What Inspires You?

Don't forget to pick up your freebie from the September Inspire Me Blog Train - here
(and my coordinating freebie on facebook) ~ These freebies will only be available till the end of September and then will be part of a larger kit in my stores.


My family inspires me.  My girls are priceless and I love creating layouts that share their activities, their passions and their love for each other.

Here are a few layouts I recently created from Jessica Sprague Photoshop Friday episodes.

This layout features a technique using paper as an overlay on a photo. Love the way this turned out -(and that this year my daughter is attending Concordia University as a freshman)

I don't often use paper as a background, but this picture of soccer balls was perfect. I need to take more random pictures like this.  The technique was organizing your layout in a grid.  A few tweaks to make it my own - and voila!  The star spray in the lower left corner is from my just released Football Fun Collection at My Memories. (coming soon to ScrapTakeOut)

The best memories of my girls are not the "staged" photos, but those where I capture them simply being together.  This Photoshop Friday uses an overlay and "cutout" to draw your eye to a focal point on your layout.

 Finally, this layout used digital "rub-ons" to create a title.  A fun technique.  Papers and Elements on this special page are from my Summer Happiness collection available at MyMemories, Natural Designs in Scrapbooking and ScrapTakeOut.

So, what inspires you?

I am heading out to make more memories....by the Shore

Featured Designer

Head on over to My Memories to see who the featured designer is this week. And there is a great sale on this designers products for the entire week! There is even a chance to win one of 5 free kits! HERE

(spoiler alert - LOL)

Don't forget that there is still time to download my contribution from the Inspire Me September Blog Train and my coordinating freebie on Facebook.

And I have completed a new collection complete and it is currently being staged in my stores...a collection timely for this season- whether you are an athelete or a fan you are sure to love it.  Any guesses?


Have a super day - by the Shore.

Inspire Me! September 2012 Blog Train!

Welcome to the September Blog Train! - INSPIRE ME!

Whether you are visiting "by the Shore designs" on this lovely Labor Day weekend - or later in the month....I'm glad you are here!

The start of the blog train is HERE - head back there if you get derailed.....
You hopefully arrived from 4 My Babies Scraps
And your next stop will be to visit my good friend Kelly at Simply Kelly Designs 

Here is my contribution to the blog train (and if you head over to my facebook page - you'll find another freebie that coordinates as well)     Note: October 1,2012 ~ This Blog Train has reached its destination and has ended. This mini kit will be part of of a larger kit available at my stores in October.  Be sure to stop back by my blog and facebook and say hi - you never know when there will be goodies waiting for you. 

Make sure that you subscribe to this blog and "like" me on facebook and twitter - I have some fun new adventures starting later this month and can't wait to share!

(p.s. we have designers from around the world participating in this blog hop - if a link is not yet active, please make sure to head back and try again)

Have a beautiful day...by the Shore.

Summer Blog Hop

Welcome to by the Shore Designs! I’m so glad you are joining us on this fun Summer Blog Hop. I am a designer at Natural Designs in Scrapbooking and My Memories. When you have downloaded all of the digital goodness on this blog hop, I hope that you will come back and visit me and explore all of my digital offerings at these stores.

The color palette of this blog hop was so much fun to work with.  The Blog Hop started here at Three Owls in a Nest – and you may return to her blog at any time for the full list of designers (and corresponding links) Please make sure you download this mini kit before midnight on July 8^th. Shortly after that it will be part of a larger kit at both of my stores. 


NOTE: (7/9/12) The blog hop has ended.  You will be able to find my full collection of "Toes in the Sand" in my stores in the next few weeks.  The collection will include this mini kit and so much more! 

Before you continue on your journey, I invite you to subscribe to this blog using email/rss feed and to follow me on twitter and facebook (all on the side bar). I will periodically offer digital surprises that may be exclusive to this blog or these 'social networks' that you will not want to miss.

Want another freebie right now? Head on over to by theShore designs facebook page, be sure to "like" me - and download another digital mini kit.   

And in celebration of the Fourth of July – everything in my store at NDISB will be on sale, - one fourth off (25% off) through the weekend.    

Your next stop on the Summer Blog Hop is…Tonya at Passport to Creativity

Thanks again for stopping by.  Enjoy your summer ~ by the Shore.

