Quote for the Day

Sunshine on my shoulders

makes me happy!

 John Denver

I've always noticed the sunshine coming

through the windows and warming

my face while I'm driving.

It's a gentle reminder that no matter

what the day brings,

there will always be a little 

sunshine to brighten the way.

There are so many things about life

that we cannot change, but 

our perspective isn't one of them!

We can choose to see the sunshine

and allow it warm our hearts

and change the perspective 

for the day!

Sunny Blessings to You!

 

I'm a Princess

Many of us don't see ourselves

like others see us or more importantly

the way God sees us.

It can be difficult with the many hats

we wear and how difficult life can be

to see our true worth and instead

we see the constant To Do List 

and how we can't get caught up.

We fall into the trap of basing our 

self worth on our performance with

the many hats we wear!

I love the Bible study called

Search for Significance by Robert McGee.

Here is a special poem to give

encouragement from the study.

My Identity in Christ

Because of Christ's redemption,

I am a new creation of infinite worth.

I am deeply loved,

I am completely forgiven,

I am fully pleasing,

I am totally accepted by God.

I am absolutely complete in Christ.

When my performance

reflects my new identity in Christ,

that reflection is dynamically unique.

There has never been another person like me

in the history of mankind,

nor will there ever be.

God has made me an original,

one of a kind, really somebody!

 By:  Robert McGee

So, that makes me a daughter of the King...

I always wanted to be a Princess!

Thought for the Day

Life is Made up of Have to's 

& Want to's...

Choose to Complete Some

of Each Everyday!

Good Friday and Great Easter

If you are fortunate enough to have Good Friday off from work/school, then it's very good to you.  Why is it good; because you have a day off?  Is the Friday before Easter the last call for all Easter shoppers to get your baskets and gifts ready? 

What about Easter clothes for your kids or yourself.  Does everyone in the family have to match?  We give new meanings to holidays based on our current circumstances.  If you've worked forever and haven't had a day off, then of course any Friday you have off is welcome.  A busy family rarely has enough time to shop and most of us are running to Wal-mart to pick up last minute essentials before any holiday.  (I shop at Wal-mart all the time and often tease...one day they will take over the world.  Ha/Ha)

 

In the middle of life, crazy as it is sometimes, do we forget the meaning of days that were set aside so we wouldn't forget.  Good Friday is set aside to remind us of a day long ago when something terrible happened that would bring us much good.  We all know that none of us are perfect.  We all do things that are wrong.  If we think that we are perfect, just ask our families...they will tell how imperfect we really are.   

God in Heaven is not like us...He is perfect & holy and we are unable to have a relationship with Him, because of the wrong in our life/sin.  In order to give us a relationship with Himself, where we can be forgiven our wrong and someday go to Heaven with Him, God sent someone perfect and blameless that would be a bridge between us and God, forgiving us of our wrong and presenting to God, His Father, clean people who can talk to God, feel Him directing and giving us help in our daily life.

This bridge was God's Son, Jesus Christ, who came from Heaven to Earth to live here, showing us God's love and how we should live honoring God.  On a Friday, long ago He sacrificed His perfect life and allowed all of the wrong/sin of everyone to be placed on Him, when He died on a cross, a cruel death, so if we ask God to forgive us, He will, because of this bridge...this perfect, holy, Son of God, making a way for us to know God, have forgiveness and go to Heaven when we die.  

Good Friday has also been called...Great Friday and Holy Friday.  It was a day when terrible pain & suffering took place, but it was all good for us.  Good Friday allowed us to have a good Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, because now, we have a bridge to God, allowing us to talk to Him, be forgiven, let Him help in our crazy lives and give us meaning & purpose.

The rest of the story came three days later when Christ came back to life and arose from the grave.   This gives us assurance that God has power over death and one day He will come back for those who have believed in Christ and will take us to Heaven.  May we not forget in all the Easter traditions, what's so good about Good Friday and what's so GREAT about Easter Sunday.  

Losing Weight and Loving It

Many things can contribute to adding a few pounds!

In my case, health problems, medications and 

less exercise was the culprit.

I have never dieted but from time to time made

a more conscious effort to eat more healthy

and exercise more.

A friend began losing weight and feeling great

so I became more interested in how she

was accomplishing this and wanted to try her system.

On February 28, 2012 I began eating more balanced

with keeping proteins and carbs in balance along

with drinking more fluids and water and

having snacks in between meals.

This system is called Diet Free for Life based

on the book and Food Lover's Weight Loss System

by Robert Ferguson, MS, CN.

I began seeing a huge difference in my weight.

In about 5 weeks I have lost 15 1/2 pounds

and several inches from my waist

and I've never ate so much in my life!

Eating balanced is really the key and it really 

does work!  I just wanted to share this with

others who may have picked up a few extra

pounds and would like to get the book

and see if it's right for you
and acceptable with your Doctor.

Best Wishes for Healthy Eating
& Happy Living!

A Season for Everything

"To every thing there is a season, 

and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, 

and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; 

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

 

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; 

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, 

and a time to gather stones together; 

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, 

and a time to cast away;

 

A time to rend, and a time to sew; 

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; 

a time of war, and a time of peace.

