fbp Monthly challenge - July

If you completed a challenge layout this month, please let me know where / how to see it by posting in comments - Remember the July challenge must include:

Title – Happiness / Happy; Photo[s] – as many or few as you want as long as they are in a row in the middle of the layout. Papers – your choice, but use at least one patterned paper; Embellishments – whatever makes you happy; Technique – Have three rows on this layout – with the top row of patterned paper, middle row of photos, third row of solid paper with verse and title; Scripture / Inspirational Thought – “I sing because I’m happy! I sing because I’m free! His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!”

Here's my take on it - and you can see that I always have to put my own spin on things [even when I designed the challenge - lol] with my title and verse in different places - but I couldn't resist using these great BoBunny papers from the July Life Preservers kit - so fun!

Projects are due by the last day of the month. Please post your layout in our FBP Flickr Group and post a comment here to let me know where to see your completed layout. A winner will be randomly chosen from those who complete the challenge. If we have at least five participate the winner will receive their choice of a brand new mini album from My Mind’s Eye, a fiskars cutting system [opened], or a cropidile [slightly used.] Come on, Scissors Up! Scrap on –

Ten on Tuesday

1. I’ve been obsessing over having the apartment at Auburn cleaned out on time [and to my specifications – hey, I want our deposit back!] so we decided to make a quick trip down [after I spoke at a conference in Birmingham on Thursday] to assure it was DONE.
2. We ‘kidnapped’ the boys and ‘made’ them join us [actually, Drew has been wanting to drive his jeep down, and Matt knew it had to be done.]
3. And, Matt has learned that one can accumulate A LOT of STUFF in just a couple of years. We’re thankful it was a furnished apartment so we did not have to deal with beds & sofas up / down three flights of stairs.
4. But still, there was A LOT – and we’re also thankful that John Robert graciously offered his place for storage for a couple of weeks and that Kent was available to help load and move everything.
5. As a reward we made a quick decision to head on down to Panama City Beach for a couple of nights – beautiful water [NO OIL] and so much fun to just *BE* with our boys. We haven’t been to PCB in many years…
6. Stayed at a fun family place and enjoyed the little [yes] lazy river, on-site facilities, and movie night on the beach.
7. It was interesting [and kind of sad] to see how much PCB has changed over the years [bigger buildings, less beach, and a multitude of bars. And karaoke – ha.]
8. Drew rented a cat and he and Craig had great time sailing away the morning…
9. We ate seafood a couple of different times [and will admit that Montego Bay was good, but decided that nothing can compare to Tacky Jack’s in our minds.]
10. And decided that, while it’s fun to see new beaches, we’ll always like Gulf Shores best.

Once a Month [old stuff] Giveaway

Thanks so much for all of your comments throughout the month!
It's so fun to share together and
I love hearing your thoughts on some of things I put out there.
I appreciate each of you taking the time to stop by and visit!

I've subscribed to two monthly kits now and try as I might to use it all,

I [still] have a bunch of stuff to give away!-
and I'm really tired of seeing the OMG abbreviation everywhere
[I try hard to make my mind read 'oh my goodness!]
So am hoping that we might also come to think of it as a

'Once a Month [old stuff] Giveaway!

I plan to randomly draw a name from the comments on this post and send that person a little bag of [old stuff] goodies that hopefully they can use
[new to them and all, you know...]
And another little note - I've moved to the flat rate box
so I can pack it FULL each month!
[Just ask some of the previous recipients!]
- To enter -just browse through the blog and leave a comment about
your favorite post from JULY.

Comments will close on August 1st at midnight [central.]


The Winner for June is:

Donna Woods Fiskateer 6036

- send your mailing address to me: Judy@faithbasedpages.com

and I'll get a little box of goodies out to you soon!

Okay, I know I’ve shared this layout with you all before – it’s really about a lesson I’ve known all my life but can only accept when I am in complete surrender to God. Because, the truth is I’m like so many others and want everything to be rosy all of the time, and I can fall into that trap where the devil is saying if God really loved us we’d have no troubles. And, you know what? That is just a lie.

This world is full of troubles and as Christians we aren’t exempt from them – what makes us different is that we have a mighty and powerful God who holds our hand [or holds us IN HIS HAND] as we go through trials, and anguish, and pain.