It's a Blog Hop! Spring Has Sprung

The Art of Digital Design 2 Blog Hop has ended. Thank you for stopping by. I will be participating in the May 2012 Blog Train (starts May 1) Be sure to 'like' me on Facebook and download a free digital goodie over there (changes periodically) You can find many of my digital designs at Natural Designs in Scrapbooking

WELCOME TO THE ART OF DIGITAL DESIGN 2 BLOG HOP.

In 2011, I continued on my digital design journey and was blessed to participate in another advanced class at jessicasprague.com, taught by Carina Gardner ~ The Art of Digital Design 2. You know I love to learn - and believe me, the AoDD2 class did not disappoint. Several of the designers from this class created digital goodies for you using a luscious color palette!

)

Want another freebie? Head on over to "by the Shore designs" facebook page, be sure to "like" me - and download this fun coordinating alpha. (And I have more freebies planned for you in the near future over on facebook)

The full list of designers is below and they each have a wonderful coordinating freebie for you.(If at any time you get "lost" on this bloghop, please feel free to hop back here and you can go to each designers blog with a simple click) Your next planned stop on this blog hop is Crumpled Paper Designs.

I hope you enjoy the freebies that these designers have created just for you. Please take the time to leave a little love (comment) and let them know you appreciate their efforts and generosity. (And we have designers participating from around the world, so please be patient if someone's contribution is not yet available)

This blog hop only lasts through the end of March (as does the March Blog train) Download now and make sure you don't miss a single digital goody!

Enjoy your spring and all the blessings that surround you - and I hope that these digital freebies will help you create some fabulous layouts! Have a super day...by the Shore.

March 2012 Blog Train

The Blog Train for March is now over. I will be participating in another one in May....Please be sure to like me on facebook and download a digital freebie over there (changes periodically) You can see many of my digital designs at Natural Designs in Scrapbooking.

It's time for the March 2012 Blog Train - and the theme is SPRING SUN AND EASTER FUN. This color palette is beautiful and was a joy to work with - brought a smile to my face each time I looked at it.

The blog train starts at Trish H Designs (so if you get slightly derailed - head back there for the full list of cars on this train)

My contribution to this fabulous collection of digital goodness is here
(an alternate download site is offered below this preview)

If you are train hopping in order - you arrived from Queen Pamedalah
and your next stop is Cinnamon Scraps

As you visit the designers on this blog train, please be sure to leave a little love when you download their contribution (a nice thank you) It's easy to get excited about free downloads but please remember there are real people like you and me behind each of these blogs that are sharing their personal time and talents to create for you.



(note: we have designers from all over the country - and perhaps even the world - that are part of this blog train. If a contribution is not yet available, please consider going to Blog Train Central and continuing on your journey. You can always head back to that blog for your download a bit later so you don't miss a thing)



If you have a chance - please like me on facebook (link is on the sidebar) I am working on adding facebook fan exclusives to my page and you won't want to miss a single freebie.



Have a great day...by the Shore

ANNOUNCEMENT & JAN.2012 BLOG TRAIN!

Welcome to by the Shore designs. And Happy New Year!


If you have arrived as part of the January 2012 Blog Train, you are in the right place! 2012 brings many new and exciting changes. I am closing my store at Faith Sisters AND I am truly pleased to announce my new affiliation with (and digi store at) Natural Designs in Scrapbooking. (More on both of these announcements below.)


But first… what would the new year be without a freebie. Welcome to the January 2012 Blog Train! The theme is REFRESH – a great way to start 2012.

(As you ride along the train, please be sure to leave some “love” and positive comments for each of these designers. There is a real person behind each of these digital kits and they each spend their personal time creating these free digital goodies for you.) Here is my contribution to this great collection of digital goodness. You can download my mini kit here (or simply click on the preview below)

The blog train started here

The designer before me on this blog train is: STARGAZY CREATIONS

Your next stop is: CINNAMON SCRAPS

And the stop after that is here

If you get lost along the way – the full list of designers and blogs can be found at blog train central here.

Back to my announcements! I have been truly blessed to spend the last 16 months at FaithSisters. The designers, creative team and membership have always been uplifting and positive. It was a great place to call home. I thoroughly enjoyed co-hosting Providence 365 with Barbara at Precepts and Promises as well as hosting the monthly 1,2,3 Scrap! Challenge. I thank each of you at Faith Sisters for a wonderful experience.

