Happy New Year!

I have never been much of a New Year’s resolution person. Maybe it is because I am afraid of failing or fearful of the challenges a resolution might produce (more fear). However, I am a big fan of new beginnings. I love waking up in the morning knowing God gives me another chance to strive to be the woman He has been molding me to be all my life. I took God’s grace for granted for a very long time. 2009 has been a year of many challenges for a lot of people - my family included. We have dealt with conflicts at work and home, we have experienced illness and death, money is not as plentiful as in years past. It has been a tough year but it has been a year of growth as well.

A few thoughts on what I learned in 2009…

FORGIVENESS - Through God’s grace, He has led me to forgive ones that have hurt me. I have also asked for forgiveness for my actions that may have caused them pain. I had no idea forgiveness would be such a healing act. Through forgiveness I have been able to renew my relationship with my sister. (I have hopes for more reunions in time) It is wonderful to have a sister again. "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

TRUST – My sweet brother Jody has had a tough 44 years of life but 2009 has brought him new obstacles. He has been hospitalized for over 3 months in very serious condition. I have spent many days with him wondering what is keeping him alive. Why doesn’t God take him to his heavenly home? Other days, like today, I come home feeling encouraged by what I see. It is difficult for me to watch my pure hearted brother suffer. He is so brave and I am very proud of him. As I watch Jody struggle, I realize God is teaching me to trust His timing. I know it is perfect, even for Jody. “I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalm 40:1-2

JOY – "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18   2009 had a few challenges. I have hope that 2010 will be a year of good health and blessings for my loved ones. Reality is that there will always be bad days and even some bad years. Unfortunately pain is a part of living in this sinful world. In 2010 I want to be joyful always. God tells me that there will not be a perfect set of circumstances in this life but I can always have joy through Jesus Christ. It is my choice. Without Jesus, I have no joy. 2010 here I come!

I think I just made a New Year’s resolution… Now if I could just resolve to do something about my weight! -_-

I hope you have a JOYFUL 2010!!

Robyn

Merry Christmas to you and your family

"My whole life has turned around...I was lost but now I'm found"
This beautiful song says it all. I pray each of you has a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. After all, HE is the reason for the season...

“You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” John 18:37

Merry Christmas to you!

Snowman Ornament

I made several of these for gifts this year. I stamped the image on a transparency (cut in a circle) with StazOn ink and colored it. I used my embossing gun to set the ink. I curled it small enough to slide in the glass ball. It is held  in place with a piece of thread through the transparency and glued to the edge of the ornament. Last, I sprinkled some synthetic snow inside through a funnel. I think they came out quite cute. If I have enough time I'll make more.

Christmas blessings!

Tri Fold Shutter Card

This is my first attempt to make a tri fold shutter card and it was amazingly easy! It is for a special friend that is turning 60 the day after Christmas. This was a fun one to make! I think she will like it.

Another Glass Block

On this one I covered the entire block with etching cream then I made a stencil with my Cricut and painted the letters with Stickles. I think it came out pretty cute.

I made it for my friend at work, Miriam (or Mimi as we lovingly call her). She is a Brazilian mess! She has a shirt that has this quote on it and it fits her perfectly. I hope she enjoys it.

Etched Glass Block

I couldn't get a good picture of this to save my life. It is my first attempt at using the glass etching cream. I cut "LET IT SNOW" out with the Storybook cartridge and placed them on the clean block. I cut several snowflakes from a couple of other cart and placed them randomly around the phrase. I brushed the etching cream on with a foam brush and left it on for almost 30 minutes although the directions suggest 10. Rinsed it off with cool water and pulled the vinyl off. The photo doesn't show it but I glued (spray adhesive) a pretty piece of of Bo Bunny paper on the back to coordinate with the snowflakes and ribbon color. A 25 count strand of clear lighs looks very pretty inside. It is much prettier in person - I promise.

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE 

New Blog Title

Same blog...New name.
 http://www.papermoose.blogspot.com/ . I like this name much better. Only bad thing with the change I lost all 21 of my followers as well as the blogs I followed. I'll get it all back in order soon! As I said, I like this name much better.

Snowman Invitation

I made these for my friend Darlene. She is hosting a Christmas dinner at her home and wanted to send out some special invitations. I was drawing a blank on my Christmas cards so I made these instead. I don't think I ever saw an ugly snowman but this guy is way cute! Now back to my Christmas Cards. I hope to have them done by Valentine's Day!

By the way...A quick word of thanks to our loving father in Heaven. My little brother went home today after 8 weeks in the hospital. He is still very weak and the trache is still in place but God has my sweet brother in the palm of his hand. He has something more in store for Jody and I can't wait to see what it is!