Category Archives: Divine Design

His Holy Name Challenge 2009

Posted on January 4, 2009 | 12 comments

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Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him all the earth. ~ Psalm 96:9

Today marks the start of a new challenge being hosted by my friend Patter Cross on her blog, Triple the Scraps, and at Splitcoaststampers. Every other Sunday afternoon, Patter will give participants a word for reflection. The words will be attributes of our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. What an honor to participate with Patter. Her Scripture Challenge last year was an inspiration to me. She’s a beautiful lady, inside and out.

The first word that Patter felt called to reflect was HOLY. Our LORD is perfect, without blemish, righteous, pure and holy.  Ponder that, it’s a wonderful reflection for anytime, but especially a new year. As, I’ve prayed about this and thought about the challenge for several days (this isn’t a race and there is no time limit on your participation) the song with lyrics, ‘holiness is what I long for. holiness is what I need.’ kept coming to mind and I kept coming back to the book of Psalms. Such wonderful guidance in those pages for righteous, holy living. I settled in Psalm 96.

My page has the verse on the front and a note of heartfelt gratitude and journaling on the back. The color scheme is intentional and symbolizes my faith: black or white, no gray.  I believe that the Bible is the true, inspired, god-breathed, holy word of the LORD.  The life accounts and instruction contained are still as relevant and true today as they were when they were shared by the prophets and Jesus, himself so many years ago.

ll be making 6×6 pages of reflection this year, and I’ll be presenting them on this Frame Your Imagination stand from Taylored Expressions. I’ve just ordered mine, and I’ll have it decorated and ready for display with the next posting in 2 weeks.  I had something similar that I was using last year with Divine Design projects and, alas, the spring coil that held the pages together met it’s untimely death in the hands of a darling 8 year old. So sad. However, the new stands that Taylor Expression now sells use page protectors to frame your project (sold separately) eliminating holes and allowing for easy removal and switching out.

I’ve got a busy week scheduled here, including a few great giveaways! See you tomorrow!  🙂

  • Cardstock: Poison Ivory, Black Prism & patterned paper (CTMH)
  • Accs: computer font, mini black rhinestones, bazzill blooms and making memories big brad

12 Comments

Posted in Divine Design

I Corinthians 13 – A Christmas Version

Posted on December 9, 2008 | 23 comments

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Love never fails ~ I Corinthians 13:8 

Several weeks ago, I was looking through some Christmas reading selections, and I stumbled across this one called I Corinthians 13 – A Christmas Version, from ‘an ordinary Christian woman’ named Barbara. Like her, I felt a few twinges of guilt here and there while reading, and I knew I had found my Divine Design project for December. Make sure to check out other samples this month from Angel, Jami, Nancy and Taylor. Leave them some love if you are inclined. I’ve babbled a little bit on the previous post about the challenge and what these gals mean to me. 🙂

This month, I made a hanging ornament that will be displayed in my kitchen this month. I’m praying the reminder will keep me focused on Christ this Christmas.

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The full text and supplies are printed at the bottom of this post. I kept the details of the project to a minimum, because truthfully, I could not put hours and hours into this project and then tell you that I was really keeping the commitment, now could I?

I’m not suggesting that I am throwing out all of our time-honored Christmas traditions and festivities, but I want this to be a Christmas filled with love and laughter, not stress and headaches. I don’t want my girls to grow up remembering that I was so stressed out about classroom parties or hectic shopping or unreasonable (self-imposed) expectations of platter after platter of pretty cookies (THAT WE END UP THROWING AWAY!).  And, I don’t want to snap at my husband all month long and then put a smile on my face on the way out the door to a joyful Christmas get-together.

I’m letting go of some my favorite, time-consuming cookie recipes in favor of boxed brownies and quality time with the girls. You’ll see tomorrow, that I’ve let go of has-to-be-perfect packaging. I’ve decided on more store-bought gifts with a quick tag accents and thoughtful notes. I’m having the girls wrap things for me. We have limited the social engagements that require fancy-schmancy finger foods or gift exchanges.  In cases where I do need to take a finger food, I’ve purchased some different types of cheeses, and I’ll be putting those on a simple Christmas platter. It will be about the joy of getting together, not the grueling party prep. My brother’s family and Wes & I have agreed to not exchange gifts, and we are contributing what we would have spent on each other to a woman’s shelter in his community. It’s not too late for you to re-group and re-organize!

