From My Heart to Yours

 You (God) satisfy me more than the richest of foods

Psalm 63:5 (NLT)

HEALTH - this is what I need to aim for right now... and I am asking all of you to think of me because I am weak and I love to eat.  I am also an emotional eater and have several foods that I tend to "got to" and I eat late at night.  So please, remember me in your prayers.  I need to lose weight; many pounds!   It will take few years to get them off but I need to accomplish this goal. 

I am trying to drink more water which I encourage all of you to do too. 
I started at a circuit workout downtown (muscle thereapy fitness if you have a Facebook page).  I've gone 2 days in a row...but have not gone 2 days in a row now; the weather switched and it hurt (Fibromyalgia).  I am feeling better but a snow storm came in this evening and I couldn't get down there tonight.  I need to go tomorrow - this is my goal;) for the weekend and for my emotional/stress I will go to church!  My daughter said she is going so I can ride along.  I am looking forward to attending.

My daughter is a high risk pregnancy and she is expecting a boy in August and she has a 3 year old son who I love to watch.  When he naps - Uma (me) gets to nap too.  I am tired a lot (Lupus, Fibro). So keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I try to move to a healthier me.  Thank you.... 

PS:  for happiness I NEED to organize a craft room and get all my things out and get them in one place so I can play again!  I use to teach classes and make projects for people; I so enjoyed playing with paper and rubber stamps!

True's Gift's From the Heart

ISN'T THIS FUN!  Go to True's Gift's From the Heart to see these projects!


There is a filmstrip of her creations on photobucket - HERE






 
HERE is a site for Inspirational Pictures - Bible Verses on Landscape, Nature and Wildlife pictures.


I did another "blog hop" from a new source - a page I found on Facebook.  There are a lot of people on Facebook who craft and I have included them in my friend section but marked them as craft; not friend or acquaintance (I added craft - it wasn't one of the choices).

I love this monochromatic card by Crafty and Green

I would also like you to check out this monochromatic card by Cheery Lynn Designs. 

I believe using this style takes a lot of forethought.   When was the last time you did a card without color?  Sometimes a monochromatic card (“one color”) or a black & white card is a refreshing change of pace.

SO I CHALLENGE ALL OF YOU - MAKE A MONOCHROMATIC CARD;)  and let me see it for I sure do love seeing your art!

WIN  from Extra Tv!!!

HERE to try and win a Win a BlackBerry PlayBook

Now everything that matters to you is just a swipe, slide or touch away with the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. With powerful QNX technology, the PlayBook is ready to work at a moment’s notice. Calendar, contacts and messages apps are built right in -- and new features give you more information about your contacts and the people and companies on your calendar. You can edit files right from your tablet with Documents To Go. There are also hours of entertainment with games, music, apps and more!  “Extra” is giving away a BlackBerry PlayBook tablet to five lucky friends. Enter to win!

Read more: http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2012/02/win_a_blackberry_playbook.php?adid=030212_newsletter_win_a_blackberry_playbook#ixzz1o246kaPP

BUT HURRY this has a limited time!

DON'T FORGET

MARCH IS NATIONAL CRAFT MONTH!

Get inspired

Throughout March, opportunities abound... through stores, on-line...make and takes, sales... ENJOY! Learn new techniques or do something you haven't done in awhile.  It is so satisfying to see your efforts come to reality.  Make your spirit fulfilled! and don't forget our children.  Teach them and show them for they need to learn crafts.  Let them use their imagination, their hands... ART is so important for all our development!  This WEBSITE has a great explanation of why art is so important for our youth...but I believe it can be applied to our own lives too.

'til next time,


Con

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NAS)

THE PRAYER INSTRUMENTAL

24 Hour Prayer Guide

(Central Christian Church - Beloit, WI)

Scriptures for personal devotion and quiet time:

Ephesians 6:10-20          James 5:12-20
Mark 9:14-29         Acts 4:23-31

Matthew 6:5-13        Romans 8:26-27
Psalm 91         Psalm 139:1-14

Jeremiah 33:2-3         Romans 12:1-2
Matthew 16:13-19         Psalm 121

Ephesians 1:17-21        Jeremiah 29:11-13
Zephaniah 3:17         Matthew 6:33-34

Please spend time praying for the following:

1. That our Father may grant us personal holiness and character.

- Psalm 139:23-24

2. That our Father would help us understand His Word.

- Proverbs 2:1-5

3. That our Father would help us know the power of His Word.

- 2 Timothy 3:16-17

4. That our Father would come against evil in this world and destroy Satan’s
    stronghold in our lives and in the lives of people that we love.

