Thanx Mom! ;D

Hugs For Scrapbookers: Stories, Sayings, And Scriptures To Encourage And Inspire by Stephanie Howard; Leann Weiss


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is really inspiring and encouraging it was a gift from my mom and I greatly appreciated it. It definately spoke to my heart :D

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CHRIST-mas Countdown

The "Buck" story

Question: What close call has made you think of Divine Providence?

For whatever reason the "Buck" story popped in my mind. This was a lesson in obedience or .... disobedience. Anyway, I was living in Walla Walla with Cindy and the girls and was totally homesick. I had the question pop into my mind "Am I taking advantage of this car?" you know the one that the Lord blessed me with... that's another meme. I ignored the Lord's prompting to stay in town. I packed before my shift at Subway so I could be driving in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere for my own emotional satisfaction. I closed up between 1-2am and made sure I was caffeinated w/a Starbucks frappicino (of course). I listened to contemporary Christian radio until it started to fade and then just drove. I liked the curves of the back roads but got antsy for a country station near a small part of the drive that creeped me out for awhile. Split second to turn the stations I glance down then up and out of the corner of my eye I see a shape the size of a quarter then about the size of a large manila envelope and then right in front of me I see a huge buck taller than my car and I'm thinking why isn't my life flashin b4 me like in the movies. then my next thought-"Lord, why'd you save me just to let me die, my family's not even saved yet" I was nervous about praying out loud to the Lord unless it was a rehearsed prayer and started to talk to Him right on the spot. I was shocked that my car was still moving and I wasn't injured or dead. I prayed that He'd keep me safe and let my car make it all the way to Spokane. Then realizing how bad things were that I'd make it to Pullman so I could call someone I knew in Spokane and then after strange feelings in the shadow of the hills on the highway unlit by the moon w/ only one headlight working I prayed that He'd let me make it to civilization. I was a woman alone on a Sat. night in the middle of practically nowhere and had just gone through a date rape about a year prior. Some unreasonable fear, some reasonable. My small silver Ford Escort made it 34 miles (I kept track of mile-markers) past where the deer impacted my small car. As my car coasted downhill towards the blue bridge that crosses the snake river I decided to let it coast to a stop on the shoulder. I thought I would lock my doors get the pillow and blanket from the trunk and hope for the best in the morning. I only freaked out a little when I heard coyotes but I was able to sleep for about 4 hrs. I knew it was early so I worked on a Bible study and then decided around 6 am I'd see if anyone was close by and if I could use their phone (no cell). I pulled off the road the night before wondering if the large tree grove with the sole street lamp was just another road, or an abandoned or closed siloh, or if there was a house. I walked slowly down the small road and saw the well kept white fenced areas and thought I hope nobody crazy lives here. I then saw a well maintained house and was slightly more relieved and greatly relieved as I walked up to the porch I saw a cross in the window. I was only interested in making a call and waiting back in my car. A sweet lady answered her door and said I'd just caught her and her husband just in time as they were headed to an 8 o clock church service. After hanging up with Cindy the lady asked my name and the name of the person I'd called again. Apparently that was her and her daughter's names. The Lord truly does have a good sense of humor [ just not the mocking kind-why would laughter be good medicine if He didn't ;) ]. So anyway, she was sooo hospitable. She offered to let me stay until my ride came and offered to let me watch TV or read magazines and of course use the restroom. I let her know I just needed the phone but was soooo grateful that even though God told me not to go (the whole premonition thing) He made a way anyway. Oh and after having a mechanic look at the car it was determined undrivable after the impact! oh yeah did I mention the most amazing part is that the car made it uphill for several miles! Talk about Divine Providence!! Have a great week!

