Faithbooking Inspirations

How Many Kings ~ Saturday Soundtrack 7

Thankgiving morning I turned the car on and heard Christmas music!!  Then, 5 minutes later, when I opened the car door at my running park, I was hit with an overpowering smell of pine trees ~ and, said out loud, "Thank you Jesus!"  In an instant, I was brought into the Christmas spirit.  What a beautiful gift to start out the season ~ Music praising Him for His birth!

With Christmas comes lots of pictures and lots of pages to be scrapped.  So, I thought I'd try to give some great sayings for your pages, many coming from some unlikely Christmas music.  

The first one for the "Christmas Seasonal Soundtrack" is titled "How Many Kings" from the group Downhere.

  (See a video here)

• Use any one, some, or all of the lines in the chorus as a topper or tucked in a little empty spot
• Journal which words mean the most to you and why
• Include the words in the chorus, accenting the words Kings, lords, greats, Gods, and fathers(or any other words that you want to stick out) by using a different color, font, or capital letters
• Reference scriptures referring to Him to as King, Lord, etc.
• Write a prayer of your thanksgiving to Him at the thought of coming "All for me"

How Many Kings lyrics by Downhere

Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe after all we’ve projected
A child in a manger

Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliness hero, wrapped in his mothers shawl
Just a child
Is this who we’ve waited for?

Cause how many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn savior
All that we have whether costly or meek
Because we believe
Gold for his honor and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he’ll suffer
Do you believe, is this who we’ve waited for?
It’s who we’ve waited for

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only one did that for me

All for me
All for you
All for me
All for you

Treasured Jewelry

I have a cross pendant, a little like the one on the left, that I received over 30 Christmases ago from my parents.  It has seen me through high school, college, parenting 4 children and every moment in between.  Each time a chain has broken, I have been devastated and have even paid extra to get the ring repaired quickly so I can put it back on.  It is not a point of idolatry for me, it is just a piece of jewelry I treasure beyond what a few words can say. 

As I ran yesterday, the necklace became so entangled in my earphones that I can not believe it didn't break ~ I felt a panic to think that it could have broken and been lost on the trail miles before I would have noticed.  How would I find it?  Could I even begin to consider replacing it?  I would never be able to give it to my daughter, or my grand-daughter.  This precious piece of jewelry would have been gone, and pictures along with the story would be gone with it. 

After untangling it, I finished my run thinking about this treasure, as well as the other pieces I have that have a story.  I have a pair of earrings my mom got me on our very first shopping trip.  My mother's ring has a history with a complete miracle.  

So, I encourage you to make a few pages with the pictures and stories of your favorite / most treasured jewelry. 

• Pieces from family members
• Pieces with a special history / story / or meaning
• Pieces that bring special memories of moments or loved ones
• Who gave you the jewelry?  How did you / they pay for it?  Who would you like to receive the pieces once you are gone?
• Include pictures of the jewelry, people or places, as well as receipts and dates
• "The LORD their God will save them on that day as the flock of is people.  They will sparkle in His land like jewels in a crown."  Zechariah 9:16   
• Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.  Proverbs 8:10-11
• Add these verses in your Christmas, Birthday, Blessings, and Weddings sections of your Unto All Generations

Worship in the Waiting ~ Soundtrack Saturday 6

Over 14 months since our decision to move to Texas leaves us with a house still not sold and in a state of waiting that gives me a deeper understanding for the Israelites!

 

In the past year I have learned much about who He is, who I am, and, who He created me to be.  I believe I will be eternally grateful for this time ~ my life will be, beautifully, never the same. 

 

I can not begin to express in words all I have learned and have become.  I can only praise Him for His ways, His wonders, and, MY WAITING.  While I am listening and watching for Him to place the next stone for me to step on, I am raising my life in praise and worship in the waiting.

 

For Soundtrack Saturday 6 I encourage you to create a page(s) titled 'Waiting', or 'Worship in the Waiting'.  Our loved ones will have periods of wandering and wondering.  If they can read your words that He never fails, He does work, and that the waiting can be beautiful, you will encourage them to hold on to His hand through the desert and into the Promised Land.  

