thankfulness that He can love a sinner like me. Knowing Christ paid for all of my past, present, and future sins. It's all taken care of. I'm not worthy, but Christ has made me worthy by taking my sins away and paying for them so I don't have to. Christ is the bridge to the Father. I felt overwhelmed with love. Almost like a "welcome home" from God. Glad to have you back. Enjoy what you've been missing... that kind of thing.

Yesterday, I went again for the early Contemporary service. And this time most of the songs we sung in praise and worship I already knew from The Message radio station, and KLOVE, and AirOne and just playing Top Christian music on Alexa at home. Tom called me (he's currently working in Alaska, so he splits his time between Alaska and being home in South Carolina) while they were still practicing before service started, and he asked what in the world was all of that. I laughed. I said it's the practice session for the Praise and Worship team, and they are rockin' it! I love it! He asked why I was answering the phone during church. I said no one was here yet, it was just practice.

This past Sunday was less about being overwhelmed with being in the presence of God, and more about praising and singing and swaying and tapping my feet with praise, thankfulness, and freedom of worship. I could stay there for hours.

Let me encourage you today. If you have not been to church in a while, why not go back. Just the one time. See if you feel like that's where you need to be. If not, visit another church. Maybe you've even had friends or family invite you to church, and it was just easier to decline, than take a chance and give it a try. I've been there. I've done that. I get it. But if you have the slightest inclination that it could be good for your soul, take a chance. Go. You don't even have to tell anyone you are going. You can hide in the back. It's not about who sees you. It's about sitting with God in the presence of brothers and sisters in Christ. There is something supernatural about being with other Christians in church. Remember that Scripture...

"For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them." 
(Matthew 18:20 ESV)

It's true. God doesn't lie. And His promises are always fulfilled. Spending time alone with God is important. It's vital to get through this life, in my opinion. But there's just something unexplainable about meeting together with other brothers and sisters. Don't miss out on this blessing. It can do wonders for your soul.

Let us pray and agree together in Christ...

Thank You, God, for churches that teach Your Word, honor Your name, and help equip us with the knowledge we need to get through day to day living. I pray for each one reading this prayer and praying along with me. Help them, Father.

For the sister who has a burden so deep, she can't even speak it out loud... encourage her. Help her take up the full armor of God and fight the true enemy. Not the circumstances he throws at us, but the culprit behind our battle, the devil himself. There is power in Your name. Your power is immeasurable. Open up the flood gates in her life and fill her cup to overflowing, that she can see she is not alone. So she can see the victory is already her's in Christ. Take her burden. Help her lay it down at Your feet. You want to help her. She just has to ask You.

For the sister who is lonely, work in someone near her to reach out to her. Invite her to church. To tell her how You are a friend who will never leave us or forsake us. You are with us even when we don't feel You there, You are. And You love her. Wrap Your love around her like a warm blanket so she can feel You near. Comfort her. Encourage her.

For the sister who is sick, give her healing in the name of Jesus. Maybe there is no cure. Or maybe it's something that goes beyond the physical. Whatever it is, Father, You are our Healer. You are greater than any disease. Sometimes, Father, healing is not the answer. Sometimes the answer is to refine us through sickness, through trials, through suffering. We know that all things work toward good for those who love the Lord. So if healing is not the answer, then I pray that You teach her, that You guide her, that You give her the strength to go through the sickness so that she can be an example to others how to live even if things aren't how she wants them to be. She will meet doctors, nurses, and so many others because of her sickness that otherwise she never would have met. She can be a testimony to them all. Even if she never knows how she touched someone's life.

For the sister who cries herself to sleep because her life isn't where she wants it to be, let her cling to You. Let her continue to read Your Word. Because there is healing in Your Word. Let her continue to pray and fight the spiritual battle going on all around her. She's not helpless. She's a child of God. She's Your daughter, and You care for her. Give her everything she needs to get through this time. Because she needs You. And I hurt for her, Father. Whisper through Your Holy Spirit the Scriptures she learned as a child. Help her open her Bible to find encouragement and promises from You. Because again, God, all of Your promises are fulfilled. Thank You for that!

There are many others with specific needs not mentioned here. I pray for every single one. Let there be an outpouring of Your Holy Spirit to reach every person praying with me now. Every circumstance. Every problem. Every mountain of impossible situations. Because nothing is too hard for You. Whatever it is that's going on, teach them how to live through it, because one day their child, their friend, their co-worker, will be faced with a similar situation, and they are going to need love and support and understanding. The understanding that can only come because the person encouraging them has been through it too. And it does pass. It does get better.

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Good Times


Close To My Heart, Prickly Pear workshop kit

Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
Do you see a lot of cacti where you live?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Fall Card



Cricut cartridge, Simply Scarecrows 
Doodlebug Designs, Flea Market 6x6 paper pad
Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
Are you a card maker?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Thank You


Close To My Heart Workshop Kit, Fresh Air



Close To My Heart Fresh Air Cardmaking & die set

Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
When was the last time you mailed or received a thank you note?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Friday, November 9, 2018

Truck of Pumpkins



Cricut cartridges
Truck - Just Because Cards
Pumpkins - Designer's Calendar
Doodlebug Designs, Flea Market 6x6 paper pad
Cardz TV Stamps, Fall Fun

Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
Do you decorate or cook with pumpkins in the Fall?

Hugs!
:) Janis 

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Fall Tag



Basic Tags, from Silhouette Store
Pattern fill 
Nuts About Fall Squirrel Stickers
Foam Tape
Ribbon & Burlap Ribbon
Cardz TV Stamps, Fall Fun

Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
What's your favorite thing about Fall?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Life is a Beautiful Thing


Close To My Heart Workshop Kit, Fresh Air


Close To My Heart Fresh Air Cardmaking & die set

Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
What is your favorite crafting company?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Mail Delivery



The mail is the highlight of my day. 
I love getting happy mail especially packages from UPS.
I'm just sayin'.  :) 
Cricut cartridge, Pop-Up Neighborhood
Echo Park, Go. See. Explore. 6x6 paper pad

Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
When was the last time you mailed a card or letter?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Monday, November 5, 2018

Your Friendship Warms My Heart


Paper Play Sketches #7


Cricut cartridge, JGoode Designs, Penguins
Stampin' Up! dies: Stitched Shapes
Cardstock: Basic Black, Kraft
The Stamps of Life, Happy Holidays Collection 6x6 paper pad
Cardz TV Stamps, Winter Cheer


Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
Do you get snow in the winter where you live?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Sunday, November 4, 2018

Autumn Greetings


Card sketch from Clips-n-Cuts.
Simon Says Stamp set, Nutty Over You
Acorn embellishment from Little B
Ribbon from stash

Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
Do you make homemade wreaths for your door?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Happy Fall


Supplies from Cardz TV Stamps, September card kit:
Embossing folder, Carta Bella - Hello Fall words
Card base
Other supplies:
Trendy Twine
Echo Park, Lori Whitlock - Celebrate Autumn Collection Kit
Gold Sparkle Gems
Foam Tape


Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
Do you have birds living in your trees? What kind?

Hugs!
:) Janis

Friday, November 2, 2018

Always Happy Birthday November Challenge

Hi, everyone!
Time for a new challenge at Always Happy Birthday.

Cricut Design Space cut file HERE
Scrapbook Pages
Be sure to see the link to the cut file in the photo caption.
Stickers added from the Glamour Girl collection.
Come join us this month!

Thanks for visiting with me today!
Your comment prompt for today is:
When was the last time you had a birthday party or went to a birthday party?

Hugs!
:) Janis