- Ephesians 6:10-20

5. That our Father would allow us to witness the answers to our prayers.

- John 14:12-14

6. That our Father would send His favor upon your lives and the lives of people
    that we love.

 John 15:1-8

7. That our Father would send His favor upon His Church.

- Acts 2:40-47

I enjoy looking through the gallery of Splitcoaststampers.  Today I found the perfect card and blogger to share with you.  Both of these cards were Created by Miss Patter Cross (for Our Daily Bread Designs).  Please take time to read her enlightening blog articles and look at her beautiful cards.  She is a very gifted artist and writer.

Triple the Scraps

 

Challenge Word #25: Yield

 

Hymn Challenge #1: Amazing Grace

If you want to get social with "Splitcoaststampers" 
you can locate them on Face Book.too;)

'til next time,

Con

Things are getting better...



Sorry I haven't written in a while my excuse edema and bronchitis... things are getting better so I thought why not share some TV programs I watched while recuperating!  



When I start feeling better it's back to the gym, Frenchy's Fitness!



I just watched the BYU TV channel "Scrapbook Memories" (series1612). 

During their opening show segment they demonstrated a great product; or at least I think it is...

The Freeze Frame!

A see-through mesh that grips your paper projects but will not rip them when you peel them off.  This is perfect for projects up to 12x12 inches for how it works please go to their website - they show step-by-step instructions.  I just emailed them to see if they are going to be expanding. They do sell in some stores in the US but not near me, unfortunately.  I am waiting anxiously to hear back from them.

On the same program they demonstrated the Kaleidoscope Kreator software.  One can create beautiful, one-of-a-kind kaleidoscope designs from your own photos and images!  Check them out... they also have a blog site with some great information.  Check out this jewelry made with the software.  Beautiful! and think of all the pretty cards or scrapbook pages you could make.

I record these shows on my DVR (and nobody better delete them; LOL).  They also had other nice projects like this "Alphabets & Letters" series 1606.  Elmer's Love Letters...

To find a schedule of "Scrapbook Memories" click HERE and  Projects:  HERE.

A lot of channels like DIY and HGTV have removed their crafting shows much to my dismay; (but I did find a show on BYU TV (Directv Channel 374) called

"Crafting at the Spotted Canary"

I love this show too and yes I recorded them on my DVR because I really like their projects.  They do a great job explaining their projects.  HERE is where you can find a list of their projects. 

Like this adorable 1st Birthday Memory Box. 

HERE is where you can check when Crafting at the Spotted Canary will be on the tv.  You can also become a member or sign up for their newsletter.  They are on Facebook too.

Learn to Decoden is a FREE, self-paced online class that Crafting at the Spotted Canary will teach you all about the fun Japanese craft of Decoden. 

Crafty Caring Friends CRAFT ROOM

I am starting to move my crafting supplies upstairs - right now they are scattered all over the house and attic.  My husband put some of the stuff in the attic...I didn't; to him they are just junk to me they are treasures. He said I can use my son's old room so now I have a new project on how to put this room together.  I have a lot for the size of the room.  It isn't that big, has two windows and a slanted roof-line.  It could also use a paint job;) and shelves. One day at a time is going to be my motto because I will need help putting the room together. I just need to utilize every space to the most!  It is about a 10' x 10' room with a closet which I need to leave accessible space for my husband to access the attic.  I am looking forward to this room; it has been a long time since all my items had been together. I look forward to creating again rather than just find other's projects....

CLASS:

Don't forget my friend Jeannie at Creative Connections is having a card class this Saturday.  From Facebook...  my Facebook Friend also will have the NEW Stampin Up catalog at the class for you to look through!

Creative Connections

Saturday's workshop is Easter and Mother's Day cards. RSVP if you want to attend. I have an Easter treat for those who attend. Lunch is included. Next workshop is May 14th, Graduation and Father's Day cards. New stamps set every month!

Jehovah himself is caring for you!
he is your defender, He protects you day and night.
He keeps you from all evil, and
preserves your life. He keeps his eye upon you
as you come and go, and always guards you.
Psalms 121: 5-8


 

'til next time,

Con

HAPPY ST. PAT'S DAY! Consumers please “buy local”

My family lives in a small community of Durand.  I have been involved with many organizaations within our community...school, government, retail, volunteer...  I see too many small-towns fading away. Have you looked around at the buildings in your area...are they falling in disrepair?  No Jobs - No Money.  Sad times for everyone escpecially our youth.  America needs to be a place where one can "Dream" again.