• Include the specifics events in your story
• Share any scriptures, songs or prayers you clung to and claimed 
• Journal how He worked before, during, and, after the period
• How can you look back now and see that He was working all along?
• How were His ways different, and, perhaps more beautiful, than your plan?
• How is your / your family's life different because of the waiting?
• Include the chorus or all of the words from the songs below
• In His heart a man plans His course, but the Lord determines His steps.  Proverbs 16:9  
• The Lord works out everything for His own ends... Proverbs 16:4
• Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5,6

One of my favorite songs to start my morning runs with is Worship in the Waiting by FFH. Click to see a video here (As soon as I figure out this new program, I will post the song directly here as well)  :~)

Another morning 'Waiting Song' is While I am Waiting by John Waller as seen in the must see movie Fireproof and here in the While I am Waiting Video

While the waiting can be painful, it can also be a time of worship for His wisdom and ways ~ don't miss His Work in the Waiting ~ Just pray for manna for today, and, watch Him move in ways you would have never imagined!!

~ Worship in the Waiting by FFH ~

I’ve seen the red sea part, I’ve seen the mountains move
But now it seems so dark, I can’t even feel you
If you choose to be silent I’ll be silent too
I will worship in the waiting, quiet before you
Until your voice like manna from the sky falls

I will worship in the waiting  
I will walk this sand beneath my feet
Though the winter wind is blowing
The ground is not frozen underneath
I will worship and not grow bitter
Cause I know you see the end of it all
And with the spring will come the rain
And I'll see what was gained
In the waiting

I’ve seen the blooms of spring, new life in everything
But now it seems so grey, bright colors fade away
This winter seems much longer and colder than before
But I will worship in the waiting, expecting something more
Until the sun shines warm upon my face again
He Leadeth me He leadeth me
By his own hand He leadeth me
His faithful follower I would be
For by his hand He leadeth me

I will worship in the waiting  
I will walk this sand beneath my feet
Though the winter wind is blowing
The ground is not frozen underneath
I will worship and not grow bitter
Cause I know you see the end of it all
And with the spring will come the rain
And I'll see what was gained
In the waiting 

~ While I am Waiting by John Waller ~

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting 

** The beautiful picture found at

The Art of Lillian Michiko Blakely

Coversations Full of Grace

Let your conversation be always full of grace....Colossians 4:6

What a perfect scripture for pictures of anyone with any kind of phone near their ear, or for that first cell phone purchase for your teen.

Even if you have already scrapped such a page, go back and stick this little scripture in a tiny empty spot. 

We never know who will be looking at our albums one day and need just The Word they read.

** This is also a great verse for our families to memorize ~ I know my kids needed to tuck that one away for use towards their siblings :~)  It was a great opportunity to point out His grace towards us as well.

From Disaster to Divine

"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. " 2 Corinthians 5:1

The kids and I drove from Ohio down to Houston just days after Ike tore through Texas and the rest of the United States, leaving an indescribable path of disaster and destruction.  (The hurricane left the path of disaster, not my driving)  :~)

As we drove further south we began to witness scenes of increasing devastation and were in complete awe at the power of nature.  Although I had literally watched on television as the storm landed and tore through Texas, I had not even begun to grasp the reality of the damage.  

As we all heard on the news, there are so many people who lost every earthly thing they had; some, even their lives.  Within just a few short hours people's lives were changed forever.

To be in one of the areas hit hardest was so surreal ~ never can I again doubt the power of His hand. 

And, just as there were stories of complete horror, there were amazing incidences of human strength, love and spirit.  Just as His power filled hand reached down to touch so many lives, so did His nail-pierced hand.  There are stories of disaster to divine everywhere I turn.

How about you.  What story do you have that started as a total disaster but evolved into one of divine healing, power and love?  Is it a story of a relationship changed, an emotional healing, an answered question, or literally damage to your earthly tent of your home or body? 

As I have shared so many times before ~ our albums are perfect places to share with future generations the work of His hand both on this earth and for eternity.  What an opportunity for those who suffered through Katrina, Ike, cancer, or other terrible damaging events to share that even through disaster the Lord does work.  It may be as miraculous as a tree that just missed your child's bed, or a man who provided a generator and air conditioning for your ailing child, or simply a woman who held your hand as you took the news in.  Share these stories.  God works in and through the disasters, we only need believe and look.

• Share where you saw His hand reach down and work.  Include your thoughts, prayers, and, emotions.
• Include 2 Corinthians 5:1 above as you journal the promise of a new body or home in Heaven built by our Heavenly Father.
• Use John 14:1 ~ In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.  Journal how you envision your Heavenly Home ~ ( big yard or small / trees with leaves that stay fall colored yet never have to be raked / a big wrap around porch with a swing and rocking chairs etc.)
• Include before and after pictures, storm / radar reports, newspaper clippings, doctor's notes / tests, cards of encouragement from praying friends, and any scriptures / prayers that you clung to and claimed.

