The only One perfect...

Praise the Lord!

Since my last post, I have learned so much and I'm excited about sharing some of it with you! 

Well, you know how everybody strives to be perfect, but none of us are? And how the media portrays perfectionism but a lot of it is just camera tricks, make up and perhaps graphic overlays or stunt doubles? Well, all my life, I've been a perfectionist. But I know I'm not, yet I want everything to be just right.  The timing, the outcome, the process...

Many of you probably feel the same way. Yet life is about learning from our mistakes, getting stronger as a result of weakness, working with others to build on strengths, and so on. I realize that there's only One perfect: God. Even though He designed us, He created us to depend on Him and glorify Him. His strength is made perfect in weakness. This is an ever-learning way...

So, no more apologies for the fact that I haven't posted in a while, because let's face it, I have six children at home, eight when when my two younger step-children come to visit, a husband, a home, and well...me to tend to! One of my twins continuously shares with me how Bill Gates started out and how successful he is now.  My sixth grade daughter shared with me today that she learned about Vincent van Gogh and how he tragically committed suicide.  I was amazed to learn that during his lifetime, he only sold one of his paintings, yet he is so famous now.  

Amani's colored picture of van Gogh

 And my 4 year old drew a picture of (what I first thought were just scribbles) the butterfly metamorphosis, and he amazed me with his knowledge of a chrysalis (which I'd always learned was a cocoon!).  You probably can't see all the details below, but it was so cute, I had to save it! And when I looked up the transformation online, seeing it completed the inspiration for my butterfly baby girl scrapbook!

In the last few months, I've taken a few online classes to help my husband in his photography business (www.creativelive.com), and I've been reading a business book by Barbara Brabec; all while learning that putting my ideas into reality takes time...

With that said, here are some peeks at my current project: the scrapbook mentioned above:

May your life continue to be blessed by the Lord as you grow in grace! 

Until next time,

Angenise  

DIY Projects that share love

Greetings in the mighty name of our Lord of lords!

I know it's been quite some time since I've written a post and I do sincerely apologize.  Life with 6 kids still at home is more hectic than I sometimes realize! So many responsibilities and I have to make sure I take time with the Lord for myself because I have to stay sane to take care of my family!!!

Well, in between teaching my 4 year old his preschool basics and now potty training my 15 month-old daughter, I've been doing some online learning here and there, as well as enjoying the DIY channel on cable.  I've always loved creating things and it's always so amazing to me when someone creates something or takes something old and makes it look beautiful! It reminds me of how the Lord spoke to the prophet Jeremiah and asked him to go to the potter's house; and how the Lord likened what He showed Jeremiah to Him forming Israel as a potter does the clay.  The Lord saw something beautiful in me when I was still drenched in a life of sin, wanting to do right but too weak and chained by sin to live a life of holiness...But He made me over into a vessel of honor meet for the master's use and I'm forever grateful!

I got to thinking that there are so many people who love DIY projects and handmade is what I'm all about.  So here are some pictures of some things I've done in the past and a few tips on how you can do something similar yourself!

 This is a nameplate that can be hung on a wall or door, but could also be used as a bookmark.  The meaning of names has always been fascinating to me, especially the ones that glorify God.  

You can easily create such a name plate with two contrasting but complimentary pieces of heavy card stock.  Look up the meaning of the name you wish to write or stencil and put it on the smaller piece of cardstock, then matte to the larger piece.  Embellish with flowers or keys, or any vintage item that suits your taste! I used a ribbon punch at the top before threading the ribbon through and tying it in a knot, but you could tie it in a bow if you wish.  And Voila! you have a lovely nameplate as a Valentine gift, or for any other special occasion you choose! 

Have plenty of photos? Make a mini photo album out of heavy weight card stock and pretty patterned scrapbook paper, or use old mail for a vintage look! Cut the card stock to the size of your choice and matte photos to the patterned paper using adhesive runner or photo corners.  These are some pictures of my little 4 year old Gary Jr. who is always so anxious to hold his baby sister, Isabella, along with a snapshot of her alone and a picture of my mother and I.  When I made the mini book, I created it so that it opened kind of like a box with different flaps, and I had a lot of fun!

I hope you enjoyed this post and feel free to comment or send pics of your own creations!

Blessings and prayers,

Angenise