Providence 365, Week 4 ...Enjoy!

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon wrote "A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see from the hand of God" (NIV,2010)

What is satisfaction? The dictionary defines satisfaction as:
1. a. The fulfillment or gratification of a desire, need, or appetite.
b. Pleasure or contentment derived from such gratification.
c. A source or means of gratification.

and what is gratification? Pleasure, happiness, delight, gladness, enjoyment!

When you receive His gifts with gratitude, you cannot help but be joyful. All that we do and all that we have comes from Him. Our life is meaningless without God. Yet knowing that He is with us always, we can enjoy His bountiful blessings. His hand is present in every aspect of our day. We are His children. He wants us to enjoy everything He provides.

Your challenge this week is to reflect on an aspect of your daily life that seems mundane or that perhaps you simply go through the motions. Maybe it is an area of your life where you struggle or an issue that you simply cannot reconcile. Compare that with a part of your life where you are outwardly joyous and give thanks to our Lord. How are they similar? How are they different? What changes can you make to begin enjoying everything He blesses you with? How can you turn it around and find the joy that He wants to to have.

Now create a layout that helps you express your gratitude; your happiness; your pleasure in His blessings -the blessings He provides every day. Celebrate and rejoice. Enjoy! Here is WordArt to get you started.

Wishing you an awesome week in the Lord. I pray you rejoice and celebrate all of His blessings in your life.

New Layered Template And Quick Page

Introducing a new layered template for use in Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. This 12x12 fully layered psd template is ready to add your three favorite pictures; your favorite papers, a touch of journaling - and your layout is complete. You can even change the title by turing off the "Together Forever" layers and adding your own title in a font of your choice. You can get this layered template at Faith Sisters - here



Looking for a quickpage? Perhaps you do not have Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. Or maybe you are looking for a chance to complete a layout "quickly" - then this Quick Page is for you. Provided in 12x12 png format, this is truly scrapbooking at it's easiest. This Quick Page can be found at FaithSisters - here

And both the template and quickpage are part of my "Is it Spring yet" Sale at Faith Sisters: 25% off all by the shore Designs products.

Here is layout which I made from this template/quickpage, using my "A Touch of Spring" Paper collection

Wishing you a great day....by the Shore

IS IT SPRING YET?

Are you ready for Spring? Too much white? Are you ready for "A Touch of Spring"? I sure am. The fresh and bright colors of this new Paper Collection and Elements Collection may just be what you are looking for. And to celebrate my first release of 2011 - all kits, templates and quick pages from by the Shore designs is on sale for 25% off through January 31st. Consider it my "Is It Spring Yet" sale. Check out this new release and all of my kits at FaithSisters.

Stay warm! Stay dry! Wishing you a great 2011

Providence 365 - Week Two

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It is so easy to give thanks to our Lord when things turn out well and work in “our favor”. Yet, we are to give thanks in all circumstances. Really?

Yes, really. That doesn’t mean that we are necessarily thankful for all circumstances. We give thanks IN all circumstances. We each have faced something in our life that is frustrating, troubling or a bit annoying. A difficult relationship, poor health, and financial hardships are just a few of the situations that we may encounter. Perhaps we are dealing with a broken washer, a missing item or a long day with uncooperative children. Really? Give thanks?
Yes, really – give thanks! God loves us and uses each circumstance to help us grow closer to Him. We simply need to listen to Him, follow Him and have faith. We can trust that He is with us and will guide us through these times.

I have had days where I have had a daughter on my heels, following me around the store like a lost puppy. Today was one of those days. Frustrating, no. Annoying, perhaps just a little. But, thankful?

I can now say - YES. Almost 4 years since a life-threatening snow-tubing accident, I am thankful that she is not only able to walk but that she is here today. (She can be my lost puppy anytime she desires ~ just don’t tell her that.) I am even more thankful that through this experience we have both grown closer to our Lord and that we have each grown stronger in our Faith.

I encourage you to look at something in your life this week that on the surface is less than perfect - then reflect on how God is in control and how He provides blessings in your life for which you can give thanks.

Here is free clipart for your week two layout. I look forward to seeing your layout in our Providence 365 gallery at Faith Sisters. Post a link here in our Providence 365 forum at Faith Sisters so we can take a peek!

p.s. it’s never too late to join us on this year long journey. The introduction to Providence 365 and cover page can be found here. Week One is here.

God’s Providence – Give Thanks!