As much as disasters are a part of our human experience, so is the divine power of His loving hand.  We need only look through eyes of trust and expectation to see His work.

PS ~ To those who have emailed and even called to see where I was, thank you so much for your thoughts and encouragement.  I am so sorry for the absence ~ He was workin' on me to get back.  There is much to share ~ isn't He amazing and a little crazy in His working?  Scrapping season is upon us, so, let's get back in the saddle again :~)

SBB Bubbles is Born

As I have mentioned, there are many changes coming to Scrapbookers Bubble Bath.  The Lord has placed on my heart for SBB to move itself from an intent of selling the Unto All Generations series to being a resource for all the great information out there. 

Over the last few years SBB has made so many contacts.  I believe it gives us a beautiful opportunity to become a springboard for inspiration for making an eternal impact.  SBB Bubbles is part of the new focus. Read more about its purpose and design here.

We will continue to sell the Unto All Generations series ~ in fact, Book IV is in its infancy stages.  The idea of scriptures and faith in our albums makes me so excited and continues to be a deep passion.  However, I desire to make SBB more than the books ~ so, stay tuned for another new Christian Scrapbooking site, an exciting way to minister to non-believing scrapbookers, and whatever else the Lord places on my heart, and I have time to do :~)

 

Super Faithbooking Site Search

Scrapbookers Bubble Bath is on a search for Super Faithbooking Sites.

As part of our makeover, we are sponsoring a new Christian Scrapbooking site.  Part of the mission of this site will be a resource for faithbooking sites and info on the web. That is where you come in.

Do you have a favorite site you visit with great pictures of page ideas?  Where do you go to chat or shop?  When you need that perfect saying, what site do you visit?  Do you have your own blog or site that provides inspiration? 

Send the link our way with a brief one sentence discription.  Just a couple notes of advice as you are sending the info to us:

• Your favorite site will be one of many.  Make your description short, direct, yet interesting.
• Feel free to send more than one.
• There are lots of general scrapping sites and resources out there ~ we are focusing on ones that have a deep focus of legacy or faith.
• If you are a direct sales representative with a site through your company, you may send your site if you focus on faith, but, please specify what company you are with.
• Share any non-web link ideas or stories in our Guestbook ~ I know you guys have much better ones than mine, I've seen them, don't be shy :~)

Dads ~ Soundtrack Saturday 5

Last night my dad poked his head in the room and said "It's my year anniversary".  Wow, I can't believe it has been a year since he had his bypass, and, you all were so great with your prayer support.

So, this Soundtrack Saturday celebrates dads.  Here are just a few songs that may fit in pages with your own dad, or pages with the children in your life with their father.  I've included some quick ideas to get you thinking on how you can use the songs, but, of course, the possibilities are endless.

This just tips the surface ~ got any other ones you like? 

**For subscribers, click here to hear "Always Be Your Baby"

Always Be Your Baby by Natalie Grant ~ create a page with pictures of the daghter and father throughout the years

Father's Love by Bob Carlisle ~ use the chorus and journal aspects of your father / daughter relationship with God

Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman ~ of course with the tragedy the Chapman family experienced, this song has a deeper and more real meaning. However, through this amazing family, God will be glorified! 

You Can Let Go Now Daddy by Crystal Shawanda ~ (warning: kleenex required) journal the little and/or big things your father did to care for you

With Arms Wide Open by Creed ~ this is a great song for a new dad

Find Your Wings by Mark Harris ~ put this song, along with a CD, in the front of a graduation album with a letter of even journaling or prayer and support from the father

Magnificent Defeat

I heard a great phrase in a song yesterday ~

"This Magnificent Defeat"

Got me to thinking about how many Magnificent Defeat finish lines the Lord has brought me across through His power, grace and love.

What about you?  What have you defeated only through Him?  How about that sin, fear, moment of decision, or challenge? 

That weight you lost ~ that was only through His power.  That moment you stepped on the airplane despite your overwhelming fear of flying ~ it was His hand that gently guided you.  That sin that was running your life, soul, and, mind ~ it was His Cross that provided the power to overcome.  That mountain of a situation that you believed was an impossible climb ~ the peak was reached and conquered through His love and guidance.  Each of those Magnificent Defeats were yours through, and because of, Him.

