A few new designs at Redbubble

I have been offering my designs and photography for sale over at Redbubble for a few months now. Gettin’ my feet wet. There is no sweeter email than one that has a subject line of: You Have A Sale.

The most popular design in my shop:

I’ve been working to add more typography inspired designs to my shop, such as…

Now that I have done a little shameless plug for my Redbubble shop, can I ask for one more thing?

Our cal-de-sac needs your prayers. Hubby is going in for back surgery on the 19th, my best girlfriend is having a double mastectomy on the 14th, our neighbor’s kid is having neck surgery this week, and my other neighbor is having nerve problems in her leg and arm which the doctors can’t figure out why. What a cal-de-sac we make! God bless.

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Linking up with The 36th Avenue.

What are you going to do when you grow up?

I was asked (again) last week, “What do you want to do when you ‘grow up’?” Now that is a loaded question.

Since I left the printing industry in May to stay home with the kids, I have asked myself that same question. I want to do something involving photography…but what exactly? I haven’t nailed that down yet. I know better what I don’t want to do. I don’t want to be a wedding or portrait photographer.

Nature, landscape, insect photography is what my heart wants. Okay, so I do know what I want, but now what?

I have been researching, and taking workshops and classes hoping (praying) it would come to me, like in a vision or a light bulb being turned on.

Enter Redbubble. Have you heard of it?

“Redbubble is quite simply the finest and most diverse creative community and marketplace on the interlink. There, we said it. With artists and designers hailing from every corner of the globe, displaying eye opening talent, skill, passion and enthusiasm for all forms of creativity there really is no better place for you to get your artistic kicks.”

So, here I am on Rebubble, diving in head first!

Redbubble offers all sorts of products including note cards, matted prints, just prints, framed prints, canvas, posters, calendars, t-shirts, iPhone & iPad cases, and stickers from highly talented photographers, illustrators and digital artists.

Of course, I can’t deny my graphic designer instincts. I designed these t-shirt and hoodies with 2 of my favorite Bible verses. Each will be available in 4 different contemporary colors.

Or, how about an iPhone case? Yep, I have designed those too!

So, you know, if you need to do some holiday shopping…head on over and check it out. Let me know what you think too! I will be adding more photos soon.

Simple advice for faithful living.

An Angel says, “Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn’t happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.”

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a spiritually enlightening book with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a CD while driving that can help improve your quality of life..
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good ‘Thank you Jesus .’
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?”

(Romans  8:31)

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This was in my Inbox this morning from my cousin Michelle. Simple advice for faithful living. Thanks ‘cuz!

December Daily | Day 25…for a child is born…

…a son is given to us.

The government will rest on his shoulders.

And he will be called:

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

7 His government and its peace will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!

Merry CHRISTmas!

Can you be too Christian?

So, have you heard of that Broncos quarterback named Tim Tebow? Since I live in Tebow Land, I have heard more than my fair share of Tebow news. The good news is the media is finally taking notice of the Denver Broncos. The bad news is they aren’t really paying any attention to the game.  Never mind that the Denver Broncos are 8-5 and 1st in the AFC West.

It’s all about the QB and his faith-on-his-sleeve.

He’s been called a devout Christian (like it’s a bad thing). Overbearing evangelist. He’s been known to wear Bible verses under his eye when he played in Florida. Tebow always, first and foremost, thanks his Lord and savior Jesus Christ after every game. He makes no apologies for it either.

Some people love him because of it.

Some don’t like him for that very reason.

Where Kardashians reign, even Hollywood has taken notice. With all this media scrutiny I got to thinking. Why is Tebow’s faith such a big deal? It’s not like Christianity is a new-wave religion. The majority of Americans claim to identify themselves as Christian (76%) and 82% believe in a high-being or God.

The question: Is it okay to believe in God, go to church on Sunday, read the Bible, but not okay proclaim your God-love every single day in public?

Does Tebow’s Christ-loving proclamation make people uncomfortable? Former Broncos QB,  Jake Plummer said he wishes Tebow would just “shut up” about it. “I think that when he accepts the fact that we know that he loves Jesus Christ then I think I’ll like him a little better. I don’t hate him because of that, I just would rather not have to hear that every single time he takes a good snap or makes a good handoff.” {Source}

Is Plummer right? It’s fine and good to  love Jesus Christ but we don’t want to hear about it? Love Christ in private?

I tend to think that it makes people uncomfortable because they feel inferior in their own faith relationship. To have that kind of faith and love that Tebow exhibits is a great thing. It’s a precious thing. It’s the kind of love that all Christians should strive for.

