A Couple of Fun Images for You

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, 

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 

plans to give you hope and a future. 

Jeremiah 29:11

Good morning my friends.  I trust you are having a good week.  We have family visiting this week and are enjoying their company.  I have a couple of vintage postcard images for you.  The first one is sweet little dogs.  

Free Vintage Dog Image ~ Click for larger size

The next is a real photo postcard image of a young boy in a sailor outfit.  Isn't he just the sweetest? Check out the white tights and little button boots.

Free Vintage Image for you ~ Sailor Boy ~ Click for larger size

Please remember my friend Darlene and her son Luke in your prayers.  He's beginning treatment for a brain tumor.  This is a very hard ordeal for them, but they are strengthened through prayer.  I hope you have a wonderful Friday.

Think on These Things ~ Bible Verse Thursday

Finally, brethren, 

whatsoever things are true, 

whatsoever things are honest, 

whatsoever things are just, 

whatsoever things are pure, 

whatsoever things are lovely, 

whatsoever things are of good report; 

if there be any virtue, 

and if there be any praise, 

think on these things. 

Philippians 4:8

Have you ever had troubling thoughts that consume your mind and you just can't shake them.  Our thoughts can affect the way we feel. Speculating about things that haven’t happened, what someone might be thinking about us, or dwelling on a situation where someone has wronged you. These all drag you down and cause negative feelings. I am someone who can easily be overcome with anxiety, worrying about what “might” happen. When I feel my mind pulling me in that direction, I try and remember this scripture and focus my thoughts on what is true and real, right and pure, lovely and admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.

This is a scripture we need, to clear our minds and focus on the wonderful blessings that God has given us. Training your minds to go in this direction will relieve us of unnecessary stress and give us more peace in everything we do.  Here is my sample project below.  A digital card/project, made with a vintage image and My Digital Studio, by Stampin Up. 

 

My Sample Project for Bible Verse Thursday

I am the Challenge Hostess for Bible Verse Thursday at Christian Paper Crafts.  This week, your challenge  is to make a project that is “lovely” to you. Something that will remind you to “think on these things”. You can use this scripture in your project, or another scripture that fits this theme. This is a great scripture to memorize, and I encourage you to do so.  You can find out more about the challenge, and link your project up here:  Christian Paper Craft Blog. 

Here is a free graphic I made and have shared on this blog before.  It features Philippians 4:8.

Free Graphic ~ Philippians 4:8

Karen from Papercraft Memories offers this scripture in a free WORDArt.  You can find the link for this scripture here:  Philippians 4:8

I hope you have a wonderful day my friends.

My Help Comes from the Lord

I lift up my eyes to the hills— 
where does my help come from?
 My help comes from the Lord, 
the Maker of heaven and earth.

  He will not let your foot slip— 
he who watches over you will not slumber;
 indeed, he who watches over Israel 
will neither slumber nor sleep.

  The Lord watches over you— 
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
 the sun will not harm you by day, 
nor the moon by night.

  The Lord will keep you from all harm— 
he will watch over your life;
 the Lord will watch over your coming and going 
both now and forevermore. 

Psalm 121

Free Vintage Graphic

This is one of my favorite Psalms.  A Psalm that fills us with hope that we are being cared for and are never alone.  Isn't it awesome to know that our Lord who watches over us NEVER sleeps.  Not being one who fares the heat well, I like that He is our shade.  He continually looks out for our best interests. 

I thought you might enjoy some more Catherine Klein images.  This next one is more sweet peas, all white.  Aren't they lovely?

Free Sweet Peas Image 

Who doesn't enjoy fresh strawberries now and again, this time of year?

Free Strawberries for you

Lastly, I digitally altered one of C. Klein's flowers and added Psalm 121 for you.  A beautiful scripture full of promise, surrounded by beautiful flowers that were made by our Creator.  A perfect combination.