We need to share the stories of our Magnificent Defeats in our albums.  The phrase makes a great page title / header.

• Title a page This Magnificent Defeat and tell the story of a specific time the Lord has helped you be a "Defeater" instead of a "defeated".  Include pictures, your feelings before, during, and after, as well as how the Lord provided the power, grace, peace, love, forgiveness and/or direction you needed.
• Title a double page spread "Magnificent Defeats" and share mini stories.  Include a few short sentences about the times you have defeated through Him.  Even little moments such as the time you only ate half the piece of cheesecake or were able to speak to someone who'd hurt you.
• Include scriptures, prayers you prayed, and songs, people or stories that were an inspiration.
• "...the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."  1 John 4:4
• "...divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 Corinthians 10:4
• "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
• "...The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm."  Zephaniah 3:15
• "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:14 (for more scriptures for scrapbooking, see Unto All Generations)

He gives us the gift of Magnificent Defeats daily.  Give Him the glory.  Point to His power.  Focus on His forgiveness.  Leave the Legacy of His Love for you and His children.

Watch for the Orange Barrels

With school out and no house to clean while in Texas, I have been heavy at work making some much needed upgrades and updates to Scrapbookers Bubble Bath and here at Faithbooking Inspirations.

The Lord has been drawing my attention to many things in the last few months, one of them being the purpose and mission of SBB.  With that mission in mind, there are some exciting focus changes coming that I believe will help serve as a great resource for you to create albums full of faith and legacy.

During this time of transition, there has been a new page added to SBB ~ What's New.   Its purpose is to serve as an easy point of reference and update.

Another new page is the Guestbook and Inspiration Sharing as a replacement for the Newsletter page.  I am super excited about this page because I think it can become a great place for you guys to communicate and help each other create meaningful albums.  You all have great ideas and stories about your scrapbooks pages (I know this from the emails you've sent me) ~ I want to give you the opportunity to share them with others.  Think about those just discovering faithbooking coming to this page and reading all your inspiration.  If you have more than one idea or story, then, make more than one entry, or, come back as often as you'd like.  Think of it as a Inspiration Blog from SBB readers.

There will be more new pages and a new site coming, so, stay tuned, and, watch for more orange barrels to be added and then removed.

The Real Me ~ Soundtrack Saturday 4

For Soundtrack Saturday 4, I'm gonna give you an unmasked little peek into my heart.....

It has been a year since we made the decision to move to Texas, and, our home has still not sold.  So, I am living between 2 states and learning to love the 2 day trip between Texas and Ohio via van with 4 kids, a big black lab and a GPS that I have yet to figure out :~)

While this time has been somewhat crazy, I can't believe how deeply grateful for it I am.  I have been the only adult in my home for 11 months now.  It is amazing what you see when you don't have someone to 'busy you' from looking at yourself. 

Without my husband around to talk to and busy myself with, I have been placed in a unimaginably beautiful place to stop and see how and who God created me to be. 

Meaning no disrespect at all to my dear husband, precious children, or my wonderful life, I think somewhere in the last many years, to my fault, I'd lost who I was.  I was so busy being the everything to everyone that I'd forgotten the woman I was underneath the costume.  I'd misplaced "The Real Me".

During this time of 'semi-seperation' from my usual life, the Lord has given me a much needed opportunity to step back and begin to uncover the woman He created.  I have realized He sees me as beautiful, strong, individual and worth it.  And, I know I am not the only one that finds that phrase a hard one to claim and believe!

I could ramble for thousands of words about my evolution in the last months, but I will spare you all :~)  However, I will say that He sees 'The Real Me' in each of us.

He creates us in His image; the exact woman He desires to come along-side Him, do His work and grow His Kingdom.  To not become that woman is not only cheating ourselves, but, more importantly, Him. 

Lord, I do pray that these readers are able to see themselves as you do.  May each one look in the mirror today and see something wonderful, strong, and beautiful.  I pray these women reach under their masks and claim the daughter and dreams you've created.  Jesus, you are too powerful and perfect for us to cheat ourselves, and You, from the life You've set for us.  May we each see "The Real Me" today and take the next step towards her.  Thank you for your love and grace!

