Darcie's playlist--ENJOY!

Amazing Post by Matthew Fretwell http://theresoundingdeclaration.blogspot.com

Re-posted from Matthew Fretwell...what an amazing way to look at life after reading through the book of Colossians.  Thank you Matthew!

Three Buttons

The three buttons which Christ pushes:

He is in control of all things (Col. 1:16-17). He provides for you an alternative life, which is new in Him (2 Cor. 5:17). He deletes your sin and remembers it no more (Col. 2:14). This causes a reboot. 

Are you ready for a reboot in life? Surrender and let Christ push the buttons...

Enter to win Money Saving Mom's new book

http://www.thefreebiejunkie.com/2012/01/money-saving-moms-budget-book-is-on.html

  

Win a Camera!!! Sweet!

Check out Heart Inspired Art.  What an amazing story and a true blessing from this woman.  Go to her site, like her on facebook, enjoy her photos.  She is giving away an awesome camera and online mentoring...COOL!

http://myfourhensphotography.com/photographers/2012/01/10/win-a-canon-5d-mark-ii-a-fun-online-mentorship-to-go-with-it-storewide-sale-too/

Prize is:

A Canon 5d Mark II & a 2 Hour Skype online Mentorship.

http://moneysavingmom.com/

"If there was one message I could tell every young mom, it would be this: let go of perfection, give yourself grace, and don't try to be superwoman. You'll enjoy life a lot more. :)"
This is a quote from Money Saving Mom.  
What an inspirational revelation.  
This lesson bodes well for older moms as well as younger ones. I can honestly attest to that..although if it was learned and instituted as a young mom, it would definitely release us from the struggles faced during the "growing up mommy" period of our lives. As an experienced (older) mom, I can say with all sincerity...I live under the grace of God, and have learned to allow myself a good daily laugh at my imperfections and mistakes. 
Thank you for your post.

End of the year thoughts

Well, here we are at the end of 2011, and I am sitting on my chaise in front of the fire reflecting.  This has been a year of much joy, sorrow, surprises, and beginnings.  We lost some dear friends and one aunt, so thankful that they are with our Heavenly Father now.  Missing them is the tough part.  Sometimes it is hard to see the light at the end of a sorrowful tunnel, but God is so amazing and always shows joy at the end of sadness.
I have found that I love being home.  I no longer work outside of the house, surprisingly, and completely enjoy being home again. Card making and scrap booking have become my passion, even more so than before. It is hard to imagine a day going by without a visit to my studio (being newly renovated as I type).   

I think often of my amazing family and how truly blessed I am to have them each in my life.  I am reminded daily of my blessings.  A new blessing this year was our Melody Joy who entered our lives in November.
When all is said and done, I am spoiled beyond what any one person should hope for when it comes to love and family.  Dan has loved me with an unconditional kind of love that can only be learned from knowing our Abba Father.  He taught me how to love without expectations or limitations.  What an amazing story we have.  It is a love story for the ages.  And to see how he has taught each of our kids, but most especially the boys.  There will be two very blessed young ladies some day to have them for husbands.
When I tell people that Dan and I don't fight, ever!  I get the, "Yeah, right" response.  But in all truthfulness, we don't.  We love to laugh and just can't see a reason for the fighting...nothing seems worth an argument or anger.  I truly respect and admire this man I am honored to be loved by and married to.  He is an amazing and integral part of my life.  And, to think that in addition to all of this, he is an amazing example of what a godly man should be.
So at the end of the year 2011 I want to be reminded to be thankful daily that I am loved by an amazing God, an amazing man, amazing grandchildren, and amazing children.   "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3John 1:4
So as I close this post may I remind all of my friends, family and anyone who will listen to what I have to ramble on about....I wake up every morning and choose JOY and celebrate thankfulness...would you like to join me?

Last night's workshop..

Well my previous challenged failed miserably.  I guess I will need to be more creative, but in the interest of card making, here are a couple of cards I made with my guests last night and last week.  I love making cards and I love the tools I have to do it.