What profit has he that works in that wherein he labors?  

I have seen the travail, which God has given to 

the sons of men to be exercised in it.

 

He has made every thing beautiful in his time: 

also he has set the world in their heart, so that no man 

can find out the work that God makes 

from the beginning to the end."

Ecclesiastes 3

Long Winter Awaiting Spring

I hope this finds you all well

I am still here but its been a long Winter.

Illness has kept me from crafting

and showing my creations on my blog;

however, Spring is on its way and

I am confident that my health is

improving and I will be able to

share more real soon!

Looking forward to some Spring inspiration.

"For the which cause I also suffer these things: 

nevertheless I am not ashamed: 

for I know whom I have believed, 

and am persuaded that he is able to 

keep that which I have committed 

unto him against that day."  

2 Timothy 1:12

 

Encouraging Display Card Using Cricut New Testament Cartridge

I wanted to make a card for a friend
going through breast cancer that she could
display and read on those difficult days.

I used the new Cricut Cartridge New Testament
for the Scripture.

Display Card Size:  7 " Square

Scripture cut at 4 1/2"

Frame cut from Storybook Cartridge

I love using leftover flowers & vines to add some interest.

I even had a butterfly left over so added it as well.

I hope this verse will be a reminder to her that

with God all things are possible and He will

give the strength needed for each day ahead!

Blessings!

Baby Shower Cards

Cute as a Button

 I adapted this idea from the March 2012 CardMaker Magazine

where Designer Rosemary Dennis used frame & sentiment stamps
and a whale cut out with the layout above.

 Card Size:  4 1/4" Square

Larger Pink Mat:  4"

Larger White Mat: 3 1/2"

Small Pink Mat:  3"

Small White Mat:  2 3/4"

16  Buttons similar color

Duck cut from Cricut Cartridge A Child's Year 1 1/2"

Small black bead for eye

Sentiment printed on computer then cut to size

Foam tape used to attach larger white mat

These can be made in any color!

I have a friend who is not finding out what the baby is

so she is getting a yellow card!

Hope you have a blessed week!

Thanks for coming by to visit!

Z Fold Flower Card

One of my Favorite Cards
Bright & Cheerful Z Fold Card

 

Card Size:  11" x 6"

Score at 2 3/4" and 5 1/2" from left edge

Fold in half then fold small part to the left

Cricut Cartridge:  Twinkle Toes

Card Stock:  Die Cuts with a View & Basic Black Card Stock

Extras:  Prima Flowers, Ribbons & a Button

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for Spring!  

When I sat down at my craft table, I just wanted to make something cheery & bright!

It has been raining here for days. I chose yellow (definitely a Spring color) 

and the black seemed to make a nice contrast, making it even brighter!

Looking forward to Spring!  

Spring Birds in Winter

I opened the door to an unusual sound.

Greeted by beautiful singing.

A Winter day full of surprises.

Bright, sunny and cheerful.

The birds in my tree didn't know

it wasn't Spring.

They sang with joy at the beautiful day.

Winter can fall in our lives too.

But we can sing like the birds

by seeing the beauty in each day

whether it's Winter or Spring!

Thank You

Thank you for brightening

my life by following
Mud Pie Reality!

I've enjoyed visiting your blogs

and being inspired by your

stories, life and creative crafts!

I'm looking forward to being

more creative in the New Year

and hope to share some encouragement

with you from the many blessings

God gives me daily!

Thanking God for the past year

with a helpful surgery, relief from

some of the pain, delieverance

through two difficult tests/complications.

He has guided each step and given me 

joy and strength along the way!

I'm so thankful to be alive today

to praise Him, enjoy my family

and share encouragement and 

creative inspiration with

all my blogging friends!

Thank You!  Happy New Year!

Thank You Cross Cards

 

I needed to send some

Thank You cards to

family/friends so

I decided to try this

beautiful intricate cross image.

Card Size:  4 3/4" x 7 1/4"

Cricut Cartridge:  New Testament

Cross Cut at 5"

Thank you for stopping by....

Blessings!

Old Fashioned Christmas

This year at Christmas I wanted

to make some special memories

with family celebrating with

old fashioned traditions

My parents simple Christmas tree

is adorned with vintage ornaments

and some are from their childhood.

I can remember making popcorn balls

as a kid and also stringing popcorn with a needle

and thread to make garland for our tree!

Making popcorn balls was top on my list

for our old fashioned Christmas this year!

Fox & Geese Board

As children, my parents played a

game called Fox & Geese where

the geese (small buttons) tried

to hem in the Fox (large buttons)

and keep them from having a move

(like check-mate in chess).

There are many different variations

of this game.  I can remember playing

this when I was young also.  It never

occurred to me that it was only 

cardboard and buttons.

The more fast paced life becomes and the

more tangible possessions people have, the 

more they seem to long for simpler times.

God, Family/Friends & Country--

Is there anything more important?

Wishing you the peace of simpler times

and precious memories with those you love!