While "The Real Me" from Natalie Grant has always been on the top ten tracks of the 'soundtrack of my life', it rings even deeper and truer now.  It is a perfect song for the majority of you out there.  Something about us scrapbookers ~ we don't put our pictures in the albums and forget we are part of the story and legacy too :~)

"Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
You're turning the tattered fabric of my life into
A perfect tapestry
I just wanna be me"

(Those receving this by email will just have to bop over to the site to hear the song since it doesn't transfer through the newsletter)

The Real Me ~ Natalie Grant (Awaken CD)

Foolish heart looks like we're here again
Same old game of plastic smile
Don't let anybody in
Hiding my heartache, will this glass house break
How much will they take before I'm empty
Do I let it show, does anybody know?

But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me

Painted on, life is behind a mask
Self-inflicted circus clown
I'm tired of the song and dance
Living a Charade, always on parade
What a mess I've made of my existence
But you love me even now
And still I see somehow

But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me

Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
You're turning the tattered fabric of my life into
A perfect tapestry
I just wanna be me

But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me

And you love me just as I am

Wonderful, Beautiful is what you see
When you look at me

YOUR Childhood Dreams

Today Randy Pausch passed away at the age of 47.  He was the Carnegie Mellon Professor who presented an amazing lecture on "Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" while facing his final months on earth due to pancreatic cancer.

What dreams did you have as a child?  Probably more realistically, what dreams have you forgotten you had while you were a child?  Or, what dreams are you letting lie stagnant while you enable someone else to achieve their goals?

So often as women, we forget God placed dreams in our hearts and minds.  While I believe He does call us to support others, He also gives us strengths, desires and paths that we must identify, claim, and, move forward with.  He created each of us for a purpose that will serve and point to Him.  If we squelch our design and dreams aren't we missing why He created us?

To have a purpose, goal, or dream is not selfish.  It is actually allowing our God to challenge and work through us, and in us, to show others His power, grace and love. 

This weekend ask yourself:  What dreams have I forgotten?  What purpose has He made me for?  What do I want to do but am afraid it will be too much work, time, or 'self focus'?  What can I set before me as a next step that, when reached, can give me an opportunity to point to Him?

The cross wasn't easy.  But Christ knew He was called for that purpose and He pressed on towards that end.  Whatever challenge, goal, or dream He has placed in your path is nothing in the shadow of the cross and Christ's power. 

Find your dream FROM HIM, claim it as yours, keep your eyes on Christ and give Him all the glory when you cross that finish line.

"Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God..."  Hebrew 12:1-3 (Msg)

****While Randy may not discuss the dreams 'God has placed in our hearts', he has some challenging and inspiring statements that will cause you to stop and think.  Here's a quick 1o minute summary video from when he was on Oprah ~ replay it, it's worth 20 minutes of you life, I promise! View his full lecture here, read more on his web-site here. (View the full lecture before showing your children due to a few words that may tell you that "he has to put a dollar in the swear jar")  :~)

Oh No, She's Awake...

"Live your life in such a way that when you open your eyes in the morning satan says, 'Oh no, she's awake'."

I received this in an email a couple days ago, and, it has continued to challenge me in a deep gut-checking way.

Does satan say this about you?  I'm not sure he does about me.

Along with being a personal prayer, this statement can make an eternal impact in our albums.

• This would be a great title page in a graduation album or 'new path' album
• Use it along with a picture of a loved one you want to challenge to live such a life
• Use it in a double page spread with pictures of a loved one whom you believed lived such a life, and, journal what she / he did to bring others to Christ
• Include pictures of a teenager sleeping / waking
• Frame the phrase and place in a bedroom or bathroom to challenge you or your family

Lord, may we be intense enough in our walk with and for You, that we are dangerously scary to the enemy.

A Beautiful Story ~ Soundtrack Saturday 3

For Soundtrack Saturday 3, I had to share this soundtrack / video that I just found....I don't think any music I share can begin to say more.  (Read the full story below)

Now, you can grab a kleenex, I did, and, be inspired that love, a strong spirit, and His Power can defy all odds.

******After she was nearly killed in a car crash in 1987, doctors doubted Lynn Mcgovern would walk again. But Mcgovern, whose brain stem had been damaged, endured seven years of rehabilitation to learn how to walk a short distance--namely, down the aisle to marry Jamie Parks in 1994.

Since then, she has continued to defy expectations by completing more than 170 road races, thanks to her devoted husband, who would rather push Lynn in her wheelchair than run alone.

