So, I stumbled across a new blog in which the author has a Blog Your Heart Challenge every month.  Here's the challenge...."it's a pretty simple challenge. blog your heart. HONESTLY. it can be silly, funny, serious, short or long...whatever you want it to be. as long as it is authentic."  And, while my blog has primarily been about sharing my scrappy/stamping activities, I thought I would take the challenge and share a little bit.  So, here's the state of my heart.

1. Blogging My Heart scares me a little.  I've never been one to share so transparently, but I've been learning that it's not as scary as it seems.
2. I've been lazy lately and it frustrates me.  Why is it that when I know I'm being lazy, I continue to do it anyway?  I guess it's like Roman 7:19-20 says, "For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it."
3. The weather is turning cold and I'm not happy about it.  I get chilled to the bone very easily.  Even a stiff breeze on a nice summer day can make me chilly.  I am, however, thankful for the heat in my house, flannel sheets, warm sweaters and Smart Wool socks!
4. I LOVE MY HUSBAND!  I enjoy spending time with him cooking dinner, watching movies, playing games, camping, going to church, snuggling, talking, shopping, etc.  He knows me better than anyone, which is kind of scary, but comforting at the same time.  He supports and encourages me when I need it.  He's there for me no matter what.  I know he loves me too, and that makes me happy!
5. I have a couple of very dear friends that I miss.  All I need to do is call them up and plan a time to get together.  (There's that laziness again.)  They enrich my life so much and I'm always blessed by the time and words we share.
6. I have been reading "The Shelter of God's Promises" by Sheila Walsh.  I just finished chapter 4 and was reminded that "..our calling is to be conformed, to be made like Christ. In this Christlikeness is our confidence."  I sometimes still wonder who I am, where I'm going, and what my purpose is.  I think I'm subconsciously looking for something BIG, something that will gain approval or show off my gifts and talents; or something so extraordinary that others will be awe.  I don't seek those things out with intention and I don't believe that doing things will secure my salvation.  I just think we all want to be noticed.  However, I need to make sure that it is Christ that is noticing me; that he sees and hears me when I spend time with him.  In doing that, I will know who I am, where I'm going, and what my purpose is.

Well, that's my heart right now.  I guess it wasn't too hard to share after all.  :)

Have a happy day!

Mary

Creation Sings

I was playing around with my photo editor and made a collage with some of my flower photos.  I also had this great paper, letters and paper ribbon from Basic Grey that I wanted to use so I combined them and created the following page.  It's a little more colorful and busy than I would normally like, but this page makes me happy.

I created little pockets on the back to house these pull out tabs with scripture verses on them.

I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do!

Mary