I have gotten back to my passion for writing in my blog except that I've decided to create a new personal blog with a new look and feel. I have kept this blog (Sugar Ink Studio) open for awhile now since this was my first and original point of connection with all my friends in the digital scrapbooking world. But, with everything in life, things have changed. So, I hope that many of you who have once found this blog to be one of those sites that you loved to visit, it would be nice to see over at my new blog called Heart Beats. It's more of a photo log of my life story and the things that I truly cherish and give me reason to celebrate + other random things that goes on in my little world. I also have been leaning more towards digital photography + stationary design which I realize is my niche after so many years trying to discover what makes me, ME.
Anyways, thanks to all of you who have been a part of this journey and made it possible for me to find faith in the Lord and in myself to get where I am today... God bless you all.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
New Blog
Hello? Anybody still there?
Or maybe that's what some of you have been asking each time you stopped by my blog and found that I haven't been posting anything new. Well, here I am with something new to share for those of you who still think I exist. LOL.
So, I have a new blog. I decided to create it at Wordpress, specifically for business & educational purposes only, maybe with a little bit of personal tidbits thrown in here and there. This blog will remain as my personal family & craft blog so you can still stick around and find me here.
I also have been working on (trying to at least) my own personal website--Dahlia Co Designs--where I will be able to offer graphic design services such as custom graphics, stationary, prints, coffee table books, album layouts, etc. While that is in progress, I have also opened up an ETSY store to get myself in gear. Nothing has been added to the store just yet because I've been preparing & learning about everything I need to know to sell on Etsy, crunching numbers for my price list, getting designs & ideas together, setting up my studio workspace, and simply wrapping my head around the whole idea of actually pursuing something I've always dreamed of.
I had been seeking to do this for a long time, but since the recession of our economy and the effects it has had upon our family, there is no better time then now to follow your dream and do whatever it takes to make it a reality. Because you never know if it will be that ticket to survival during these dark financial times. If others can do it, then there's no reason why I'm incapable of doing the same! All I need is a little seed of faith, plant it, let God water it, and it will flourish...
Thanks to all of you who have seen me grow these past years and watched my life from a distance, striving to reach new heights as challenges arose to push me beyond my limits. I've met countless strangers and made incomparable friendships over the web through the connection of this blog and the creative communities that I've joined. Such a beautiful thing to know that there is no distance in real friendships whether in person or in the world of cyberspace.
Until next time, be blessed...
~Dahlia
Or maybe that's what some of you have been asking each time you stopped by my blog and found that I haven't been posting anything new. Well, here I am with something new to share for those of you who still think I exist. LOL.
So, I have a new blog. I decided to create it at Wordpress, specifically for business & educational purposes only, maybe with a little bit of personal tidbits thrown in here and there. This blog will remain as my personal family & craft blog so you can still stick around and find me here.
I also have been working on (trying to at least) my own personal website--Dahlia Co Designs--where I will be able to offer graphic design services such as custom graphics, stationary, prints, coffee table books, album layouts, etc. While that is in progress, I have also opened up an ETSY store to get myself in gear. Nothing has been added to the store just yet because I've been preparing & learning about everything I need to know to sell on Etsy, crunching numbers for my price list, getting designs & ideas together, setting up my studio workspace, and simply wrapping my head around the whole idea of actually pursuing something I've always dreamed of.
I had been seeking to do this for a long time, but since the recession of our economy and the effects it has had upon our family, there is no better time then now to follow your dream and do whatever it takes to make it a reality. Because you never know if it will be that ticket to survival during these dark financial times. If others can do it, then there's no reason why I'm incapable of doing the same! All I need is a little seed of faith, plant it, let God water it, and it will flourish...
Thanks to all of you who have seen me grow these past years and watched my life from a distance, striving to reach new heights as challenges arose to push me beyond my limits. I've met countless strangers and made incomparable friendships over the web through the connection of this blog and the creative communities that I've joined. Such a beautiful thing to know that there is no distance in real friendships whether in person or in the world of cyberspace.
Until next time, be blessed...