Free Psalm 121 Graphic for you - click for larger size

I hope you enjoyed today's post and free images.  Have a blessed day my friends.  

Sweet Peas and Friends

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
   let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
   that those who love your name may rejoice in you. 

Psalm 5:11

Happy Monday to you my friends.  I hope you've had a wonderful weekend and are beating the heat where you live.  Becky from Camellia Cottage Designs recently showed me a card she had made with one of my free images.  It turns out to be one of my most favorite graphics.  Take a look at THE most beautiful card she made. 

by Becky ~ Camellia Cottage Designs Blog

Isn't it gorgeous?  You should check out her blog when you have a moment.  She make the most beautiful projects, has lots of tutorials, sketches, and tons of inspiration.  For details on how she made this card, you can check out her post here:  Camellia Cottage Designs.

Thanks Becky for bringing this beautiful card to my attention so I could share with my readers.

My friend Jan aka Janaria has made a some things with my images.  I just love her vintage style.  Her work is always an inspiration to me, as is her strong Christian faith.   Take a look at a card she made using one of the cards she won here on my blog.

Card made by Jan ~ Re-Creations Blog

Here is a silver box Jan made using a free graphic from my blog.  

Silver Box made by Jan ~ Re-Creations Blog

Close-up of Jan's Silver Box

You can find out a little more about why Jan made a silver box in this Bible Verse Thursday post.   Please visit her new blog Re-Creations when you have a moment, you'll be delighted and inspired.  Thank you Jan for using some of my images in your beautiful work.  

I stumbled on this beautiful sweet pea postcard by Catherine Klein.  Today seems like a good time to share it with you.  Don't forget to click for a larger size.

Free Vintage Postcard ~ Click for Larger Size

I think she's captured the sweet peas beautifully in her artwork, as she did with most anything she painted.  You can read a little more about C. Klein in an earlier post I had on this blog - She was Known for her Flowers.

I found a tutorial at Brown Paper Packages for making paper sweet peas using a butterfly punch.  I haven't tried it yet, but she makes it look quite easy.  

I hope you've enjoyed today's post.  Have a blessed day my friends.

 

A Little of This and a Little of That

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God’s people who are in need.
Practice hospitality. 
Romans 12:12-13

Thanks for all your kind comments while I took my mini blog vacation. 

It's early morning for me at this moment, and I'm thankful for the coolness this morning brings.  Our little corner of the world in Maine yesterday hit 100 degrees.  Not something we are used to at all.  Very few homes have air conditioners and if they do it's just one room.  We persevered through it.

I visited my friend Sheila this week who has THE most beautiful flower gardens.  While I relaxed at her little cottage by the sea, I watched as she clipped a snip of this and a snippet of that and transformed it into this beautiful bouquet for me.

 

Beautiful Bouquet from  Sheila's Garden

I received the most delightful package awhile ago from my friend Esther at Shoregirl's Creations.  I used many of the items before I photographed it because I was so taken with all the little treasures inside.  Tons of embossed butterflies, tissue paper flowers, tiny scrollwork flowers, die cut flowers, paper buttons, wallpaper with a vintage look, lace, a rubber stamp.  I was so pleased to get it.  She thoughtfully prepared it just for me with colors she knew I'd enjoy.  Thank you sweet Esther.

Goodie Package from my friend Esther

This next image which is free for you, is a piece of vintage fabric that I scanned.  The bright colors reminded me of summer.  Hope you enjoy it.

Free Background ~ Vintage Fabric

 

 

This next free graphic comes to you from the pages of one of my antique children's books of nursery rhymes.  Here's Miss Little Bo Peep for you.  Don't forget to click on each image for a larger size. 

Free Graphic ~ Little Bo Peep

Awhile ago I was experimenting scanning flowers.  Here's a daisy for you, one of my experiments.  I edited the photo in Picasa using the focal black & white feature.  I made just the center have color.  Easy to do!  