Surrender, for me is a voluntary repetitive act. It’s not a one-time-thing where I am completely and utterly surrendered and at peace no matter what happens. I have my fair share of anxiety issues and often the ‘what if’s’ of life can render me a complete and total mess. So I must daily surrender to God’s sovereignty in my life [and, yes, sometimes moment by moment.] Because it’s only when I keep my eyes [and trust] on Him that the devil is kept at bay.

Be kind – everyone is dealing with something. – Anonymous

I love this quote – because it’s so true – we all have troubles. Some may be so horrifyingly BIG that others may seem very small in comparison. But what’s small to one may be very big to another. And we’re all dealing with something at some time in our lives. I have a good friend who is dealing with some really hard stuff right now; we had lunch and shared and cried and [yes] laughed together for a couple of hours this week – We share these beliefs – God loves us and wants the best for us; people are given free will to choose His guidance [or not]; and no matter what, our God will never leave us or forsake us. Our God is faithful. And whatever the outcome – HE WILL BE THERE.

We often pray – Lord, help me be strong enough to make it through this.

When in fact, I believe He wants us to do just the opposite – He wants us to come to that point of complete surrender when we say, ‘You know what, God? I just can’t DO THIS anymore.” The point where we stop struggling to do it all alone and completely depend on Him. And that’s a hard place to be – and also the easiest place to be because it’s THERE where we feel the peace that only He can give. [Remember singing, I’ve got the Peace that passes understanding down in my heart – down in my heart… down in my heart to stay?] I’ve always prayed that my boys would feel THAT PEACE in their lives – but as I’ve grown in the Lord I’ve come to realize that we often only feel that when we’re going through trials. Am I really praying that my boys go through trials? Not so much. But I do know for sure that [again] this world is full of troubles – and I pray my boys feel the Spirit’s peace when they struggle.

For the Lord will go before you and The God of Israel will be your rear guard.

– Isaiah 52:12 [b]

And I know, without a doubt, that GOD KNOWS. He knows every detail of our lives. He wants the best for us and tries to guide us toward that, but He also knows the choices we [and others] will make and knows what is ahead for us. He prepares the way. I love this verse – and I’ve seen it in my own life and in the lives of friends. Oh how He loves us and wants to BE HERE for us. And how wonderfully He looks out for us as we go through life.

Ten on Tuesday

1. It’s been one looooong week with Craig gone for nine days.
2. He had a wonderful time fishing Lake Erie with friends and his dad. It was good week to just ‘get-a-way-from-it-all.’
3. I cooked three days, well, maybe two, I’m not sure now – I really do enjoy cooking with my boys. “My” meaning any of them who happen to be in the house at the time – and they seem to take my instruction well.
4. Lots of rain this week so no watering of the garden needed. Nice.
5. I had a little bout of food poisoning – not so fun as it happened right before the crafty weekend I had planned. [Reminded me of CKU last year when I had a terrible bout of food poisoning that lasted the entire time.]
6. But I’ve since become a believer in Gatorade [G2] - so after four [64 oz each] on Friday I was good to go – I even ate two meals on Saturday.
7. I crafted with one of my favorite designers Friday evening and Saturday – I really do enjoy taking classes where I can try new things [like her iron-ons and paint techniques] to see if I might use them again. It’s just fun being with other gals who enjoy playing and learning new artsy stuff together.
8. I read three more ‘books’ this week – nice and quick – I can usually read a full paper back in a couple of days.
9. And photoshopped a fun photo for the challenge over at Life Preserver’s – oh the things we, as crazy scrapbookers, will do for a challenge! And apologies to Cousin John – I’m not the best at working with PEOPLE so I’m sourcing your little request out to the college kids – and awaiting their magic.
10. And finally, I talked some more about the walking routine – admired those who do, but still didn’t do it myself. What’s up with THAT?

"What wings
are to a bird,
and sails
to a ship,
so is prayer
to the soul. "

fbp Monthly challenge - July

– FBP Challenge for July must include:

Title – Happiness / Happy

Photo[s] – as many or few as you want as long as they are in a row in the middle of the layout.

Papers – your choice, but use at least one patterned paper

Embellishments – whatever makes you happy

Technique – Have three rows on this layout – with the top row of patterned paper, middle row of photos, third row of solid paper with verse and title

Scripture / Inspirational Thought – “I sing because I’m happy! I sing because I’m free! His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!”