~Dahlia
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
::In The Twilight::
@ Little Dreamer Designs
Featuring ::Twilight In My Garden:: by Michelle Coleman
Frame from ::Apron Strings:: by Leora Sanford
I’m entering another chapter in my life and
a new page is slowly turning. I eagerly watch
the dawn break as the sun rises into daylight.
I feel alive with every beat of my heart and
know as long as it still has rhythm,
I will always strive to know my purpose
and the calling that God has for me.
Although night may come and troubles
take hold of me, I know that I am not alone
in my sufferings. And it is in the midst
of my trials that I find true wisdom and strength.
So, even as I go through seasons of change,
I do not question the sovereignty
of God’s hand. If He has control over time,
day and night, weather, seasons,
and all the universe then, I trust that HE
has control over every circumstance that
I face and knows the path ahead. He is indeed
the author and finisher of my faith so let
there be many twilights to come in this journey of mine....
Featuring ::Twilight In My Garden:: by Michelle Coleman
Frame from ::Apron Strings:: by Leora Sanford
I’m entering another chapter in my life and
a new page is slowly turning. I eagerly watch
the dawn break as the sun rises into daylight.
I feel alive with every beat of my heart and
know as long as it still has rhythm,
I will always strive to know my purpose
and the calling that God has for me.
Although night may come and troubles
take hold of me, I know that I am not alone
in my sufferings. And it is in the midst
of my trials that I find true wisdom and strength.
So, even as I go through seasons of change,
I do not question the sovereignty
of God’s hand. If He has control over time,
day and night, weather, seasons,
and all the universe then, I trust that HE
has control over every circumstance that
I face and knows the path ahead. He is indeed
the author and finisher of my faith so let
there be many twilights to come in this journey of mine....
Monday, November 24, 2008
{CHANGE} - Part One
Here I am sharing my heart and my deepest, inner most feelings and hope that all who read this will respect my personal views and allow me to express who I am and what my experiences has taught me in light of the my own personal challenges as I travel this journey in life.
Lessons are learned every day, but there are those lessons that will forever change your life. My lesson that I'm about to share is about CHANGE itself. Some changes, like changing our clothes or our bank accounts, have little impact on the world around us. Some changes we have no control of like the weather or seasons, night and day, or the numbers on our clock as time ticks away. Then, there's changes that completely cause a breakthrough in a persons life that literally strips them of everything that they were ever taught or comfortable with and brings them to do the things they never thought they would ever do. Sometimes, it even causes them to do the things they were most afraid of. It's how we react to these changes that determine our destiny or how our future will unfold. It could be a death in the family, a loss of a job, a divorce, a move in an unfamiliar town or city, or even a new life being added to the family. That is the CHANGE that has come into my life many, many, many times...
Yet, there is one change that will never change. My love for Jesus. I remember that day when I cried out to God for a change in my life for the first time. It wasn't at church or at home, but it was in my car. I was just coming out of a very horrible relationship, was wounded by friends whom I felt betrayed me, worked at a job that made me feel unfulfilled, and living out of a room I rented and just feeling so alone and scared of where life was going. It brought me to the realization that I was continually making the same mistakes over and over again. I was running around in circles, searching for my purpose in life and only finding myself empty. I depended so much on myself to answer my own problems. I thought I knew everything. I believed in God, but didn't have that faith in Him until I ran out of faith in myself. So, I wanted a change and finally knew it was time to let go and let God have complete control over my life. The prayer barely came out as I whispered underneath the heaviness of my heart, I said, "God if your real, show me. Change me." That day my life was never the same.... From that point on, every change that came into my life was through the unfailing love of Jesus to change my heart and bless me with strength to overcome the trials of life, to grow in His character and image, and to have the passion to fulfill the purpose set apart for me....
Lessons are learned every day, but there are those lessons that will forever change your life. My lesson that I'm about to share is about CHANGE itself. Some changes, like changing our clothes or our bank accounts, have little impact on the world around us. Some changes we have no control of like the weather or seasons, night and day, or the numbers on our clock as time ticks away. Then, there's changes that completely cause a breakthrough in a persons life that literally strips them of everything that they were ever taught or comfortable with and brings them to do the things they never thought they would ever do. Sometimes, it even causes them to do the things they were most afraid of. It's how we react to these changes that determine our destiny or how our future will unfold. It could be a death in the family, a loss of a job, a divorce, a move in an unfamiliar town or city, or even a new life being added to the family. That is the CHANGE that has come into my life many, many, many times...