"I am so lucky Jamie has given me this gift," Lynn says. The 45-year-olds have covered more than 13,000 miles together. Their personal bests, including a 17:35 5-k and a 2:57 marathon, are remarkable, given Jamie's workload (Lynn and the chair weigh 170 pounds).

Jamie, who met Lynn in 1985, started pushing her in races in 1991. "She faces so many challenges, but never complains," says Jamie, a mail carrier in Tinley Park, Illinois. "It makes it hard for me to complain about anything."

At a half-marathon in August, one of the chair's wheels fell off at mile 12. Jamie pushed Lynn on a single wheel for the final mile, finishing in 1:32:11. "We were mad, but then you move on," Jamie says. "We don't take things so seriously as other folks might. Our big picture is much bigger."

All the POWER You Need ~ Soundtrack Saturday 2

As I ran a couple days ago, praying about the next Soundtrack Saturday post, as well as where SBB is going, I strongly believe the Lord placed this song and scripture on my heart for someone(s).  And, no matter how many times I tried to add something or change it, He brought me back to this one statement ~ "Remind them, and, you, that I have all the POWER they need".

So, quite simply, I now present Soundtrack Saturday Track #2:  along with a scripture that I have hanging on the wall in front of my treadmill.  Also, here is a copy of the scripture I stare at and pray through as I run my grueling  torturous  fun miles :~)  (Download all_the_power_you_need.doc)

...There was given me a thorn in my flesh... Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But He said to me "My grace is sufficient for you.  My POWER is made perfect in weakness."...Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's POWER may rest in me." 2 Cor. 12:7-9.

"All the Power You Need" ~ by Darlene Zschech 

• Use these words to create a sports page: include the sacrifice, journey and milestones
• Create a page to tell the story of a special goal or trial in your life.  Journal how you experienced Christ's power
• Share one of your weaknesses and how Christ can / has given you power to overcome (weight, bad habits, sin, fear, doubt, etc.)
• Create a "Power Page" with this scripture on top and share mini stories / clips of times in your life you've seen or experienced His power as you encourage your loved ones to trust in and tap into His power. 

Rise to IT

"Your life is an occasion ~ Rise to it"

I heard this on Mr. Magorium's Magic Emporium, and, thought it'd be great for our albums.

Stick this little statement on a page with balloons, airplanes, high places, climbers on couches or mountains, graduation, new path, or even on a front page.

Those 8 words can alter the course for someone searching for, or struggling with, where they want to go or what they believe God wants them to be.

**And, if you are looking for a good movie check out Mr. Magorium's Magic Emporium.  It is clean, filled with a wonderful message and, will make you smile.

Introducing....Soundtrack Saturday

This past Mother's Day my husband got me one of the best gifts ever ~ a 30 GB Zune.  Until about a year ago I'd have no clue what that was ~ it basically is an MP3 Player that holds over 5000 songs and pictures.  You don't have to spend too much time on this site to see that music is such an inspiration and joy to me, so, I was giddy when I opened it!!

The best movies usually have great soundtracks:  And, I believe we each have a soundtrack for our lives.  The soundtrack has songs that stir up memories, give us 'light bulb moments', speak our deepest feelings in much more eloquent words, and, cause us to dance along this beautiful movie the Lord has placed us in.

I thought I'd start a new weekly post:  Soundtrack Saturday.  These will be filled with a random number, style, and meaning of songs that belong in my soundtrack or may fit perfectly in some of yours.  And, I thought it'd be a great opportunity for you to add some comments to share some songs that may inspire each other.  There are lots of you that read this, so, I know there are lots of perfect songs.  Don't be shy, you never know when something you share may be just what another is looking for.

Song phrases, entire lyrics and even CDs are great to place in our albums.  It adds a new dynamic to our pages and albums and will inspire future generations in new ways.  So, check back each Saturday to read the latest Soundtrack Saturday post, and check out the Songs and Poems category for other song ideas.

I now present to you:  Soundtrack Saturday!

Be Thou My Vision ~ If I could have just one song to represent the prayer of my life it'd be this hymn.  The words are just beautiful and speak my heart more accurately than I could ever begin to try.  The most touching version was by Ginny Owens who is a wonderful singer, and, blind since childhood.   Her version made me fall in love with the words.  I want to make a page with a CD of my favorite versions along with the words and share how they speak my heart, my unworthiness, and my prayer for my loved ones to keep their eyes on Jesus.