Tebow has said, “And that’s the thing about my faith: it’s not just something that happens when you’re at church or happens when you’re praying or reading the Scripture. It’s part of who you are, as a person, as a player, in your life and everything.” {Source}

I don’t know what to make of this Tebowing. That’s just weird. And I don’t know what to make of this Christian backlash either. I think it makes for some interesting conversation. Love it or hate it.

I do know this: Tebow’s bold faith and last-minute quarterback plays can’t be ignored.

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I wrote this post last year: There’s a new quarterback in town…and he brought his Bible. My question was about the backlash against Tebow and his faith. I still don’t have the answer. Anyone have any ideas?

December Daily | 6

For your enjoyment. I found it on YouTube: Amena Brown: Psalm 139. Inspiring.

Faith Resolutions.

10 Faith Resolutions for Everyday.

Resolution 1: Keep kindness and loyalty in your heart. {Proverbs 3:3-5}

Never let your loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.

Resolution 2: Trust the Lord with all your heart. {Proverbs 3:5-6}

Trust the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Resolution 3: Don’t be too impressed with yourself. {Proverbs 3:7-8}

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

Resolution 4: Be thankful everyday for the gifts the Lord has given you. {Psalm 118:24}

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Resolution 5: Do not judge others. {James 4:12}

God alone, who gave the law is the judge…what right do you have to judge your neighbor?

Resolution 6: Be you. You are perfect the way you are. {Isaiah 64:8}

We have been formed by His loving hands.

Resolution 7: Do not fear. {Matthew 14:27}

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “Take courage. I am here.”

Resolution 8: Stop worrying about today. {Matthew 6:34}

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Resolution 9: All you need is love. (I Corinthians 13:13}

Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love.

Resolution 10: Guard you heart. {Proverbs 4:23}

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

scrapbook layout idea/free music download

Nourish for the Soul. Free Christian Music Download: Starry Night by Chris August at www.klove.com

snow day

Tomorrow is a snow day. In fact, today, our lovely Public School District called a snow day for Tuesday. How much snow did we get, you ask? That’s the funny part…about 1 inch. Are we jumping the gun just a little School Board?

Okay, the temp is somewhere about -3 degrees with -33 wind chill, but it’s not like the kids are having class outside. An Arctic Cold Front. This decision by the school district has pretty much every parent shaking their head today. But I hear on the local news tonight that it has something to do with the below freezing temps. School buses won’t start when it is this cold and the ice on the roads will be bad. I was planning to take a half day tomorrow because Alex has an exhibition skate with her synchro team. But instead of a half day I have chosen to skip the morning-commute-of -frozen-traffic-hell and stay home all day with the girls.

So that we don’t get cabin fever I have a to-do list:

• I think I will get up and bake cinnamon rolls. That would be a nice snow day treat…but not home-made, just frozen.
• Bake 2 loaves of Soda Bread for Alex’s Brownie Thinking Day on Saturday. I figure I can freeze it and defrost before Saturday. This will save me from having to bake on Thursday, my actual day off.
• Run lines with Alex for her skit on Saturday. The Brownie Troop picked Ireland for Thinking Day and must perform a skit in front of 9-10 other Brownie Troops…and share the Soda Bread and Cabbage with Bacon with them.
• We could work on Valentines boxes…If I have the supplies.
• Visit/play with the neighbors that are also home from school/work.
• Alex can do more of her spelling homework.
• We I should try to get in a nap. A nap sounds good.
• I want to touch up my kitchen cabinets with fresh paint. I washed the cabinets down on Saturday, inside and out, to prepare to paint.
• Finally, Alex’s exhibition is at 8:30 p.m. We have to be there at 6:30 for practice and warm-up. This is going to make for a long day! The life of a figure skater…

FREE MUSIC DOWNLOAD: at K-Love.com. Get Something Glorious by Reviv. Nourish your soul. Sing out loud.

free song download at k-love

When most people have forgotten or given up on their New Year’s Resolution already this idea comes from Faith Barista: Take your One Little Word for 2011 and find it in the Bible. Find encouraging word in the word. Mediate on your word. Share your word. Display your word where you see it everyday. My word: Nourish.

Proverbs 10:21 NIV

The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.

FREE SONG DOWNLOAD: Here’s another great thing. Free Song Download from Lincoln Brewster at K-Love. It’s his new song “Reaching for You”. Get it before the month is over. Seriously, Lincoln Brewster is nourishment for the soul!