I’m sure KNOW I’ll need the reminder daily until December 25th, but so long as I can remember to make it about showing love, I won’t fail. His Word is truth: Love never fails.

Here is the reading:

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights 
and shiny balls, but do not show love, I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing 
gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but 
do not show love, I’m just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have 
to charity, but do not show love, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend 
a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus 
on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child. 
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. 
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china 
and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there.
Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in 
giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
  • Stamps: JustRite Stampers (top tag), Beautiful (Cornish Heritage Farms)
  • Cardstock: Smooth Vanilla, Suede Light & Dark Brown & Razzleberry Dark (Prism)
  • Ink: Rhubarb Stalk (Tsukineko)
  • Accs: Dew Drops, fern punch (Martha Stewart), chipboard (Maya Road), ribbon (Stampin’ Up!), displayed on a pine cone tree from Target (purchased several years ago)

23 Comments

Posted in Cornish Heritage Farms, Divine Design, Fresh Wind, JustRite, Rummage Bin

Divine Design

Posted on December 9, 2008 | 1 comment

Here I am. Late posting for Divine Design. My project for December will follow in just a few minutes, but it’s a long post and first, I wanted to comment about the entire project as the first year of Divine Design comes to a close.

In January, I really wanted to band together with other believers and focus on how Christ worked in our lives during 2008. I had no idea what the year would hold, nor did I have any pre-conceived ideas about what would happen, who would participate, how many entries, etc.  The numbers didn’t really matter. What a blessing to see so many people uploading and sharing at Splitcoaststampers and linking on blogs to this challenge over the course of the year.  Through the challenge, many women have been able to celebrate praises, ask for prayerful support in a time of need, grow in their knowledge of His Word and will for their lives, made new friends in the Body. Truly the blessings abound.

I’m looking forward to continuing in Divine Design as a participant next year, but I’m turning the hostessing over to two wonderful, capable  ladies. I am sure you are familiar with them! Nancy Morgan and Angel Wilde have such sweet spirits and an authentic desire to serve the Lord. I have enjoyed their creations over the year, and I learn so much through their sharing. I’m blessed to know them as friends.

Over at Splitcoast, the idea has caught on, and we’ll be adding another Scripture inspired challenge next year. Patter Cross is no stranger to Scripture challenges, and she will be hosting a different kind of challenge twice a month called, His Holy Name.  You can read about the idea HERE. I’m certainly looking forward to participating in this one when I can, as well. We’re never too learned or old to grow in His will for us.

On behalf of my sweet, sweet girlfriends, Jami, Taylor, Angel and Nancy, thank you for participating with us, creating, commenting, praying for us and following Divine Design this year. We’ll look forward to sharing many more sweet reflections with you in 2009.

Blessings to you this Christmas and always ~ Lori

1 Comment

Posted in Divine Design

Divine Design: Romans

Posted on October 9, 2008 | 8 comments

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May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope. Romans 15:13 (Amplified)

Editted to add: I was in such a hurry to get out the door this morning, I neglected to point you in the direction of more Divine Design inspiration and information. You may read about the origins of Divine Design here. You can see other samples from lovely ladies by visiting Angel, Jami, Taylor and Nancy. These ladies bless me so much, I’m sorry I didn’t point you in their direction this morning.

Continue reading →

8 Comments

Posted in Divine Design, Lizzie Anne Designs

BVC08: Life has it’s ups & downs

Posted on September 9, 2008 | 8 comments

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Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap

a harvest if we do not give up. ~ Galatians 6:9

I’m a little lotta late with Divine Design this month! Opps! Isn’t this card just like life? Full of ups and downs – this scripture has been on my mind for a while – not because I think I’m weary from doing good, but just as an encouragement to keep trucking, keep my eye on the intended harvest. Then I got one of those chain emails, you know the ones that come from a trusted friend, the kind you know you are supposed to read just by virtue of the sender? The message: ‘keep on’ – as mom’s we are building something beautiful in the lives of our children, even though we can’t measure the progress each and every day. “Keep on….”

You can see more beautiful scripture inspiration as part of the Divine Design challenge this month by stopping by to see Angel, Jami, Nancy and Taylor (did you see that my Western Hello card from this weekend was chosen by Taylor in her cupcake challenge? I’ll be the Featured Sampler this coming Friday – hope my Sweet Impressions arrive in time! I’m so excited! Thank you, Taylor!)