Held ~ I found this song by Natalie Grant at the most difficult time in my life.  It was the time when I discovered that everything we believe to be foundational on this earth, is not.  I realized I could lean on the Lord and Him alone.  And, I found the beauty and peace in learning to just sit at His feet and be Held By Him through IT ALL, whatever IT may be. I want to make a page with the words and this picture as I journal the peace in learning to be Held By Him.  I so desire to speak to my future generations through this song, and encourage them to rest and trust. I'd also include how I used the song as the name for my blog and the picture for the Faithbooking Devotionals. I'd also like to make a page to tell a brief version of the story behind my love for the song as well as how the picture touches me.

Hope this gets you thinking about some pages you can make with some special songs in your life.  Stop back next Saturday :~)

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Be Thou My Vision ~ Ginny Owens' version is on the Without Condition CD

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Held ~ Natalie Grant from the Awaken CD

Two months is too little.
They let him go.
They had no sudden healing.
To think that providence would
Take a child from his mother while she prays
Is appalling.

Who told us we'd be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We're asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It's unfair.

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred know our sorrow.
The wise hands opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

If hope is born of suffering.
If this is only the beginning.
Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?


This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

Heal the Wound ~ Leave the Scar

A couple of months ago my daughter left this 4 1/2 inch skid-mark on our street with her teeth...yes, I did say with her teeth!

As I held my poor daughter with her busted teeth, I refused to believe my sons when they said there was a "huge skid mark" ~ I told them to grab a ruler and camera.....So, now my daughter tells people this picture is her "trophy", and, "the pictures are gonna make a great scrapbook page" ~ now that is a true scrapbooker's kid!

We've had many trips to the dentist, and there are still some prayers going up about the long term prognosis of her front teeth, but, the wound on her lip has healed to leave a pink scar.  When I look at that little mark, I praise God for so many blessings that came from this incident.  And, even my 8 year old can tell you how God blessed her and protected her that day.

How many scars do you have that really can become reminders of how beautiful God is? 

What about those stretch marks from your pregnancies ~ the cut above your eye from that car accident that so many said they weren't sure how you walked away ~ the little burn from your first homemade cake you made for your daddy's birthday ~ the pain yet peace you still feel when you hear that certain song ~ the memories of that one night when your life was changed forever ~ the smile lines which even the expensive creams can't seem to erase, that really show how often you've had the gift of smiles and laughter during your life....

I have 2 'scars' that I have been praying the Lord would remove, one physical, and, one situational ~ however, realistically, I don't see that prayer being answered in the way I'd choose.  Instead, I have begun thanking Him for his grace, power, and love that is proven in the scar that remains. And, I  pray/sing the chorus to Heal the Wound by Point of Grace. (I've included the song and lyrics at the end of this post)

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

We each have so many wounds He has healed, but, the scars remain. 

Sharing these scars, whether physical, situational, or emotional have the chance of blessing future generations.  We can teach them to see their scars through His eyes and rejoice in His ways.  We can share His works, power, love, and beauty through pages with the story of our scars.

• Share a the story, with or without a picture, of a physical wound you have:  Share the story how it came to be, how you saw His work in the situation, and, how that wound / scar has blessing in it
• Share a time in your life when you were hurt deeply but you can look back through the emotional scar and see His work and way
• Share the story of scars your loved ones have and how those wounds to scars were blessings.  This is especially important and touching for our children as they grow and see a scar but can remember the love of God
• Create a page with a picture of Christ's nail-scarred hands (you can find them on the internet if you search in images).  Journal what those wounds mean to you, how you feel when you see the picture / think of His sacrifice, and the power those wounds represent.  This is a great opportunity to share His sacrifice for EACH of us and the gift of eternal life ~ you never know the heart that your page may change!!!

Enjoy the song below (warning: a tissue may be needed), and, as you read the words, thank Him for a wound He has healed but allowed a scar to remain to remind you of His love and mercy.

~ Praise Him for your scars! ~

Heal the Wound by Point of Grace

I used to wish that I could rewrite history
I used to dream that each mistake could be erased
Then I could just pretend
I never knew me back then

I used to pray that You would take this shame away
Hide all the evidence of who I've been
But it's the memory of
The place You brought me from
That keeps me on my knees
And even though I'm free

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

I have not lived a life that boasts of anything
I don't take pride in what I bring
But I'll build an altar with
The rubble that You've found me in
And every stone will sing
Of what You can redeem

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

Don't let me forget
Everything You've done for me
Don't let me forget
The beauty in the suffering

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

One Heartbeat at a Time

So often as mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and mentors we feel as if we are just not doing enough.