Yet, there is one change that will never change. My love for Jesus. I remember that day when I cried out to God for a change in my life for the first time. It wasn't at church or at home, but it was in my car. I was just coming out of a very horrible relationship, was wounded by friends whom I felt betrayed me, worked at a job that made me feel unfulfilled, and living out of a room I rented and just feeling so alone and scared of where life was going. It brought me to the realization that I was continually making the same mistakes over and over again. I was running around in circles, searching for my purpose in life and only finding myself empty. I depended so much on myself to answer my own problems. I thought I knew everything. I believed in God, but didn't have that faith in Him until I ran out of faith in myself. So, I wanted a change and finally knew it was time to let go and let God have complete control over my life. The prayer barely came out as I whispered underneath the heaviness of my heart, I said, "God if your real, show me. Change me." That day my life was never the same.... From that point on, every change that came into my life was through the unfailing love of Jesus to change my heart and bless me with strength to overcome the trials of life, to grow in His character and image, and to have the passion to fulfill the purpose set apart for me....
Monday, November 17, 2008
Just living life...
Does anyone realize that 2009 is just several weeks away? Another year flew by and its true what they say, after the age of 30, time zips just like that and each year goes by faster than ever. I never really took notice of that until now. I swear, my son Lucas was barely walking and Josiah could hardly speak full sentences. Now, they both know how to count in Spanish. What next? College? Sigh...
Okay, so what is there to tell. I know some of you in my past CT's or back in the scrapdigi world are wondering what the heck happened to me. I've been out of commission from creating layouts, um...let's see here (looking in my creative journal), about almost a month now. And let me tell you, the transition was not easy. I think I had an emotional withdrawal from not being able to use these left brain cells as much as I did. I was homesick with not being able to connect with those who shared their stories, photos, and creativity with me. However, I did sign up for a FREE class and I'm actually getting a little therapy from Jessica Sprague's - STORIES IN HAND. I really didn't expect to be all that into it, but when I opened up the emails, read through the daily instructions, and printed the materials... Boy, I'm so glad I took part of this class!
So far, Jessica has really done such a beautiful job in desiging this class for those of us who need a little push to dig deeper into our memories. The project is so well organized and easy to create, but most of all, she really makes it fun and inspiring. At the moment, I'm a little behind but that's okay, because the forums and materials will be kept open for me to go back and refer to in my own flexible time. I can't wait to finish so I can share how it looks like with you....
I normally don't discuss much about school on my blog when it comes to my progress since it might bore some of you, but hey, maybe you might find it interesting. So far, I've finished reading and taking notes on FIVE lectures AND submitted work on THREE exercises. And mind you, each lecture takes 2 - 3 hours to go through and each exercise takes a day or two. Yes, my brain hurts and I think I overdosed on too much coffee. But, I'm happy with my grades. I got a perfect 100 (they don't use letter grades) on one exercise and the other two were above 90! Oh yeeaaahhh! :) I'm on a roll! I now know some history of logo design, basics about designing a web page, and using the pen tool in Photoshop to create a figure silhouette like in the iPod ads. Okay, enough about school...
Next random thing that I wanted to share is that I finally get Facebook! I was not impressed with it at first. It literally took me a long time to understand its features and applications and why I was receiving "filipino food", "starbucks", and "christmas ornaments" and what I was supposed to do with them. Then, what really made me like it more was reading everyone's status twitters and feeling that instant connection with friends that I haven't seen since elementary, middle, or highschool. Unlike MySpace, its not focused so much on appearance and how many friends you have, but more on keeping in touch with people you know on a real time basis with back to back conversations, updates, and comments. See? I finally get it!!! LoL! I am especially thrilled and overjoyed to have found a long lost friend that I have been searching the planet for in the last several years and now we are reunited and blessed that the search is over. I can't wait to meet up with her soon!!