I am embarking on a new adventure and am tickled to announce my new home (and store) at Natural Designs in Scrapbooking (NDISB). I am impressed with the great group of designers at this site, the quality products that are offered, the supportive forum and the inspiration that can be found in the gallery. I encourage you to stop by and visit! I am in the process of transferring many of my digital kits over to NDISB and have many more in the works.
Make sure to subscribe to this blog and “like” by the Shore designs on Facebook for more fun announcements in the next few weeks! The year will be filled with freebies, challenges, new products, inspiration and fun! 2012 is going to be a fabulous year and you won’t want to miss it.

Enjoy the rest of your journey on the January 2012 REFRESH Blog Train! And I look forward to seeing you again….by the Shore!

Providence 365 - Week 52

Luke 2:10-16
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
I love hearing the story of Baby Jesus from the book of Luke. And it doesn’t matter if I hear it during worship, during a children’s Christmas program…or when Linus shares the Word during Charlie Browns Christmas – it is a story that never gets old, brings a smile to my face and warms my heart.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

As we bring Providence 365 to a close, I pray that you have been blessed through our year long journey. Barbara (Precepts and Promises) and I (Pam of by the Shore designs) have enjoyed sharing His word and pray that you have found words for reflection that have been timely and inspiration for your scrapbooking layouts using our word-art.

Please take a moment to share with us in the forum at Faith Sisters how our Providence 365 journey impacted you. Thank you for joining us in 2011. Please make sure to visit us on our blogs for more inspiration in 2012 – God Bless and give Glory to God in the Highest!.

(Click on the image above or here for your word art for week 52)

AND.....MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Providence 365 - Week 50

REJOICE!

Light one candle for Hope. One bright candle for Hope. He brings hope to every heart, He comes He comes.
Light one candle for Peace. One bright candle for Peace. He brings peace to every heart, He comes, He comes.
Light one candle for Joy. One bright candle for Joy. Every nation, shall find salvation in Bethlehem’s Baby Boy.
Light one candle for Love. One bright candle for Love, He brings love to every heart, He comes, He comes

Several years ago when my daughter was in our church Christmas Pageant, they sang this song. (And I wish I could give it proper credit, but I am unable to find the author) During the season of advent, it is a song that plays through my head and brings a smile to my face. Not only does it bring happy memories of a little girl in a velvety red dress , it reminds me that during Advent we wait and prepare.

Today is the third Sunday of Advent. It is often known as Gaudete Sunday. In Latin, Gaudete means REJOICE. On this third Sunday of Advent, we rejoice that our Good Lord is coming.

Today’s Bible verse comes from Philippians 4:4-7


Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

REJOICE!
During this season of Advent – how do you prepare? How do you rejoice?

Here is the word art for this week. (click on the image to download)

Can’t wait to see what you share with us in our Providence 365 Forum and Gallery at Faith Sisters.

And join me this week as I continue to ‘buck the trend’ and say MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone I meet.

Providence 365 - Week 48

For those in the United States, I pray that you each had a blessed Thanksgiving, surrounded by family, friends and loved ones.

It is hard to believe that it is week 48 of our 52 week journey through Providence 365. I have personally been blessed to be able to work with Barbara and share with you His words of inspiration.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

To be joyful, patient and faithful – these three words represent completely different actions – yet in this verse they are strongly intertwined. When we rejoice in hope, we are waiting confidently for an expected outcome. When we rejoice in hope, we are better able to be patient, sit quietly and wait when times of tribulation occur. And during these difficult times we need to pray without ceasing more than ever.

Where do you find hope? How has hope helped you through those rough spots? And are you faithful in your prayer life?

In addition to Romans 12:12, here are a few more verses to reflect on:
Philippians 4:!9
Hebrews 11:1

Here is wordart I have created for this week’s Providence 365.

Barbara and I love to see the layouts you create with the Providence 365 wordart. Be sure to post it in our Faith Sisters Providence 365 Gallery and share with us in the Providence 365 forum - here


As I close this week’s Providence 365, I have a special prayer request for a young boy named Peter. Prayer is so powerful. Peter is fighting a strong battle against a few known illnesses and a few yet to be identified. While he has seen a couple of upswings in the last 2 weeks – his current condition is one that has his doctors and family very concerned. Please lift Peter and his family in prayer. His Mom shared a message today on his ‘Care Page’ that brought me to tears. Despite his health conditions, she puts her faith in our Lord and knows that Peter is not alone and is in His loving arms. She had prayed early on that regardless of what his little body was fighting on the outside, that he would not be alone and would find comfort and joy on the inside. She knows that this is the case and this brings her hope. Thank you for lifting this lil guy in prayer.