12 Things About Me

1. I used to hate asparugus now I like it sauted with mushrooms. I think the asparugus grossed me out cuz it was canned but I love to saute fresh.
2. I love the show CHUCK! Jason and I were bummed the first season was sold out @ Walmart. We even made a Chuck Mii!
3. I gave away my wedding dress to Debbie the first friend I had the privelage of leading to the Lord.
4. My neighbor and I exchange Christmas gifts each year even though she took me to court to try to get a restraining order that totally fell thru.
5. I no longer watch House.
6. I love having my picture taken sometimes, but would rather be behind the lens.
7. I actually look forward to morning sickness because I can't wait to be pregnant again and I am hoping for healthy babies and short labor.
8. I went to a Baptist Church that required a statement of faith in order to become a member and got really nervouse with all the men on the board of Elders[very safe&healthy]. (guy issues-date rape) But my friend Kyla was with me and that helped.
9. I still grieve the loss of my first unborn child.
10. I love the beach and listen to beach sounds to soothe me to sleep @ night.
11. My favorite song is "Flood" by Jars of Clay.
12. I just got a new digi!!! It's teal, I love it!

Update

I really would like to blog more often then just on my Wednesday meme's. I have been so busy with scrapbooking and soon you will be able to view some beautiful pages on my Scrapalooza blog: http://scrap-a-looza.blogspot.com/ I'll be updating later today. I have had so much fun with pages of the Waldrons and Sarah and of our official Honeymoon in Seattle 2005!
I hope all is well with everyone, Jason and I are looking forward to getting the Wii! Wii'd love to have you have a character! Drop by soon to design your own Mii on our Wii! I think we can somehow just transfer your Mii if you own your own Wii already. We also look forward to being completely free from credit card debt as well. I also look forward to getting started on etsy very soon! I get a four day weekend with my husband for my birthday weekend. This is so needed for our marriage since he is still working on his Masters and we have limited time together. I hope this year you have and then bestow many blessings on one another. I leave you with this scripture for the weekend: "Therefore, encourage each other and strengthen one another as you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Fullness of Joy

(First, let me apologize for not posting the meme question yesterday. It has been posted today. Due to technical difficulties I couldn't even sign in.)

Question: What has been your strength through the tough times and what are the little details that might inspire another?
Unquestionably it has been my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As the story below demonstrates God is not only interested in our lives He cares deeply for our joys and sorrows. Only He could be both my strength and my peace in my every day life. The scriptures say ". . .Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." ~Nehemiah 8:10

Our fullness of joy comes only from the Lord. And that is what this little post is about. While I had extremely high hopes of being pregnant, finding out for the umpteenth time that I was not was devastating this time because of the sonogram from my OBGYN (even with the statement that he didn't want to raise false hope) it had shown a small form appropriate to what the development should look like if I were pregnant at the time. Knowing it will happen in God's timing has been very difficult to cling to at times. But I praise Him for He is good and I know He has good plans for me and my children. These encouraging words from Jeremiah 29:11 "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." have encouraged me greatly. Even though it was not my expected end of the situation this is still a beautiful little snippet of writing I jotted downtown a short time ago.

Not having my digital camera has forced me to look around and describe the feel of my days in words without images. As I rest my aching muscles on this beautiful bench I notice the forest green of the lampost reminicient of a time past long ago decorated beautifully with the shimmering of metallic navy blue snowflakes reflecting the suns afternoon light. The intricate details make me smile inwardly as I think on the possibility of a little life growing inside of me. The unlit twinkle lights look like mini icedrops on the slender limbs of the barren trees. Soon I feel the biting cold and I'm grateful for the arrival of my transport home. I lug the heavy parcels from a day of shopping and reflect on the thoughts stirred deep within me after a hopeful visit with my OBGYN. I ponder the image of the small form on the sonogram. It has me wondering if it's my child. The scripture that I rest upon today is : "This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it."

While each day we're granted breath to enjoy our loved ones and the many blessings God has given us this memory of a bittersweet moment in the long journey to becoming a mother is yet another reminder that our joy is from the Lord and it is not based on our circumstances. He is the one, the only One who can grant us the "peace that surpasses all understanding". I hope you're encouraged and blessed in whatever situation He is taking you through.

Love in Christ alone,

Tiffany Renee Phillips

This is my prayer and hope for you as well. That thru Jesus Christ, regardless of circumstance may you experience the deeply satisfying peace and grace to make it through each day.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your heartsand your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

Question: What blog post has inspired you most this week?