Anyways, I'm done catching up with this blog for the day! Hope you all have a great week!
Okay, so what is there to tell. I know some of you in my past CT's or back in the scrapdigi world are wondering what the heck happened to me. I've been out of commission from creating layouts, um...let's see here (looking in my creative journal), about almost a month now. And let me tell you, the transition was not easy. I think I had an emotional withdrawal from not being able to use these left brain cells as much as I did. I was homesick with not being able to connect with those who shared their stories, photos, and creativity with me. However, I did sign up for a FREE class and I'm actually getting a little therapy from Jessica Sprague's - STORIES IN HAND. I really didn't expect to be all that into it, but when I opened up the emails, read through the daily instructions, and printed the materials... Boy, I'm so glad I took part of this class!
So far, Jessica has really done such a beautiful job in desiging this class for those of us who need a little push to dig deeper into our memories. The project is so well organized and easy to create, but most of all, she really makes it fun and inspiring. At the moment, I'm a little behind but that's okay, because the forums and materials will be kept open for me to go back and refer to in my own flexible time. I can't wait to finish so I can share how it looks like with you....I normally don't discuss much about school on my blog when it comes to my progress since it might bore some of you, but hey, maybe you might find it interesting. So far, I've finished reading and taking notes on FIVE lectures AND submitted work on THREE exercises. And mind you, each lecture takes 2 - 3 hours to go through and each exercise takes a day or two. Yes, my brain hurts and I think I overdosed on too much coffee. But, I'm happy with my grades. I got a perfect 100 (they don't use letter grades) on one exercise and the other two were above 90! Oh yeeaaahhh! :) I'm on a roll! I now know some history of logo design, basics about designing a web page, and using the pen tool in Photoshop to create a figure silhouette like in the iPod ads. Okay, enough about school...
Next random thing that I wanted to share is that I finally get Facebook! I was not impressed with it at first. It literally took me a long time to understand its features and applications and why I was receiving "filipino food", "starbucks", and "christmas ornaments" and what I was supposed to do with them. Then, what really made me like it more was reading everyone's status twitters and feeling that instant connection with friends that I haven't seen since elementary, middle, or highschool. Unlike MySpace, its not focused so much on appearance and how many friends you have, but more on keeping in touch with people you know on a real time basis with back to back conversations, updates, and comments. See? I finally get it!!! LoL! I am especially thrilled and overjoyed to have found a long lost friend that I have been searching the planet for in the last several years and now we are reunited and blessed that the search is over. I can't wait to meet up with her soon!!
Anyways, I'm done catching up with this blog for the day! Hope you all have a great week!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Letting go and finding a way....
to keep me and my family prepared for what other financial setbacks might occur in the midst of this global recession, I decided to *resign from ALL of my creative teams*. Times are definitely not easy for us right now and who knows what tomorrow will bring. Will it bring devastating news or will it bring us a financial miracle? I hope it will be the latter. So, in hopes that I may try to focus more time in graduating school or possibly looking for a job outside of home, I had to make the heartbreaking, yet honest approach to step down from my teams and focus on the more important issues at hand. I have wrote my emails/PM's with tears and left my sincere appreciations to all for having me join them. It was not an easy thing for me to do since scrapbooking is such a huge passion that I have and I know that it is not something that I take lightly. I've had some good times with these teams, even if it was for a short while. This has been such a humbling experience for me, to deny my wants and desires to fulfill the need to do what is best for me and my family. I absolutely have gained such a tremendous appreciation for the scrapbook community and the inspiration that I've received from so many talented and amazing people. I also know I will greatly miss the friendships I've built and being able to work closely with those who have inspired me a great deal. However, I know that someday I will join them again and will still see them around every now and then.
So, you can still be kept updated through my blog and please feel free to leave me any comments or just say hello. After having such an emotional week, I'm finally starting to feel some peace knowing that I can begin moving forward and start the journey to accomplish what needs to be done. Thank you for reading and allowing me to share this with you. May God continue to bless you and enrich you with His abundant blessings....