Providence 365 - Week 46

GIVE THANKS

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Colossians 4:2)

Begin each day in prayer. End each day in prayer. And in between…well…...pray. We have so much to be thankful for – and I GIVE THANKS each day through prayer.

One of my annual traditions is to share with others all of the blessings that I am thankful for. I personally do this on my ‘facebook’ page and I have several friends and family members that do the same. As I prepare each days post, it reminds me how blessed I am and how much I truly have to be thankful for. As I reread my posts and read the posts of others, I am often struck by how much I take for granted in life and how much I truly have to be thankful for.

At the end of this message are my personal “Giving Thanks” posts that I have shared on facebook so far this November. I encourage you to share with others your own blessings. You can do this through a social media like facebook, your personal blog or simply telling a friend or loved one. As you share, I pray that you too will realize just how blessed you are.

At the end of the month, I plan on creating and framing a layout with the full collection of each of my daily “Giving Thanks” facebook posts ~ something that I can keep in a prominent place in my home as a constant reminder of my own blessings.

Here is a link to this week’s download for our Providence 365 challenge.

As the year starts coming to a close, I encourage you to make sure you have downloaded all of the previous week’s gifts that Barbara and I have created for you. Shortly after the new year, they will no longer be available, and we want to make sure that you – our faithful Providence 365 friends – have had the opportunity to obtain these lovely pieces of wordart.

As always, be sure to share your Providence 365 layout in our gallery and in our Providence 365 forum.

Till Next Week…..may you be blessed beyond measure.


(My 'Giving Thanks' Facebook Posts – Day 1-13)

Beginning our traditional 30 days of Thanksgiving. I am thankful for a loving God. And on that, I could go on and on....but that pretty much says it all.

Giving thanks. Day 2. A loving and supportive husband. Blessed we are together. AMLFAA

Giving Thanks - Day 3. I am thankful for two loving parents. Love you bunches Mom and Dad - you helped mold me into who I am today - you model love, compassion, hard work, dedication, strong morals and values and so much more - in everything you say and do.


Giving Thanks - Day 4. Shannon , while not our first child, you are my first born and I love you bunches and bunches. You continue to mature into a beautiful young lady, thoughtful, loving and caring, compassionate, talented, strong in your faith and....(wait for it) sassy. And I love every one of your traits as they help define who you are. You are my Koala Lou, I have always loved you and always will.

Giving thanks – Day 5...I thank God daily for the blessing of Georgie. She has taught me so much about life and unconditional love. You are my little nutbrown hare...love you to the moon and back.

Giving Thanks – Day 6 ~ I am thankful for three awesome older children. I have been blessed by each of you in countless ways throughout the years. Sarah, Jessica, and Chris ~ I love you more than you will know.

Giving Thanks, Day 7 ~ Giving thanks for a warm home and a roof over my head. Recognizing that not everyone in the world, this country, this state and even this city has this blessing. It is one I do not take for granted.

Giving Thanks ~ Day 8 - Thankful for a full tummy. We are blessed to have healthy foods to nourish our bodies, keeping us strong and healthy. We have not experienced true hunger like so many around the community and world. Thankful that we are also able to share this blessing with those in need.

Giving Thanks ~ Day 9 ~ I am thankful for water....for cool refreshing drinks, for its use in creating warm cups of coffee and tea, for hydrating my body, for the flowers and plants that thrive and grow, for bathing, for the powerful ocean that brings me joy, for a gentle stream that brings peace...but first and foremost for the waters of baptism, that washed my sins away.

Giving Thanks ~ Day 10 I am thankful for things that move. Reliable cars that get us to and from school, work and other destinations; planes that deliver us safely to visit family and friends; lawnmowers that keep our (sometimes) green grass neat and trim; and even my own body that moves each morning out of bed to begin another glorious day.

Giving Thanks ~ Day 11. I am thankful for freedom, a gift that we should each embrace but that we sadly sometimes take for granted. Thankful for the men and women that serve now; veterans that have served in the past; those that gave their lives while protecting my freedom and for all of their families. God Bless You!