Free Daisy ~ From Me to You

One of my most favorite things to do is to collect shells.  I usually look for the white ones, and one of the beaches I go to has a bountiful supply of them.  I have multiple glass jars filled with the shells.  Here's a close up photo I took of one of my jars.  I changed the photo to sepia-tone.  Hope you enjoy it.

Free Image for You ~ Shells in Antique Jar

My friend Judy got back from vacation yesterday and brought me the most delightful vintage postcards.  They will be shared with you at some point.  One of them has sweet little birds that is just waiting for me to transform it.  I have such thoughtful friends.  I am blessed indeed.  Thank you Judy.

Have a wonderful weekend my friends.  Thank you again for all your kind comments.  I am so appreciative of each and every one.

Scripture Thursday ~ PRAYER

In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; 
in the morning I lay my requests before you 
and wait in expectation. 
Psalm 5:3

The morning is my favorite time of day. It’s peaceful, the phone isn’t ringing, there is minimal noise outside except the birds, and there are no interruptions. It’s a quiet time. A time this scripture takes meaning for me. God calls us to pray through the many references in the Bible such as….ask and ye shall receive, pray so that you will not fall into temptation, pray without ceasing, brethren pray for us, is any afflicted let him pray, the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. These are just a few of the examples.

Free Vintage Image with Scripture for your Project

I know with certainty, God hears and answers our prayers. At a particularly low point in my life God revealed that he had not forgotten me in ways that were beyond coincidence. I have countless examples but this one stands out, perhaps because it’s small but mighty. I wanted to make shredded wheat bread but didn’t have the ingredients or the money to buy them. Feeling defeated, I sat at my kitchen table and began to pray. I was interrupted by a knock at my door, it was my neighbor with a loaf of warm homemade….that’s right….shredded wheat bread. It brings tears to my eyes, just to retell this story. It’s SO powerful to me.

God ALWAYS answers our prayers, it may not be as we want Him to, but remember he is ALL knowing, He knows what is best for us. If God answers your prayer right away, be thankful; if it’s denied, be patient; if we are to wait, then wait with expectation as the scripture says.

Found among the notes of my husband’s grandmother:

P – Praise
R – Remembering
A – Asking
Y – Yielding
E – Expecting
R – Receiving

My Project Sample for Bible Verse Thursday

My sample project this week features Psalm 5:3 on a 12x12 scrapbook page. 

I am linking this project as well to SCS Divine Design Bible Verse Challenge. 

Thanks so much for checking in with me today, and for all your kind comments while I took my mini blog vacation.  Have a wonderful day.

Taking a Mini Vacation

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

I'm giving myself a mini blog vacation and hope to be back Wednesday or Thursday this week.  I know some of you look regularly to see what goodies I have for you, so wanted to let you know I'm fine.  Thank you for all my faithful followers, seeing all your smiling faces grouped together makes me so happy.  I'm always encouraged by all the kind comments you leave.  I may not be able to respond to all of them, but be assured they are read and appreciated.  

The pansy postcard image at the top of this post is yours for free.  You can click on it for a larger view.  Have a wonderful week my friends.

Musical Ladies

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth;
         Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.  

Psalm 98:4

Free Vintage Photo

I absolutely adore this photograph.  Being a pianist, I enjoy anything music related in the vintage images.  Can you imagine how wonderful it would have been to sit there and listen to these ladies.  What a treat!  I have added scripture to this old photo below.  

Free Scripture Graphic

The Bible has many references to music and praising God.  Here's another one that I like.   

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  Psalm 150:3-6 

Can you sing?  If you're singing to Praise God, your voice is a sweet sound to him no matter your pitch.  Do you play an instrument?  If you are playing to Praise God, your song is sweet regardless of the wrong notes, or the fact that someone can play it better.  

I hope you have a wonderful weekend my friends.  My town is filled with festivities tomorrow for our annual "St. George Days" complete with a fantastic show of fireworks.  I'll be first in line for our annual Library book sale with my tote bags (and husband) in hand.   He gets to carry my books. 