So, you can still be kept updated through my blog and please feel free to leave me any comments or just say hello. After having such an emotional week, I'm finally starting to feel some peace knowing that I can begin moving forward and start the journey to accomplish what needs to be done. Thank you for reading and allowing me to share this with you. May God continue to bless you and enrich you with His abundant blessings....
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Layouts to share...
Okay... here's some pages that I've done within the last 2 months or so. Just click on the images to see the full credits.
This is Krystal's newest kit ::Crush:: over at Funky Playground Designs. Love the attitude of the colors and elements - funky and fresh!
This is Krystal's newest kit ::Crush:: over at Funky Playground Designs. Love the attitude of the colors and elements - funky and fresh!
And Misty Cato has a toad-ally cute kit coming out this Saturday @ SSD that you should be on the look out for! And for Libby, let me just say she finished working on something that I'm sure will you will love if you have boys, but definitely can be used for girls as well... And last but, not least, Little Dreamer Designs $1 sale is every Wednesday which is tomorrow! You definitely have to head on over there and see what featured product will be for a dollar because it's always something way too good to pass up! Anyways, that's it for now! Take care!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Trying to do the right thing.....
For the past week, I have been STUCK with this voice inside of me, that was really hard for me to ignore. And finally, after discovering that my husband has taken a pay cut and hearing of company lay-offs due to this economy crisis, has left me without a choice to step up my game and prioritize my time to prepare for the worst in case, God forbid, my husband loses his job. So, today I had to face the facts and listen to this voice, to let go of some of my creative teams which was difficult, but in doing so I hope to focus on finishing up my graphic design program and if I have to, work part-time evenings and/or weekends. I definitely loved working with Fee Jardine and Julie Billingsley, both @ SSD. Julie was the one designer who took a chance on me and introduced me to SSD and all the lovely people there. Fee, will always be my favorite when it comes to handrawn doodles and alphas. Both these ladies were such a wonderful source of inspiration to me and has played such a big part in my journey as a scrapper. So, even though I was sad to leave, I know I have to do what I have to do that's best for me and my family.... Hopefully, when this economy crisis is finally over and I'm done with school, then maybe I'll have more time to join other teams, but for now four is enough. :)
Monday, October 13, 2008
Support a Dream....
Help me in supporting a Faith Sister to realize her dream of expanding her family. Click the banner below to purchase this beautiful collaboration kit!
Dream A Little Dream
Layout by me...
"Little Angel"
Thursday, October 9, 2008
FOBTY challenge @ SSD...
My Ice Cream Personality:
Your Ice Cream Personality: |
 You like to think of yourself as a fairly modest person. And it's true that you don't talk yourself up... but you're also pretty happy with who you are. You are incredibly cautious. You rather miss out on something than make a mistake. No one would ever call you wild... but they would call you responsible. You are a somewhat open minded person, but deep down you're fairly conservative. You don't like trying new things very much. And if you do find something new you like, you stick with it. You tend to have a one track mind. You prefer not to multitask. You can be a big dramatic and over the top sometimes. You are bold in every way |
Friday, October 3, 2008
Rain
It's past midnight and I'm still wide awake :O I should be sleeping... But since I'm up, I thought I'd take time to do a little blogging. While I'm typing at this very moment, I'm also listening to the wind and rain that just started a while ago. It's the first little storm we've had in quite a while and the first sign of cold weather since fall began a few weeks ago. Nights and mornings are getting colder and I'm beginning to miss the warm summer nights that we just had. Brrrrr.... But, I'm also looking forward to nights by the fireplace with the loves of my life--my hubby and precious little boys. Just the thought of it just warms my little heart.