If you haven’t yet joined us for Divine Design, you can read about how it all started HERE. Join anytime, no back tracking required, just an desire to grow in your walk with the Lord. To get details on how to participate and share at Splitcoaststampers, which I highly encourage, click HERE. We all start somewhere and none of us ever reaches a place where we can just say, ‘done that’.  Start your engine or keep on trucking, those are the options, my friend.

Have a wonderful day!

  • Stamps: Possum Pals & Ups and Downs – High Hopes Rubber Stamps
  • Cardstock: Frosted Pink, Desert Coral Light, Suede Dark Brown and Simply Smooth White – all Prism
  • Ink: Espresso Adirondack
  • Accs: Swiss Dot Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Copic Markers, May Arts Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Copic Air Brush

8 Comments

Posted in Copics, Divine Design, Fresh Wind

Divine Design: Mustard Seed

Posted on August 8, 2008 | 9 comments

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I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘MOVE from HERE to THERE’ and it will move. ~ Matthew 17:20

A few years ago, one of my BFFs gave me a t-shirt with a Mustard Seed Company logo on the front and this scripture on the back. I love the t-shirt because I love the verse. It is truly amazing what God can do if you have a little faith and give Him enough room to work. The Lord has moved some big, big mountains in my life. Have you given Him enough room to move your mountain?

It’s Divine Design time, and Nancy Morgan and sweet, Jami Sibley both have samples for you to look at this month! Their cards are gorgeous floral creations this time around. I know that Taylor and Angel will be participating a little later this month to spread the joy! 🙂

The stamps here Matthew 17:20 and the Distressed Dotted Backgrounder are from Unity Stamp Company. Cardstock is Core’dinations – I get mine at All That Scraps! Bling is KaiserCraft – available from the cool chicks at eclectic Paperie. The background is stamped with Pearl Adirondack Paint Dabber from CHF and the image is colored with Tombow Watercolor Markers.

Speaking of mountains, I’m off to move a full mountain range of Polly Pockets, Sweet Streets and Barbie schtuff! It seems that hurricane Courtenay hit the northern most zones of my house last night….Say a prayer for me! I’ll be back in the morning with more Saturday Evening Post.

9 Comments

Posted in Divine Design, Fresh Wind, Unity Stamp Company

Divine Design & Midwest Flood Relief

Posted on July 26, 2008 | 4 comments

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Living in north, central Missouri, flooding has caused lots of problems this spring. Even as the water subsides, it has left it’s mark. Just today, we talked about a golf course entirely under water on our way to the city. An entire season’s income gone for the family that owns the course. So sad, and yet in my corner of the midwest we consider ourselves very fortunate compared to our Iowa and Illinois neighbors.

Splitcoaststampers is hosting a NOT A RAFFLE to benefit Midwest Flood Relief efforts. You can read all about it and see the special gallery link HERE. This project is one of the prize items that I am involved with: a collection of Divine Design.

Every month five friends who love Jesus participate in a monthly challenge with many members of the Splitcoast community. We call it Divine Design! The rules are few, the projects beautiful and the back stories are often touching. Feel free to join angelwilde (Angel Wilde), ncmorgan (Nancy Morgan), Jami (Jami Sibley), tayloredexpressions (Taylor VanBruggen) and myself on the 8th of each month. You can read about the open challenge HERE.

This donation for the Midwest Flood Relief Project is a collection of Biblical scripture inspiration from all 5 of us. We have each selected a few of our favorite scriptures to include in this bound book. Our hope is that you will be inspired and encouraged as you thumb through these pages.

Thanks so much to each of the community members who helps us in this Midwest Flood Relief project with your generous donation.

  • Stamps: Silhouette Blooms – Kim Hughes Collection – Cornish Heritage Farms
  • Cardstock: Pink Paislee
  • Ink: Pumpkin Spice VersaMagic
  • Accs: Buttons, Primas, velvet ribbon, KaiserCraft bling, sewing machine

4 Comments

Posted in Cornish Heritage Farms, Divine Design

Sassy Glass Work

Posted on July 10, 2008 | 8 comments

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I have been wanting to try soldering for a long time and got this kit a month or so ago. I love the collage type stained glass charms that the really artsy people make. So, I packed up all the stuff, headed off to Wes’ work bench in the basement, and this is the result of my first try…well actually, my third try. I discovered that to work down there in the man-cave, I need 3 more hands and an OTT light. I sure hope that lead solder will flake off of his big ole manly man work vise.