Bible Verse Thursday ~ HOPE

Be of good courage,
and he shall strengthen your heart,
all ye that hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:24 

HOPE ~ To look forward to with confidence or expectation according to the dictionary. It’s also one of the most common inspirational words we see. It’s lettered on rocks, featured in wall art, and I’ve even seen a face cream that is called Hope. Beyond the commonness, it’s a word people cling to that are in chronic pain, that have cancer, that are in desperate financial circumstances, and the countless other tragedies that come into our lives. I recently heard in the news, a victimized woman held captive said – “I never let hope disappear”.

As Christians, our ultimate hope is not in this present life, but in the world unseen, our final destination of Heaven. If we choose to “hope in the Lord” as this scripture says, He will give us the strength to get through it, no matter our situation. 

My Sample for Bible Verse Thursday - Christian Paper Crafts

As the Challenge Hostess for Bible Verse Thursday at Christian Paper Crafts, I have made the above project featuring Psalm 31:24. It is a hybrid card using My Digital Studio from Stampin Up.  Your challenge this week is to make a project with this scripture or a scripture of your choice with the word Hope in it. The book of Psalm has many scriptures with the word Hope. You can find the WORDart that I used here: Papercraft Memories.   I "hope" you participate.  You can link your project up here:  Christian Paper Craft Blog

If uploading to other online galleries, please use the Keyword CPC-BVT115. 

I'm linking this project to The Poodles Parlour - Anything to do with birds. 

Have a wonderful day.

 

Just a Little More Pink

Delight yourself in the LORD
   and he will give you the desires of your heart. 

Psalm 37:4

Free Vintage Postcard

Okay, I couldn't resist!!  I had such positive comments yesterday about my pink post, that I had to give you one more.  I think I saved the best for last.  Isn't this a beauty?  I saw THE most beautiful pair of beaded shoes in Goodwill but had to pass them up as I just didn't know what to do with them.  Now, I know.  I would have filled them with roses and given them away.   Here is the image for you with a pleasant scripture I've added from Psalm 37:4.

Free Vintage Postcard with Scripture

 And...one more without any words.  I just can't get over the beauty in the artwork on this postcard.  Doesn't it seem as though you could just smell the roses and touch them.

Free Vintage Postcard

 I had a small gathering of ladies at my home last week.  Most of them are very good with food presentation.  One is a caterer, another known for her gourmet desserts the rest are known to be very comfy in their kitchens.  Now, most of the ladies I invited know I'm more comfortable in my craft room than my kitchen.  I pulled out all the stops for presentation.  Got out all the good dishes, cleaned my house, I was ready.......Feast your eyes on my first Strawberry Trifle.

My First Strawberry Trifle

 I had other food that I served, but this was my prize.  They were impressed and so was I.  They were all my friends, so even it it hadn't worked out we still would have had an enjoyable time.  It was very easy to put together, and was delicious.  I'm sure I'll be making it again.  Here's how I made it.

Strawberry Trifle

1 Box Angel Food Cake Mix

Fresh Strawberries

Blueberries

Lg. Container Cool Whip

1 Lg Box Vanilla Instant Pudding

Prepare angel food cake according to box directions.  I made mine in two loaf pans.  While cooling, prepare the pudding according to package directions, wash and cut up strawberries.  When cake is cool, cut into cubes.  Layer ingredients in your trifle dish as follows:  angel food cake, pudding, strawberries, cool whip.  Repeat until the dish is full.  Top with cool whip and fruit.  Chill for at least four hours.

This was easy to make and gave a nice presentation.  I'll be making it for our church picnic in August.  My friend Esther at Shore Girl's Creations posts her recipes from time to time and inspired me to share today's recipe.  Please visit her blog when you get a chance.  She has the most wonderful tutorials, and inspiration.      Hope you've enjoyed today's post.  Have a wonderful day.