Tonight, out of nowhere, my son Josiah, who is turning 4 in just a few short months, said to me, "Mom, I don't want you to die." My heart sunk just hearing the sound of his little voice filled with so much concern for me. I stood there for a moment and finally sat beside him and almost cried. It struck a painful cord in my heart as I thought of how that was probably what I must of said when my mother was dying 22 years ago. It amazes me how much my son understands about life and death. Because we believe in life after death and have faith in eternal life through Christ Jesus, I've spoke to him about how our bodies are temporary, but our spirit lives forever to go back home and live in heaven. To a child, that must sound confusing and maybe a little too complicated. But, I did explain in terms that he could understand which he did. So.... after embracing him and soaking up all the love that he was giving me, he then went on to say, "Mommy, I want your spirit to be strong." Which I believe he meant that he never wanted my spirit to leave him. I am thankful for his sweet spirit and I hope that nothing will take that away from him. I just love these little moments and I thought I'd share them with you. Thanks for listening....
I was going to post my latest layouts I've done, but now the rain has stopped and it's really quiet which has suddenly made me a tad bit drowsy. So, I'm going to call it a day... Good night!
Tonight, out of nowhere, my son Josiah, who is turning 4 in just a few short months, said to me, "Mom, I don't want you to die." My heart sunk just hearing the sound of his little voice filled with so much concern for me. I stood there for a moment and finally sat beside him and almost cried. It struck a painful cord in my heart as I thought of how that was probably what I must of said when my mother was dying 22 years ago. It amazes me how much my son understands about life and death. Because we believe in life after death and have faith in eternal life through Christ Jesus, I've spoke to him about how our bodies are temporary, but our spirit lives forever to go back home and live in heaven. To a child, that must sound confusing and maybe a little too complicated. But, I did explain in terms that he could understand which he did. So.... after embracing him and soaking up all the love that he was giving me, he then went on to say, "Mommy, I want your spirit to be strong." Which I believe he meant that he never wanted my spirit to leave him. I am thankful for his sweet spirit and I hope that nothing will take that away from him. I just love these little moments and I thought I'd share them with you. Thanks for listening....
I was going to post my latest layouts I've done, but now the rain has stopped and it's really quiet which has suddenly made me a tad bit drowsy. So, I'm going to call it a day... Good night!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Totally forgot...
...to mention that my ::Forever:: layout was chosen for LAYOUT OF THE WEEK last week and that I was also selected for this week's SPIN-A-LIFT challenge @ SSD! I'm so flattered and thankful that I was chosen to be featured, it is such a reward after putting all my heart and soul into creating pages about special moments and people in my life. This just makes me love what I do even more! So, if you want to join in on getting some sweet rewards for the Sweet Shoppe, come play and lift any one of my layouts found in my gallery here.
Also, I was surprised to receive a PM from Joyce over at Funky Playground Designs that my layout, ::I'll Stand By You:: , using ::HOOTENANNY:: by Libby Weifenbach and ChereKaye, was selected for their first Featured Layout Friday debut! Wow, it was such a good week for me... Hope it continues! So far, I'm feeling low on my scrapping mojo this week, just taking time to catch my breath and remembering to find balance in life. Without balance, life can turn into chaos and that is definitely not something I can afford to happen. So far, life is good and I'm enjoying the things that I've been so blessed with--family and preserving memories!
Also, I was surprised to receive a PM from Joyce over at Funky Playground Designs that my layout, ::I'll Stand By You:: , using ::HOOTENANNY:: by Libby Weifenbach and ChereKaye, was selected for their first Featured Layout Friday debut! Wow, it was such a good week for me... Hope it continues! So far, I'm feeling low on my scrapping mojo this week, just taking time to catch my breath and remembering to find balance in life. Without balance, life can turn into chaos and that is definitely not something I can afford to happen. So far, life is good and I'm enjoying the things that I've been so blessed with--family and preserving memories!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Faith Discovery Challenge #17 Featured Artist!
Congratulations to Michele (Creatively Obsessed) for being selected as our featured artist for last week's Faith Discovery Challenge! Please leave her some love in her gallery here.
~Journaling~
But we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3
Upon A Shelf
I am a lump of clay, in a jar upon a shelf.
A sculptor reaches in and gently and pulls me from my vessel.
He holds me in his warm hands. I am safe.
“Oh my lovely child, I know the beauty that is within you.
But if I shape you without first preparing you,
Thee will not be able to bear the heat of my kiln.”
“To become the masterpiece you are meant to be thee must be wedged.”