This image is, perhaps, my favorite Thomas Kinkaid stamp in the CHF collection, The Forest Chapel. Here I have stamped it in Brilliance Pearlescent Beige and then accented with swirls from the Beautiful stamp set in Pearlescent Chocolate. The ‘divine’ and ‘design’ are BOTH from the Sassy Petites stamp set (released today along with Christmas Expressions). Isn’t that cool? DIVINE DESIGN!! I’m going to try to make a few of these charms, and hopefully improve my solder skills along the way.

I’ll see you tomorrow! Have a great, fabulous day!

8 Comments

Posted in Cornish Heritage Farms, Divine Design, Thomas Kinkaid

Divine Design: Continuing Joy and Peace

Posted on July 8, 2008 | 18 comments

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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him…                                  Romans 15:13

Continuing with yesterday’s theme of joy, peace and hope, here is my submission for Divine Design for July. Thanks for all your sweet comments and emails yesterday. I’m just going to try and keep trusting that all things work together for His glory…even when you don’t know what that will end up looking like in the end.

This scripture is an older Bible verse in my collection from Biblical Impressions, now carried under the Eureka name. When I first found their site in 2002 or 2003, I was appalled that they would arrive unmounted. How would I store those? How would I ink those? How would I find what I wanted later on? Where is the index? I’m singing a different song, now. 😉 I love the ease of storage and being able to have many more stamps at my fingertips as I work. I use this system, and I’m still lovin’ it!

As for the hanging display that I use, it was a gift several years ago. It originally held verses and inspirational messages, but after a few years on my kitchen sink backsplash, it…well….had seen better days. I salvaged all of the hardware. I’m sorry I can’t point you to the right place to purchase. You could do something similar with this album holder from How Do You Glue. I know that Sharon Harnist has some gorgeous samples of how she uses this album holder HERE. You can click her calendar tab to see her pages year to date.

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The cross image is actually the same Christmas star that I used HERE. It’s just trimmed out and popped up! It’s available on Friday from CHF as part of Aimee Nugent’s Christmas release. I think I’ll be using this often as a cross either by trimming or using a marker and omitting. The color combo was something I wanted to try after I saw this months Paper Crafts. Yellow, gray and black are somewhat HOT right now. The white printed paper was actually stamped using a new Scrapblock™ from CHF called Daisy Chain. It just arrived here yesterday, and I think you’ll be seeing lots of it in the near future. I love the small scale of the print. The Sunflower layer was embossed in my Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder and sponged on the texture.

You can see more Divine Design inspiration from Angel Wilde, Nancy Morgan, Taylor VanBruggen and Jami (who will be posting a little later).  You can read the master thread and play along at Splitcoaststampers HERE.  Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day!

18 Comments

Posted in Altered & 3D Items, Cornish Heritage Farms, Divine Design

Divine Design: Quiet Life

Posted on June 9, 2008 | 15 comments

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Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands so that you might win the respect of outsiders and so you will not be dependent upon anybody. ~ I Thes. 4:11

It’s time for my monthly Divine Design upload. We’re posting on the 9th this month because the 8th fell to a Sunday. It wasn’t hard for me to find a verse to focus my attention to this month. With vacation, the end of school, committee work, church activities and my real job…we’ve been a flurry of activity. It’s so easy to get caught up in the race, isn’t it?

I’m praying that I can find that quiet life in the warm, still days of summer. Of course, I’m not so naive to think it will just pop in on me. It will take due diligence on my part: saying no, scheduling some quiet time, resisting the urge to sign up for many fun summer activities and a tough one for me, getting enough rest.  I hope that your summer will be about finding balance and a quiet life, as well.

I used my large rectangle scalloped Nestabilities to create this 5″ x 4″ card. It did require piecing to rectangles together, but with scallops and a little ribbon it’s easy to hide the ‘seam’. Stamps from “Beautiful” and “Time to Stamp” made quick work of the main image panel. the flowers and corners are embellished with Latte Pearls from Kaiser Craft. (I got mine at eP.) The ribbon is May Arts, available from Jacksonbelle.

You can see other inspiration from Taylor, Nancy, Angel and Jami. Please feel free to participate, you can load to your blog or share in the Splitcoast gallery using keyword: BVC08. And, as an aside, when I went to grab the link for the SCS gallery, I was so humbled to see the vast number of ladies who are sharing in this challenge. May God be glorified through our desire to walk closer to Him.

Blessings ~ 

15 Comments

Posted in Cornish Heritage Farms, Divine Design, Fresh Wind, Rummage Bin