I'd have to say it truely was the testimony of a dear sister in Christ who also inspired this meme. We've both come out from under misleading and dangerous doctrine to an authentic relationship with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When I think back to where I was these verses come to mind: "You believe that there is one God. That's fine! Even the demons believe that and tremble with fear." James 2:19 This referenses the belief that someone (my former self included) could be a Christian by simply believing that Jesus is God and not actually having Him as Lord of their life. This enlightenment can only come from Him. ("The person who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I, too, will love him and reveal myself to him."-John 14:21)

Also the verse that is the meaning of my middle name, Renee=Reborn.

"... Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." " John 3:3

Here is the blog post of inspiration that has motivated me to continue to speak out about what God has put in my heart for the sake of so many others. It is her personal testimony to the Awesome Power of God in her life:

http://laurenstoenescu.com/about-me/my-testimony/

May you be blessed by her story and my own testimony yet to be posted

Lovingly a passionate follower of Christ,

Tiffany Renee Phillips

Reason for the Season

images courtesy of fellow bloggers

I love the Christmas season! Now that it's passed and resolutions are being too quickly forgotten or keenly kept may we remember the purpose of celebrating Christ all year long! "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Matthew 28:18-20

While searching for a meme I came across a post that made me want to start my own. So here goes:
This is the very first "Attitude of Gratitude" meme! : http://attitudeofgratitudememe.blogspot.com/

Question: What had God inspired you to do for another human being on this planet this year and how did you follow through with it so far?

 
I look forward to seeing what it is He's inspired so many others to do! Philippians 4:6 is my inspiration.
This is the motivation for my new meme blog (not listed as a question). Just bonus reading! :)
I fell across one of God's grateful gals @ http://laurenstoenescu.com/2009/01/142/comment-page-1/#comment-2993 and she mentioned how grateful she was for their beautiful weather and it inspired this reply:
It’s wonderful that you’re able to enjoy such nice weather! We’ve had about 30 inches of snow up here in Washington! While plenty of us have cabin fever (hence more frequent blogging) there are still many things to be grateful for. I firmly believe an “attitude of gratitude” is a matter of the heart and not circumstance. I’m grateful that my husband makes it safely to and from work and our roof hasn’t collapsed as have so many around us. It still is nice to hear of someone grateful for the blessings they do have though instead of griping or grumbling. Have a fruitful and productive New Year! Praising Him all the Time in 2009!!!

"Real life in the real world is a tough, nitty-gritty journey that every pilgrim on planet earth must make. Moving to Disney World is not an option. There will be tribulation; Jesus said so. But be of good cheer. He's still in the business of guiding and strengthening and healing and overcoming."~ When the Glass Slipper Doesn't Fit by Claire Cloninger and Karla Worley~

. It is so important to choose healthy boundaries because some toxic behaviors due to toxic beliefs warrant a severing of relationship for the sake of all involved especially the one whose experienced wicked treatment even if it was for the sake of Christ(reference Manic Monday blog-Matthew 5:11,12). A Jewish victim of the Holocaust may forgive their wicked tormentor but that doesn't mean they should be in a relationship with that person especially if that person shows no remorse whatsoever and never apologizing for their wicked acts, in fact going further to justify them in their own minds(this includes lying) and especially when they haven't repented, they are only fooling themselves and deceiving others around them as well-I don't know about you but a millstone necklace isn't for me!(Luke 17:2). Christians cannot and should not be expected to do what God himself refuses to do, that is to enter back into relationship with an unrepentant individual. For excellent resources I recommend :

1. "Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life" by Henry Cloud, John Townsend

2. "The Five Languages of Apology: How to Experience Healing in All Your Relationships" by Gary Chapman
3. "The Secret Things of God: Unlocking the Treasures Reserved for You" by Henry Cloud
4. "Become a Better You" by Joel Osteen

Through trial and tribulation my trust truly is in God alone!