Projects are due by the last day of the month. Please post your layout in our FBP Flickr Group and post a comment here to let me know where to see your completed layout. A winner will be randomly chosen from those who complete the challenge. If we have at least five participate the winner will receive their choice of a brand new mini album from My Mind’s Eye, a fiskars cutting system [opened], or a cropidile [slightly used.] Come on,

Scissors Up! Scrap on –

IMO & Comments on Comments

In My Opinion - Soon after the article about the puppy [see my rant, last month] ran in our local paper there was one about this group called ‘Friends of Rabbits’ holding a yard sale to raise funds for all the rescued rabbits they had. My first thought was, ‘I used to have an uncle who raised rabbits – TO EAT – and he’d sure love to be in on THIS rescue group – ha. [Wonder if they’d let him be a member?] IMO – rabbits propagate so fast that there’s really no need to be saving them. But, I’ll admit, I have contacted them about getting some poop for my garden… - hope they don't read my blog -

Next up: The lady in her 90s that had her dead husband and sister dug up and kept them in her house. Heard of this? Seriously some where up north – these stories fascinate and Craig and me – he calls them ‘keepers’

[This photo was taken in the security area as we were loading for a cruise - I know, I know NOT ALLOWED, but I couldn't resist this shirt - and I'm pretty sure he thinking he's a different kind of keeper than I'm talking about here -]

But she’s not a keeper in the true definition either because she allowed them to be buried [true keepers keep the bodies in the house, often still serving them meals (‘They just won’t eat’) or stepping over them after they’ve fallen in the floor (“I told her to get up –“) after they’ve died.] This lady apparently had some claustrophobia and loneliness issues and just wanted them with her – they were embalmed – afterall. So the local LEA has said she can have them back if she builds a crypt to keep them in. And IMO – that’s’ a good deal. Don’t believe me? Google it –

And finally the people [EVERYWHERE] who do not take responsibility for their actions – someone could do a whole series of blog posts on these people. It’s one of my biggest pet peeves, really – how young people are being raised this way – for example a recent letter to the editor in one of our favorite small town newspapers - Granny writes in that grandson, age 12 or 14, I think, was 'falsely accused' of looking at ‘unauthorized’ sites on a community computer [library, boys’ club, etc] and that he’d left the computer that afternoon without logging out, and she said someone should really do something about those computers down there – Naw, nope – IMO, Grandma, someone should tell Junior to take responsibility for his internet practices and to LOG OFF when he leaves a public computer… - so, what do y’all think?

Comments on comments: You guys are great to take the time to read my blog, I really do love the comments! Thanks for the comments on the fourth of July layout - that's my little niece and I snapped that picture on a whim at a wedding last fall [picniked it up of course]. I love that photo and I really love another layout I've done with it - but the thing is - the more I look at this layout on the blog - the more I can see why it wasn't picked up for publication - it's just crazy busy with pattern and needs a LOT more 'white space' of maybe blue or red [IMO - ha.] Nana - email me and we'll start the walking thing together if you want! And gotta say again that 'letting go' is one of the hardest things we do as parents - but at the same time I've always said I sure don't want a 40 year old man living with me when I'm in my 70s - I've seen too much of that craziness in my work in Adult Protective Services.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Regular summer-time stuff this week – watering plants [both], being bitten by mosquitoes [me] and eating watermelon [not me.]
2. I don’t know what’s up with our garden – there just doesn’t seem to be enough nourishment in the soil – so now I’m on the look-out for rabbit poop – I believe it’s the best free fertilizer around. [Photo taken from upstairs window -]
3. Update – the wild plant that landed in our front yard and was transplanted to the far back is alive and well – I thought I’d killed it, but it now has two more leafy fronds on it – photos to come! And I have some renegade Rose of Sharon over on the side – I’ve always wanted this plant so Craig and I cleared around it and it’s got plenty of room to flourish as well.
4. Love my compost pile but I’m not strong enough [or just don’t have the inclination] to ‘turn’ it as often as needed. Although I’m sure there’s some black-gold goodness on the bottom by now - So we’re also looking for a barrel composter – available locally, and less than the one at the new Earth Faire Store. We’ve found one in stock and now I need to compare the size to another one I know about before purchasing.
5. I picked up a couple of paper back Readers’ Digest Condensed Books [only they aren’t called that anymore – it’s ‘select editions’ now] and have enjoyed some shortened versions of several great books. – It brought back memories of the books Mama used to get in the mail each month. I've read four 'books' since Friday, what's up with THAT?!
6. My sunflowers are gorgeous – and I’m enjoying a pitcher full of them at work – but they’re sprinkling pollen everywhere…
7. Have had some interest in a couple of my scrapbook submissions, but no requests yet. I LOVE Hobby Lobby – it really is my ‘local scrapbook store’ – but one of the problems is that they’re carrying less and less of brand name papers. And I’m scrapping almost exclusively from the kits I get each month, making it difficult to be published in their magazine since they now only want products from their store showcased [which is totally understandable to me.]
8. I enjoyed some scrappy time all day Saturday – so fun to have a local group that I enjoy laughing and talking with all day long. And I got nine pages done – not a ‘record’ but a good accomplishment. And I did another on Sunday for an LP challenge.
9. Matt had a friend visit for a couple of days – it’s nice to have the play room where they can spread out and have fun.
10. And while Drew is still enjoying the jeep [so much] Matt is equally enjoying his new [bongo-type] drum that was delivered to the house at the end of the week. And it’s pretty neat to hear him drumming again.