Giving Thanks ~ Day 12 - I am thankful for opportunities for individuals that have different abilities. As we head off to our Special Olympics State Bowling Competition, I am reminded how special each one of us is, how can we not be, He created us! Georgie, you are going to do great today (and the best part is, she is an awesome bowler, needs no accommodations, and she can totally kick it with her 'typical' peers)

Giving Thanks – Day 13 ~ I am thankful for technology. While at times, it can be a ‘touch’ impersonal, it allows me to stay connected with friends and family; to gather and share information; provide support to others and it provides entertainment. Technology can often make life easier, simpler and richer. Praying for a healthy balance of technology and ‘real life’ .

Providence 365-week 44 TIME TO SERVE

TIME TO SERVE

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40

Yesterday, my 10 year old daughter participated in our regional Special Olympics competition in bowling. Another amazing experience for our family. The event always begins in prayer and I cannot think of a better way to start. All of the athletes had a wonderful time and their positive spirit resonated throughout the bowling alley. What really struck me yesterday were the volunteers. They were out in full force – all to help make this experience the very best it could be for the athletes.

Where do you serve? Where would you like to volunteer? Where is the greatest need? We often serve in our church, but there are so many more opportunities in each of our greater communities. Reach out to all of our brothers and sisters, lend a helping hand. Perhaps in a soup kitchen, in a school, a homeless shelter for families, a food pantry, Special Olympics….His children need us.

This week, reflect on where you serve or where there may be a need in your community that you have not considered before.

Here is word-art to get you started on this week’s layout.

Barbara and I look forward to seeing your layouts in the Providence 365 gallery and here in the forum. Oh, and my daughter earned a Silver Medal. We move onto State Competitions in two weeks!

Providence 365-Week 42

I thank my God every time I remember you. Phil 1:3

Last weekend, Barbara of Precepts and Promises and I had the unique opportunity to meet “in real life”. We attended a conference with over 75 digital scrapbookers from around the country. What a blessing it was to spend time together with my Providence 365 friend.

During the conference, we heard a quote that really put in perspective why many of us scrapbook.

“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” ― Anaïs Nin

What does it mean to “remember”? Recall, reminisce, ‘think of’, ‘bring to mind’ are just a few of the words and phrases that we use to define remember.

We “recall” events and occasions. We “reminisce” about people we have met in the past that have made an impact on our lives. We “think of” people that are in our life today that are important to us. Certain situations “bring to mind” special memories from the past. And we thank God when we remember.

When we scrapbook, we sometimes let our pictures do the talking (a picture is worth a thousand words). More often than not, we journal our thoughts – documenting details and sharing feelings and emotions. And as we journal ~ we taste life twice.

Here is your challenge this week. Why do YOU scrapbook? What do you scrapbook? Who do you scrapbook about? Who enjoys your scrapbooks? (And do you actually get those layouts printed out or posted on a blog so that your loved ones can enjoy them too)


Here is word art to use on your layout.

I look forward to seeing your layout about this week’s challenge. Please post your layout in our Providence 365 gallery and share it with us in the forum at Faith Sisters.

Have a blessed week. (and by the way, Barbara is just as sweet in real life as I thought she would be)

Providence 365-Week 40

Welcome to week 40 of Providence 365.

What a gift it is to be able to journey with you through 2011 – seeking His providence, reading His word and spending time in prayer and reflection. This week, as I spent time choosing a verse for week 40 – I kept coming back to the book of Galatians, specifically chapter 5, verse 22. Then I would wander elsewhere in the bible thinking that perhaps there was another verse ‘more worthy’ for reflection this week – nope – He kept leading me back to Galatians 5:22. I read it in a daily devotion. I saw it posted on facebook. It jumped out at me from a book I was reading. And I overheard our older students discussing it this morning during Sunday School. Sometimes it takes a thunk on the head for me to listen.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

We are blessed with a fresh attitude towards life and towards each other. He is the Vine and we are the branches and from the branches are the fruit that we bear. We cannot bear fruit if we are detached from the vine. We are lifeless. But when we are in a firm relationship with Jesus, with God, when we open our hearts and let the Holy Spirit in, we are blessed with the fruit of the Spirit. Our attitudes – our fruits are abundant.

What fruits are apparent in your life? What fruits may need nurturing?

Here is a bit of word-art for this week’s challenge

.

Please share with us your layout in the Providence 365 Forum at Faith Sisters – here.