As far as "Disneyland" goes the Lord truly will teach us how to remove "Disneyland" expectations from relationships and strengthen us each as we put our trust solely in Him. With that I leave you with these verses:

Psalms 4:2 "How long will you people ruin my reputation? How long will you make groundless accusations? How long will you continue your lies?"

Proverbs 26:20 "Without wood a fire goes out, and without gossip a quarrel dies down."

Psalms 7:15-17 "They dig a deep pit to trap others, then fall into it themselves, the trouble they make for others backfires on them....I will thank the Lord because he is just; I will sing praise to the Lord Most High."

Psalms 15:1-3 "Who may worship in your sanctuary Lord? Who may enter your holy presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends."

Psalms 2:11,12 "Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!"





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Great Balls of ...COLOR!!!

These are the colorful new light displays in our wonderful New Years Eve Ball that is dropped annually @ Times Square in New York City. Although the intent may only have been multiple colors with geometric designs I hope you enjoy the end results as much as I do! If you're there for an extended period of time enjoy every facet of Manhattan and beyond, in the least-window shopping on 5th Ave! Here's a the great link that I pulled all the photos from: http://www.timessquarenyc.org/nye/nye_ball.html

...........The ball on the right looks like images of the Star of David in green which is color that represents life! How wonderfully appropriate for a New Beginings in a New Year.

Welcome 2009!

I really like the multi-colored one with the white stars.

I love the blue and white it looks like snowflakes on a wintery night. It's difficult to choose a favorite they are all so beautiful.

Have a Safe and Happy New Year!!!

Have a Safe and Happy New Year!!!

My wish for you this New Year is that you learn from your mistakes, forgive the misgivings of others, find joy in the small things, rejoice in the big things, learn/give/&keep healthy boundaries for safe and fulfilling relationships and that you may come to know intimately the peace, love, and joy that only Christ can bring as your Lord and Savior.

Ok..fitting... "Just another..."

1. What is the biggest mistake you made in 2008 and will not make again in 2009?

Not standing strong in spiritual warfare....let's just say this lead to unexpected stitches ...one of which I still have to remove myself w/tweezers {alright-I banged on a book with the "safe end" of the scissors-they recommend banging on a chair in anger management classes [just don't break it or you could get "booked", ironically]} Let's just say I've learned what works and what doesn't!

2. Do you make New Year's resolutions?

Sometimes yes, other times no. This year I plan on exhibiting my paintings in 3 art shows (the minimum allowance b4 you're required to get a business licence) My hubby is sweet and gifted with numbers and has offered to help figure out the taxes.

3. Why or why not?

For someone who struggles with procrastination, setting goals and stating them out loud also specifically sharing them with others helps motivate said person to get them accomplished. ;)

4. Who do you nominate as “Man or Woman of the Year” for 2008?

I'd nominate Jesus but he's alive in so many hearts, too many people would show up! ;) . . . so I vote for my hubby. He has overcome some personal struggles with emotional abuse and has come out stronger and healthier than ever, he's gotten a 4.o in his classes while working on his Masters Degree online after putting in 40hrs a week on the job. He is compassionate, loving, and although flawed as we all are, a strong man of God! I love you Jason L. Phillips.

5. What was your greatest accomplishment in 2008?
FORGIVENESS!!!

 "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Matthew 5:11,12

It's not Sunday, however...

This is right over the river out our front door.

Attitude of Gratitude #1

After being encouraged by a pastor that either Gods Word(the Bible) is all true or it's all a lie-as in- if we can't believe Jesus' own words here in Mark 10:30 to be true neither can we believe John 3:16...or 17 or 18 etc. I was faithful to give our last $25 out of obedience, wondering "Am I a good wife? . . . we have barely enough to get by"... God put it on someones heart to give us $200! "pressed down, ...overflowing..."Luke 6:38 let's see... reconnected with my niece after over a year of no contact... and restoration slowly with some family members... quite a lovely Christmas from My Lord... Thank you Jesus for everything ~ Lovingly, your daughter, Tiffany Renee