Next time a sunrise steals your breath
or a meadow of flowers leaves you speechless,
remain that way.
Say nothing, and listen
as Heaven whispers,
"Do you like it? I did it just for you."
- Max Lucado

The Top Ten Lessons I Learned From Charlie Brown #7

7. It's important to have friends that care.

The 'Peanuts' gang was made up of individual characters, each with their own foibles and talents, but through it all they were always there for each other.

Submitted by Jim Allen, a personal & business success coach, who can be reached at Jim@CoachJim.com, or visited on the web at http://www.CoachJim.com.Jim Allen wants you to know: Charles Schulz taught me much through his daily work. Now, I hope to return the favor in some small way.

Joy -

- A painting I did a few weeks ago, a-la-Donna-Downey.


Love. It.
But I'm not quite sure what I'll do with it for now.
- An ode to my Word for the year -

Ten on Tuesday

1. Much travel this week: worked in Birmingham for two days – and then
2. Met friends in Nashville to eat some delicious Italian food –
3. We added some new flowers to our beds this week – some we got for an [extremely] good deal from the guy who sells them on The Parkway – he’s ready to shut it down for the summer so we got whole flats and baskets for $1 each.
4. And I ate a cucumber fresh off the vine! Yum. And got a spider bite that felt like someone was poking me with a hot needles for most of the day Friday and Sturday [so much better now though-]
5. Later in the week we traveled a bit more and went to Collinwood, TN for Drew to buy a jeep. He's always wanted one and we've never allowed it because I just don't think they're safe - but he's a grown man now and buy what he wants - another step in "letting go" for me -
6. Had strawberry shortcake two times [3-?] this week [with splenda] and let's just say strawberries and my innards are not friends - so, now I know.
7. While Drew was negotiating on the jeep I enjoyed being in the country where I could practice my cow photography skills a-la-The-Pioneer-Woman. Ha.
8. No big plans for us for Independence Day. I, for one, just enjoyed being laz-y. Of course that was after all the planting and hauling of dirt and manure for said plants above.
9. The boys had friends over to roast hot dogs over the bon fire [large pile of wood we’ve been wanting to burn for a while now] in our back yard. I think it's still burning - but it'll all be gone soon.
10. And finally, I talked some more about getting into a regular walking routine. But still didn’t get up off my bottom to do it.

fbp Monthly challenge - June

I'm disappointed that no one took the challenge this month - was really hoping that the brand new 8x8 album from
My Mind's Eye
might entice some of you to give it a try.
Here's my take on the challenge - I trimmed out the eyelet border from some blue My Mind's Eye paper and put it on green cardstock and added a punch of orange in the journal strips as well as the quote [ran it thorugh the computer] and another punched border to the left. Oh and also added a few little punched orange stars.
You can see the oil disaster on The Gulf coast weighs heavy on my mind - these are photos taken when I was down there last month.

Happy Fourth!

Happy Fourth Everyone!

[photo taken for an on-line challenge
aren't they good sports?!]