I want to leave you with some ADDITIONAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT. The book I was reading this morning as I was preparing for this post referenced a quote by D.L. Moody –

“Out of 100 men, one will read the Bible, the other 99 will read the Christian”

This really stuck with me. I kept reading my devotion, but I also keep paging back to reflect on that quote. When others are “reading” me – do they see a Christian? I am displaying all of the fruits of the Spirit detailed in Galatians 5:22? Do others “see” Jesus exemplified in what I do and say? What about you?

Have a blessed week.

Providence 365- Week 38

Welcome to week 38 of Providence 365. It is hard to believe that we are almost 3/4 of the way through the year.

Barbara and I have been so blessed that you have joined us on this journey. You have shared of yourselves and given us a glimpse into your lives. Thank you!

This week, I want you to reach over and pick up His Word. What is your favorite Bible? What special meaning does this bible have to you? Was it presented to you as a child, or by a good friend? Do you have a favorite version?

We have several Bibles here in our home. I have the one given to me as a 1st grader in our church in Massachusetts. I have one that belonged to my great Grandfather who was (I believe) a Methodist minister. We have versions in Spanish, babies Bibles, toddler's Bibles, children's Bible....you get the idea. His Word is in every room of our house. My personal favorite is an NIV Bible for Moms - with inspirational tidbits for reflection. This one in particular was given to me by my precious daughters.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Do you highlight special passages? Do you use the pages to protect special documents? Is your family history and lineage documented within this Bible?

Share with us what makes this Bible special (we know His Word is AWESOME)

Here is wordart to help you get started....here

When you have completed your layout, please post it in the Providence 365 gallery at Faith Sisters and share that link in the forum - here.

Till next week ~ stay in His Word and in His loving arms.

Providence 365 - Week 36

We are blessed!


May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Cor 13:14


We are never alone. The bible reminds of us this – again and again. 2 Corinthians 13:14 reminds us that we are surrounded by His GRACE, His LOVE and His FELLOWSHIP. Take a peek at the following definitions. They help provide a bit of clarity as to the incredible relationship we have with our Father.


Definition of GRACE (excerpt)
1a : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification b : a virtue coming from God c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace
2a : approval, favor


Definition of LOVE (excerpt)
1a (1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties


Definition of FELLOWSHIP (excerpt)
1: companionship, company
2a : community of interest, activity, feeling, or experience b : the state of being a fellow or associate
3: a company of equals or friends


As we go through each day, regardless of the challenges that present themselves – we are assured He is with us; He favors us; He has strong feelings for us; and He walks with us.



Life is Good! And God is Great.


I encourage you to spend some time focusing on this verse and document how His grace, His Love or His fellowship are central in your life. Here is wordart to help you.



Barbara and I love to see your layouts in the Providence 365 Gallery and here in the forum. We are blessed that you share a piece of your life and your own testimonies with us. If you have just recently discovered Providence 365, please know that you can go back to previous weeks and discover additional verses (and wordart) for personal reflection on and to help you document YOUR story.

Have a blessed week!

Providence 365- week 34

Welcome to week 34 of Providence 365. Here in Colorado, the sun is shining and we’re looking forward to another beautiful day in the Lord.


Today’s bible verse is a favorite of mine. WHATEVER!


Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.


My first thought when I hear WHATEVER is when I hear it mumbled by a sassy teen. Deep down, I know that it means, “I know you’re right Mom, but I need to express a little independence”


WHATEVER!
In the “urban dictionary” – the definition is as follows: used in an argument to admit that you are wrong without admitting it so the argument is over. (my sassy teen)


WHATEVER!
In a more traditional dictionary, it mean: ‘anything or everything that’ or ‘no matter what’ (our focus today)


Look at the last line of Philippians 4:8 – THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS. The bible instructs use where our thoughts should be – no matter what.


Do you ever have those days where things are not going quite right? Or those days where you are anxious – about everything? What about times where you are struggling with a personal decision or choice? We can get buried in our own negative thoughts. And our own negative thoughts contribute to our confusion, anxiety and sadness. However, when we focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy –our thoughts become positive, uplifting and godly. WHATEVER!


This week – when your thoughts are buried – read this verse – and think about WHATEVER! It’s amazing what a shift in focus can do. We would love to see a layout using WHATEVER….whatever you care to share.


Here is wordart to get you started. Post your layout in the Providence 365 layout here at Faith Sisters and let us know here in the forum.

On another note, I have a personal request for all prayer warriors. I have a very special friend whose young baby is back in the hospital. The doctors have yet to identify what is wrong. Please lift baby G in prayer – for his personal health (and for strength and peace for his family). Thank You!

