Old Things Become New

I decided to try something new yesterday.  My sister in-law gave me a box full of paper cutouts over the summer; the box was really cute.  I thought to myself I am going to save this box and use it for something.  That box has sat and sat on the shelf since July just taking up space because I had no idea what to do with it. A few times when I was reorganizing things, I had it in the "I know I need to throw this out pile" but could not bring myself to do it. So, there it sat on the shelf waiting for me to give it a purpose.

I found a purpose for that little box.  I am doing a Valentine's Day swap and decided rather than just send my partner her items in a plain USPS box, I was going to try altering a box.  I am sure it is not the best altered box project but I am happy with my first try.  I think my partner will like to open this little box of goodies rather than just a USPS mailer.

As I was sitting adding ribbon, embellishments and glitter to this once plain box.  The scripture below came to mind.  I realized that my old life was completely different compared to the one I have now in Christ.  A life in Christ is not always perfect just like this little box is not perfect but it is better than life without Him.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;

 behold, all things are become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17

In the Blink of an Eye

My oldest daughter is halfway through her junior year in high school.  She is not really into crafting, she is a writer.  She has been writing books since she could form a complete sentence.  I recently found a book she wrote for her little brother's birthday when she was about 9 years old, it is even illustrated.  She rarely comes into my scrapbooking room but when she does I really enjoy our time together.  Last week, she told me she need to go to JoAnn's because her friend was having a masquerade party and she needed to make a mask.  So, we went to get a mask and a few things I did not have.  Then we sat together and crafted: a rare but fun time together. As she added little things to her mask, we talked, laughed and just enjoyed each others company.

As I look forward to her approaching senior year, I cannot help but look back at how quickly her years have just flown by.  Once when she was about three years old, we were leaving church and she was throwing a temper tantrum over something she wanted to do or have.  I was a stressed mom of three kids under four years old, when an older lady in our church looked up and said to me, "You are going to blink and she will be going to college." She was right.

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Psalm 127:3

Encourage One Another

I am taking the blog on a new journey.  I recently started making cards after years of avoiding cardmaking, scrapbooking and being creative in general this summer I decided to try my hand at making a card with my sister in-law.  It was FUN and I was pretty good at it which was really shocking to me.  I found that making cards was really a relaxing outlet for me.  So, I slowly started making cards just for a few people.  Here and there not telling anyone I was doing this.  Then my SIL sent me a link to a Cricut machine on sale for a deep discount. 

I bought the machine but I could not figure out how to make it work!  It would tear the paper, it would cut some things but not others.  I was frustrated nearly to tears.  So, I went to the company website looking for help.  What I found was a community of online friends.  First, they helped me figure out that crazy "bug" of mine and now I can actually work my machine. 

Second and most important I found a new ministry.  It is a ministry where you make cards and send them to people who just need encouragement on their journey.  I don't have a huge family or a great need for making cards and I was wondering what in the world I was going to do with the cards I was going to make then I found a purpose for the little gift I have been given.  It doesn't matter how big or small your gift is God will find a way for you to use the gifts He gives.

Here is the card I made today for someone who needs a bit of encouragement. 

PS.  I only have 1 follower (thanks Susan!) follow my blog and post a comment.  From the comments on this post, I will have a drawing on Jan. 15th for a gift card to Starbucks or JoAnn's (your choice).