Through many trials and tribulations,
I scream in pain as my being is torn to pieces.
I have done nothing wrong,
Why does he strike at me so?
I cry out “ Stop or you will destroy me!”
The kneading begins,
Oh what pleasure.
I smile as I look into my sculptors eyes,
“I am ready“.
“No!” he cries.
I tremble at the brutish force, now worse than before.
I am perplexed, exposed, dry and hardening.
I begin to crack and flake.
I yell out , “This must be the end”.
My sculptor, he says nothing but continues to wedge.
“Why? Oh Why?” I cry
As the cold hard blade stabs at my soul.
I let forth a deafening howl,
“I am hard now, I can stand no more!”
In that moment, tender fingers begin to massage me,
Gently caressing my jagged edges.
Soft hands smoothing my fractured surface.
I feel strength rising within me.
The sculptor is putting my broken pieces back together.
The building process begins.
A soft voice speaks, “My creation, you are almost ready.”
I am being carried now, carried to the kiln.
I feel the fire of my father’s love,
A love so strong
I finally know where I belong.
I am transformed.
I rejoice as my beauty is revealed.
I am a jar made of clay
Shinning in the light.
Sitting upon my father’s shelf,
It was worth the fight.
Thank you Michele for participating and for sharing your creativity with us! And thank you for your inspiration! You can snag this blinkie if don't have one already!
~Journaling~
But we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3
Upon A Shelf
I am a lump of clay, in a jar upon a shelf.
A sculptor reaches in and gently and pulls me from my vessel.
He holds me in his warm hands. I am safe.
“Oh my lovely child, I know the beauty that is within you.
But if I shape you without first preparing you,
Thee will not be able to bear the heat of my kiln.”
“To become the masterpiece you are meant to be thee must be wedged.”
Through many trials and tribulations,
I scream in pain as my being is torn to pieces.
I have done nothing wrong,
Why does he strike at me so?
I cry out “ Stop or you will destroy me!”
The kneading begins,
Oh what pleasure.
I smile as I look into my sculptors eyes,
“I am ready“.
“No!” he cries.
I tremble at the brutish force, now worse than before.
I am perplexed, exposed, dry and hardening.
I begin to crack and flake.
I yell out , “This must be the end”.
My sculptor, he says nothing but continues to wedge.
“Why? Oh Why?” I cry
As the cold hard blade stabs at my soul.
I let forth a deafening howl,
“I am hard now, I can stand no more!”
In that moment, tender fingers begin to massage me,
Gently caressing my jagged edges.
Soft hands smoothing my fractured surface.
I feel strength rising within me.
The sculptor is putting my broken pieces back together.
The building process begins.
A soft voice speaks, “My creation, you are almost ready.”
I am being carried now, carried to the kiln.
I feel the fire of my father’s love,
A love so strong
I finally know where I belong.
I am transformed.
I rejoice as my beauty is revealed.
I am a jar made of clay
Shinning in the light.
Sitting upon my father’s shelf,
It was worth the fight.
Thank you Michele for participating and for sharing your creativity with us! And thank you for your inspiration! You can snag this blinkie if don't have one already!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
SSD challenge ~ From Our Blog To Yours 9/25
Okay... Here is how did on the typing test... It's funny because it has not changed since high school :)
65 words
65 words
To earn your sweet reward points, just take this test and post it on your blog. When you're done, go back to the Sweet Shoppe Blog and post a link to your blog in the comments along with your SSD username! Have fun!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Happy Birthday Mom...