Till next week! May your week be blessed - WHATEVER!

Providence 365-Week 32

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

Too often during the course of the day, we take for granted all of the blessings we have. But we should give thanks – our Lord is good! He loves us and He has blessed us beyond measure.

The challenge this week is to look around you, and try to identify as many blessings as you can. Create a layout (either in words or pictorial) of each of these blessings…. the more the better!

Here are a few I will be using on my own layout – perhaps these will provide you with inspiration as you identify your own blessings.

Dave, Shannon, Georgie, Mom, Dad, home, food, water, freedom to worship, heat, air conditioning, vehicles, employment, refrigerator, stove, education, free will, (get the idea…..?)

Here is a link to word art to help you with this challenge. Click >>>>; HERE
And as you work on this weeks’ challenge – give THANKS TO OUR LORD! Keep your completed layout handy and use it a reminder of just how blessed we are. (You may also consider creating this ‘layout’ as a printable file that can be matted and framed and proudly displayed for a gentle visual reminder of all the things you are thankful for) When you are done – please upload your layout in the Providence 365 Gallery at Faith Sisters and share the link with us. I cannot wait to see how many blessings you can identify! (I know my blessings are never ending….)

Wishing you a fantabulous week as you uncover hidden blessings!

Come Fly With Me - Blog "Plane"

THE BLOG TRAIN HAS ENDED. THANK YOU FOR JOINING US. If you missed the train, know that the entire Come Fly with Me kit will be available at Faith Sisters in August.
It will be available 'free with purchase' - which will give you the opportunity to check out all of the fabulous offerings in the Faith Sisters Store.



WELCOME! You have landed at "by the Shore designs". The designers at Faith Sisters are excited that you are joining us on this journey. I simply love the color palette. And the digital cargo (paper and elements) are perfect for so many occasions and events - including but not limited to travel!

Here is a preview of my contribution.

My COME FLY WITH ME digital kit is perfect for so many layouts.

Here is your itinerary for this Blog Train (Plane)

Faith Sisters
Today’s Scraps (Vicky)
Designs by Angel (Angel)
Digital Compilations (Cinda)
Precepts and Promises (Barbara)
Living for Him 2 (Lori)
by the Shore designs (Pam) ~~~you are here!
Steadfast and Immovable (Erika)
Forget Me Nots (Theresa)

You have through July 31st to download these COME FLY WITH ME travel related freebies courtesy of our Faith Sister designers. (And the blog at Faith Sisters has a few great quickpages for you to download - a wonderful way to get a layout done quickly! Give them a try and you'll be hooked)

Thanks for flying with us. (and don't forget that all 'by the Shore designs' products are on sale at Faith Sisters for the rest of July - 50% off - stock up today)

Have a great journey - safe travels....by the Shore

Providence 365-Week 30

Yet you, LORD, are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64:8 (NIV)

If you have ever worked with clay – you know that it can be a slow process to create that perfect pot. It takes patience and care and cannot be rushed.


I am clay and our good Lord is the potter. Isn’t this a comforting thought? I am the work of His hand. I am always growing, always changing - He is not done with me. He has patience with me. He guides me. His hands are constantly on me. He molds me not only on the outside but on the inside too. I’m not finished. He never gives up on me – He sits at that potter’s wheel as He patiently molds me. When I am weak, he builds me up to make me stronger. If I start leaning, He holds me up. I am sometimes hard on myself when I make a mistake and cannot get past the scar that is left. What I need to remember is that I am forgiven - His tender touch smooths out that blemish and allows me to grow. He never walks away from that wheel. I am His and He is not done with me. And for that I am thankful.


Do I make mistakes? Absolutely. Does He? Never! He has a plan for me and while I do not know that plan – I have confidence that He knows exactly what this pot will be when I am complete. I make mistakes, and He forgives me and still loves me. I head down a wrong path – and He redirects my steps. He is still molding me – He is not finished with me. I can imagine him smiling as I become the person He knows I will be.


This week, I encourage you to reflect on how He has been molding you….


Here is a bit of word art to help you with your layout this week.



Please make sure to post your layout in our Providence 365 gallery at Faith Sisters – and head on over the the Providence 365 thread in the Faith Sister Forum (here) and share the link. I can’t wait to see what you create. (And can you believe we are at week 30 – already!) Have a blessed week!