It's All About Pink Today

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:4-9

Free Vintage Birthday Card for You

I think the color pink is one of my favorite colors, it's soft, innocent, cheerful, and just makes me happy when I see it.  I didn't intend to make this a pink day on my blog but it seems like that's what happened.  I came across this next postcard in one of my piles of stash.  A 1911 calendar, making it 100 years old.  Hard to believe.  Isn't it just so sweet.

Free Vintage 1911 Calendar

This next image is designed to look like cross stitch.  A pretty pink rose surrounded by lace, with a birthday greeting. 

Free Vintage Birthday Postcard

One more for you today, the flowers seem to be bursting out of the card.  The sentiment reads:  Happy Returns of the Day.  Wouldn't it be fun to hear store clerks say that today?   I hope you've enjoyed the pink day here at my blog.  Thanks for visiting.  Your comments are always welcome and are very special to me. 

Free Vintage Floral Postcard

 Many happy returns of the day to you my friends!!

 

Day by Day

As thy days, so shall thy strength be.  

Deuteronomy 33:25

Free Vintage Postcard for you

This week I shared the lyrics of a hymn with a friend who needed some encouragement.  It's actually one of my favorite hymns and it titled Day by Day.  It was written by Karolina Sandell Berg in 1865.

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.

He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day, the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He whose name is Counselor and Power;

The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then, in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.

Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.

Free Vintage Graphic for you

Such wisdom and comfort in the words of that hymn written 146 years ago.  Interesting how so much has changed over time, but our feelings, trials, our need to be comforted, has not changed.  

Free Vintage Graphic for you

Thanks for stopping by today.  Congratulations to Suzanne at Cricut Craftin Grammy for being the winner of my blog giveaway.  She has won a pack of sweet note cards picturing Victorian Children.  A new winner every Friday, click here to see how you could win.  Friday Blog Giveaway

Thank you for all who are praying for Luke.  Your prayers are greatly appreciated.  

I hope you enjoy the free vintage images I've shared here today.  Have a wonderful summer weekend, and God Bless!!

Bible Verse Thursday ~ The Fruit of the Spirit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,

patience, kindness, goodness, 

faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23

It's time for another Bible Verse Thursday at Christian Paper Crafts, where I am the Challenge Hostess for this weekly Challenge.  

 

I really enjoy the fresh fruit that summer brings. A few of the fruits local to me are raspberries, blueberries and strawberries. In this scripture, the word “fruit” refers to evidence of what is within. The fruit of the spirit are those characteristics, gracious habits, or spiritual fruits that reflect the glory of God through attitude, action and application.

Notice the scripture doesn’t say “fruits” of the spirit, but rather “fruit”. The nine “fruit” stand together: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control and make up our walk with God. We will enjoy a bountiful harvest of spiritual fruit when we yield to God and allow His Spirit to work in us as we travel on life’s journey. Just as we reap the benefits from fresh fruit; those around us will reap the benefits of our spiritual fruit.

My sample project this week was made digitally using “My Digital Studio” from Stampin Up and reflects the Fruit of the Spirit scripture found in Galatians 5:22-23.  Your challenge this week will be to make any project with a scripture of your choice. That’s right, ANY scripture that you choose for your project. Isn’t it a great week to do this ~ the week of Independence Day? I also encourage you to memorize this week’s scripture.

So get out your scripture stamps, digital graphics, computer generated scripture, or even a marker and play along with this challenge. I’m really excited to see what you make.  You can add a link to your project at the Christian Paper Craft Blog.  If uploading to SCS, please use the keyword CPC-BVT114.

Your prayers are needed:   I have mentioned my friend's son here before.  His name is Luke, he's 30 years old and has a malignant brain tumor.  He has had surgery and will be undergoing chemotherapy.   His mom Darlene has asked me to seek prayer for him through my blog.  She reads these posts and will see any comments you leave, and is greatly encouraged by them.  Thank you dear ones.  You are appreciated.