Dear Mom,
You would have turned 60 years old on your birthday, September 17th. I wonder all the time what my life would be like to have you around, but this time, I can't help but feel like I really need you right now. I get torn sometimes just thinking how unfair it is that you had to go so early and how I feel sad that my children didn't have the pleasure of meeting you and having a grandmother who I know would've loved them to pieces. I admit, I envy those who have their mothers to support them as they raise their kids or when they have their mothers to help them around the house when they get sick or need a break. There were many times I had gone through things that I know only a mother would understand and wish you were here for me to confide in. I just feel like you were never meant to go so soon, but who am I to argue about it. If this was God's plan, I can't do anything, but surrender it to Him. I can't argue against His will and whatever reason my life turned out the way it did, I have to remember what the Bible says, "And we know in ALL things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. I hold on to that verse not only for myself, but also for you because I remember strongly how much you loved the Lord. I'm sure as you were clearly aware that your life was coming to an end, the only thing you could do was pray that God would take care of your children and that our lives would turn out just fine without you. In my heart, I believe that God heard your prayers and He's done an awesome job answering it. I know our lives aren't completely perfect, but my sisters and I turned out better than expected knowing that our lives could have been totally destroyed without having you there throughout our younger days when we needed you the most. So, now that I've followed in your footsteps to serve God with all my heart, I have a greater appreciation for you and for my own children. While I'm still breathing, I promise to love my boys the way you have loved me when I was a child--kind, compassionate, patient, selfless, and sensitive to their needs. My prayers for them is the same prayer you shared with me the very last time I saw you. These were your words, "I pray that you will always love the Lord because if you do, He will take care of you. I pray that you will study hard and finish school and that you will marry the right person. Remember not to do unto others what you don't want done to you. Love each other." I was only 11 years old when I heard you say this and for most of my life, I didn't even seem to care about those words until the day that I found myself and knew that God needed me to change my lifestyle. It wasn't until I desperately needed God, that made me reflect upon the meaning of your prayer and how much I needed it to become a reality. Soon after I made the choice to pursue a life in Christ Jesus, my life has been blessed beyond measure. So, thank you Mom. Thank you for everything and even though you've been gone for 22 years, you are always in my thoughts each and every day. I know I'll see you again and when I do, I can't wait to be mother and daughter once again...
Happy Birthday, Mommy... XoXoXo
Love,
Dahlia
You would have turned 60 years old on your birthday, September 17th. I wonder all the time what my life would be like to have you around, but this time, I can't help but feel like I really need you right now. I get torn sometimes just thinking how unfair it is that you had to go so early and how I feel sad that my children didn't have the pleasure of meeting you and having a grandmother who I know would've loved them to pieces. I admit, I envy those who have their mothers to support them as they raise their kids or when they have their mothers to help them around the house when they get sick or need a break. There were many times I had gone through things that I know only a mother would understand and wish you were here for me to confide in. I just feel like you were never meant to go so soon, but who am I to argue about it. If this was God's plan, I can't do anything, but surrender it to Him. I can't argue against His will and whatever reason my life turned out the way it did, I have to remember what the Bible says, "And we know in ALL things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. I hold on to that verse not only for myself, but also for you because I remember strongly how much you loved the Lord. I'm sure as you were clearly aware that your life was coming to an end, the only thing you could do was pray that God would take care of your children and that our lives would turn out just fine without you. In my heart, I believe that God heard your prayers and He's done an awesome job answering it. I know our lives aren't completely perfect, but my sisters and I turned out better than expected knowing that our lives could have been totally destroyed without having you there throughout our younger days when we needed you the most. So, now that I've followed in your footsteps to serve God with all my heart, I have a greater appreciation for you and for my own children. While I'm still breathing, I promise to love my boys the way you have loved me when I was a child--kind, compassionate, patient, selfless, and sensitive to their needs. My prayers for them is the same prayer you shared with me the very last time I saw you. These were your words, "I pray that you will always love the Lord because if you do, He will take care of you. I pray that you will study hard and finish school and that you will marry the right person. Remember not to do unto others what you don't want done to you. Love each other." I was only 11 years old when I heard you say this and for most of my life, I didn't even seem to care about those words until the day that I found myself and knew that God needed me to change my lifestyle. It wasn't until I desperately needed God, that made me reflect upon the meaning of your prayer and how much I needed it to become a reality. Soon after I made the choice to pursue a life in Christ Jesus, my life has been blessed beyond measure. So, thank you Mom. Thank you for everything and even though you've been gone for 22 years, you are always in my thoughts each and every day. I know I'll see you again and when I do, I can't wait to be mother and daughter once again...
Happy Birthday, Mommy... XoXoXo
Love,
Dahlia
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