Shaping these precious souls entrusted to us is a daunting task that often takes years to see its fruits.

It's easy to get lost in the day to day busyness and wonder if we are truly making a difference.

This morning, I was blessed by a song that brought a tear to my eye along with "rewind" pushes at least 6 times.

We must remember we ARE changing the world as we mold His children.  Each moment, word, and smile will, one day, create someone who WILL "rock this world for Him". 

As many of the Mother's Day pictures are getting developed and placed in albums, I thought I'd share the beautiful song and lyrics to Steven Curtis Chapman's "One Heartbeat at a Time".

• Use some of the words as your place Mother's Day pictures in your albums
• Journal how your own mother / grandmother / mentor changed the world through her children
• Journal your prayers and dreams of your own children / loved ones changing the world
• Use the chorus in a baby album as a gift to a new mother
• Include Isaiah 40:11 ~ He tends His flock like a Shepherd and carries His lambs close to His heart.  He gently leads those that have young

Lord, give us the perseverance to press on and make the most of each moment as we "make history with every touch and smile"

*** Just a little technical note:  I am super excited...I just figured out how to insert the songs into these posts ~ so, cruise through the Songs and Poems Category and now actually hear the songs I have shared.

One Heartbeat at a Time ~ Steven Curtis Chapman

You're up all night with a screaming baby
You run all day at the speed of life
And every day you feel a little bit less
Like the beautiful woman you are

So you fall into bed when you run out of hours
And you wonder if anything worth doing got done
Oh, maybe you just don't know
Or maybe you've forgotten

You, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time

With every "I know you can do it"
Every tear that you kiss away
So many little things that seem to go unnoticed
They're just like the drops of rain over time
They become a river

And you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time

You're beautiful
You're beautiful
How you're changing the world
You're changing the world

You, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
Oh, I believe that you
You are changing the world
One little heartbeat
At a time

And you're changing the world

Beautiful Feet

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news" ~ Rom 10:15

"Direct my footsteps according to your word..." ~ Psalm 119:133

"He will not let you foot slip..." ~ Psalm 121:3

There are not many things more beautiful in this world than children's feet.  And, at the risk of sounding kinda odd, when I look at the feet of my parents, I am touched by where those feet have been and how those feet have impacted my life. 

Pictures or imprints of feet have a perfect place in our albums. They represent a future and a promise.  They prove God's amazing creative works.  They are what take us down the path He has for us.

I challenge you to make a "Beautiful Feet Page" in your album.  Although it may not be a 'typical' page, think of the words, stories and prayers of legacy you could leave.  Then, e-mail me your "Beautiful Feet Page" so I can share them in an upcoming album on this site.

• Use one of the scriptures listed above as a border around a picture or collage
• Include a prayer for where you pray your loved one's feet will take them in the future
• Journal your praises for where the feet have been:  include the actions as well as the places (mission trips, college, supporting and raising a family, sports achievements, ministries, etc)
• Do you have special memories / feelings about your loved one's feet? (Story time, kicking a football in the back yard, reminding you of the miracle of life, etc)
• If your loved one is insecure about their feet / toes you can place a wide ribbon or make a card to place over their toes (write a scripture on it, their name, or a special saying)
• If you don't have / are unable to get a picture of the feet, make them through stickers, tracing, die-cuts or clip art, then use the suggestions above to complete the page
• Instead of a picture, make an imprint on a piece of paper with an ink pad
• Create a page using these prompts for any special shoes (first pair, athletic goals, special days or meetings).  Go to the shoe rack and take pictures of the shoes owned by your family and journal special moments or thoughts about each pair.
• Create a mini-album for a child about the parts of our body and how each of those parts was created for a special purpose and how they can serve God
• Create a page about sitting at Christ's Feet ~ journal when you feel closest to Him, do you sit at His feet for wisdom, guidance, strength or peace?
• Challenge your scrapping group, family members or friends to make a "Beautiful Feet Page" and then share them the next time you get together.
• And, next time you look at your feet, give them a little pat for all they have been in your life ~ even if you do need a pedicure :~)
• If you can't make the page today, just file the thoughts, imprint, or picture away with all those Precious Papers, and make some Journey Jots to be used later.   And, remember, It is OK to be out of order!

**I found this precious image at AllPosters.com