Slow down and enjoy life!

Ohio River Village Christmas

Along the Banks of 

the Ohio River

Many Villages still exist today

holding their small town

atmosphere precious.

Older buildings have since became

cafe's, antique/florist shops and offices.  

This is a cafe' along the river.

Unique Window Dressings

A Simple Reminder that

Jesus is the Reason for the Season 

 The decorations look almost as good as the

delicious smells coming from local bakeries.

Blackberry jam, peanut butter rolls and 

cookies the size of your hand can be an

afternoon snack as you stroll through 

the village visiting the shops.

Festive sights, sounds and smells

greet you around every corner

of this Ohio River Christmas Village!

A Frontier Christmas Village

Frontier Christmas

Old Washington, Kentucky

 Candle Making

The wicks were dipped in the hot wax

and allowed to dry as they were dipping the rest

of the wicks.  It took over 90 dips to create a taper candle.

 Buildings from the 1700s line the streets

and beckon for you to come in

stepping back in time.

Knitting Demonstration

Many buildings have become antique shops

while others remain intact for tourist

and school groups to see a glimpse

into the Colonial life.

Sitting by the fire to keep warm.

Corn Cob Checkers

A Wax Statue of Simon Kenton

Site of First Postal Station, 1789

Machinery Used with Tobacco

A Beautiful Local Church

Visiting Old Washington puts me in

the Christmas mood and I enjoy

the sites and sounds of a simpler

time when one's focus was on

God, family and country.

Thank you for visiting my blog!

To learn more about Old Washington visit:

http://www.washingtonky.com/

Christmas Card Ornaments

Nativity Ornaments

When I started to make Christmas cards this year, 

I found I didn't have any paper that

would work for the cards, so

I improvised by making ornaments

and placing a Bible verse & sentiment 

on the back on a label.

Cricut Cartridge:  Inspired Heart

Cut at 3 1/2"

Die Cuts with a View Glitter & Metallic Card Stock

Martha Stewart Ribbon Hangers

I made around 100 ornaments and they went together

quite fast.  This may be a new tradition for me

to give instead of Christmas cards!

Remember...Keep Christmas in your heart everyday!

This Christmas the Little Things

This Christmas I'm thankful for....

the little things.

This Christmas I'm thankful for....

clothes & shoes that fit.

This Christmas I'm thankful for...

food to eat.

This Christmas I'm thankful for...

my home, my family and my friends.

This Christmas I'm thankful for...

seeing donated clothes given to a small child

and the smile she wore in her new dress.

This Christmas I'm thankful for...

the little things that really are the big things!

This Christmas I'm thankful for...

Jesus, God's Son, coming as a baby 

to bring love and forgiveness

to all who seek Him.

This Christmas What are You Thankful for?

Facebook Page

Anyone who enjoys Facebook

can find me on my page at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Treasure-Broker/245273435492308

Feel free to stop by and say hello!

Runaway Christmas Train

 Does anyone else feel like they are on a runaway train picking up speed fast?  So often I hear ladies ask, "Where has the time went?  How did it get to be December already?" 

I don't have the answers to those questions, but am reminded to take a deep breath and remember life isn't about the hustle and bustle, but about the journey and the memories you make along the way.

Where I live there aren't any roses in bloom to stop and smell.  It's too cold, but there are beautiful stars in the Winter sky and bright moons to behold.  Crisp frozen grass that crunches underfoot in early morn.  Soft cheerful music playing in the stores in preparation for Christmas.  A remembrance of Thanksgiving beckoning to not be forgotten amid the hurried days of the season.

The Bible says to everything there is a season.  Time comes and goes quickly it seems.  Isn't that all the more reason to enjoy each minute instead of hurrying through it?

Enjoy the journey and the moments will be more precious!

 

Thought for the Day

Those who do not thank for little 

will not thank for much!

Be thankful.  It doesn't take long

for us to look around and see

someone who has it so much 

worse than we do.  

There is always

something to be thankful for!

Christmas Blog Candy Giveway

Everyone is getting in the Christmas spirit!

Visit http://cricutcouple.blogspot.com 

for great Christmas ideas and a
500 Follower Celebration with

generous giveaways!

It's time to start getting ready for Christmas

to share Christ's love with all!

Christmas Blog Candy Giveway

 Candy's Craft Corner Blog is Having a
Wonderful Giveaway!

 Go Check it out:

http://candyscraftcorner.blogspot.com/2011/10/huge-christmas-candy.html

Joy Comes in the Morning

Medical tests, emergency rooms,

complications, bed rest and lot's of prayers

have been my last few weeks.

If you're someone who goes through

this frequently, you know the first few thoughts

that go through your mind are "Come on...not again!"

There are times in life when there are no answers

but that's when the peace comes 

when you trust God in those dark moments 

when you are alone and only He can help you.


Psalm 30:5 "...weeping may endure for a night,
but joy comes in the morning."

Take a Break and Enjoy Life

The sun will keep on rising and setting
whether we fill our days with

worry or joy!

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, 

for tomorrow will worry about itself. 

Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matthew 6:34