We have service industries in Durand.   ... almost every one needs to drive at least 15 - 40 minutes to get to work. 

The "Durand" link above is for our DARTS organization.  The purpose of DARTS is to enhance the opportunities for local businesses to grow and the community to grow. It does this through sponsored activities that create greater awareness of the community. So I encourage you to go to the site to see what is happening in Durand and come and enjoy our Village! 

We also have a new business co-op in town called

It's Just Between Friends.

I encourage you to read the Info page...

they have a lot of different services to offer.

They also are a part of Veterans Helping Veterans.

We have many other services and stores in town but the following provide our biggest sales tax revenue... a grocery store, auto dealership, home improvement and a nursing/retirement home.  If it weren't for these businesses our city government and school would suffer; so utilize them and thank them for being here.

Grocery:  Pacemaker at 101 Center St... WEBSITE

 

 

Auto Dealership:  Bryden Ford of Durand at 303 Center St.... WEBSITE    

Bryden Ford in Durand! We're Closer Than You Think!

 

 

Home Improvement:  Barker Lumber Co at 202 W Howard St...  WEBSITE

 

 

Retirement Home:  Medina Manor Retirement Center at 402 S Center St... This facility also provides extended-stay nursing care to seniors with varying levels of disabilities

FACT:

When you buy from a locally owned business you are supporting yourself!

Local business people live in our communities. They pay property, income and business taxes in our communities. They spend nearly all the profits from their business in our local communities, fueling economic growth. They work hard to make sure that the products we buy are of significant quality. They beautify our downtowns and enrich our lives. Their stores often carry items that we are unlikely to find anywhere else. They offer the personal service that makes buying a pleasant experience rather than a chore. They greet us with a smile. They remember our names. In short, they make shopping a pleasure and living in or near our community part of a wonderful way of life. AMEN

Today's locally owned businesses can offer us something just a bit different than other merchants...

WHY I SUPPORT OUR SMALL-TOWM MERCHANTS

1.  Less frenzied venue; I dislike lines and waiting.  I can browse in peace.

2.  Offer harder-to-find collectibles, antiques and handmade items, among other quality goods...*  Making home-made items don't make them less expensive! I should know because I craft.

3.  Higher gas prices - shop in town and save gas; it's greener too if you walk or ride a bike

4.  Losing a local retailer, even a corporately owned retailer, is a loss for the community as a whole...This one is important!  You would lose a lot of community services!

5.  Merchant takes the time to greet you and get to know who you are

6.  Someone takes the time to inquire to what your interests are, and then they help guide you

7.  They hire locals especially high school kids

8.  Community Government/Schools rely on sales tax - with a higher percentage of money staying in the community, small-towns can afford to have public services and better supported schools

9.  Local merchants spend their money at other local businesses... Enhances the wealth of the community by working with local businesses, which may in turn make our area more pleasant to live in

10.  Reitalize downtown business districts

11.  Srengthens our ties with neighbors and business associates

12.  Willing sponsors for community and school fundraising events

YOUR MONEY stays in the your community, rather than traveling outside of it!  We need to show a commitment to our community, and an intent to form a stronger economic base for our home region. 

When we need goods that are not manufactured in our community, we can still buy them in independently owned local stores, and support the local economy. 

Yes, sometimes - it may be more expensive in the short term to buy local, it may have positive long-term benefits which should not be overlooked.

*I often ask myself why people who live in small-towns believe that a small-town store should lower their prices.  Small-town merchants pay out fees too...rental, utilities, insurance, paychecks, promotionals, taxes, etc.  Just because the town is smaller than a city...doesn't mean that the quality of our product is lower.... I would say most of the time it is better.  These small-town stores are not a charity!  They need to make a profit too.  We need to remember that when merchants buy wholesale all is not equal.  The bigger the chain store the lower the product price...small stores don't get this "lower" price.  It's not fair but it's true. Small-towm merchants work hard and long hours to provide us a wonderful service to our community.



FACT:

If you live in a rural community, you need to understand that our grocery store is arguably one of the most important businesses in town. It is also one of the most important social places in town;)  The lack of a grocery store means residents have less access to healthy fresh fruits and vegetables, and the elderly and others without reliable transportation will tend to buy their food at convenience stores with more limited selections or go for longer periods of time between visits to the store.

In the United States,

Consumers should be encouraged to buy goods made in the USA.

I think I've had my "soap box" stand for the day...

 

'til next time,

Con