‘Twas the night before Jesus came

‘Twas the night before Jesus came
And all through the house,
Not a creature was praying,
Not one in the house.

Their Bibles were lying on the shelf without care,
In hopes that Jesus would not come there
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.

And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap,
Was watching the late show, while I took a nap.
When out of the east there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.

Away to the window, I flew like a flash.
I tore back the shutters and threw back the sash.
And what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.

With a light like the sun, sending forth a bright ray,
I knew in a moment, this must be the day.
The light of His face made me cover my head.
It was Jesus returning, just like He said.

And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him, in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life, which He held in His hand,
Was written the name of every saved man.

He spoke not a word as
He searched for my name.
And when He said, “It’s not here,”
I hung my head in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love,
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With all those who were ready, He rose without a sound,
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late.
I’d waited too long, thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rode out of sight.
If only I’d been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem, the meaning is clear,
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There’s only one life and when comes the last call,
We’ll find that the Bible was right after all.

--Author Unknown

Verse for today

Hello everyone! I know its been quiet some time since I've really posted anything. Here is a verse that I read in my time with the Lord today. It's one of my all time favorite. I really recommend you read all of Psalm 46-47. I found so much comfort in God's word today knowing that He is in control of EVERYTHING that is happening. He is our sovereign God. Hope it will minister to you as it did to me. God bless!

Till next time,
Leslie

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge"

Psalm 46:10-11

Visit my blog @...

Hello again! I hope this email finds you all doing well. I just wanted to share with you all my other blog. I recently updated it and gave it a whole new look. Come check it out at bowsnberrybowtique.blogspot.com or click on the link. Make sure to visit our online store at www.BowsnBerryBowtique.com Hope you enjoy it! Thanks and may God bless you.

In His love,
Leslie

Cardboard Ministries

My friend Adrienne shared this with me and I was totally blessed. I have to pass this on. May God bless you. May you find love, grace, hope, forgiveness, and all He has for us.

In His love,
Leslie

Praise Report

Hello everyone! Hope all of you are doing well. I just wanted to let you all know that I am finally back home from our trip to CA. It was a blessing to be able to get away for a few days. I also want to thank you all SO much for all your prayers. I am truly blessed to have so many friends and to add to that prayer warriors. Your prayers were truly heart felt and the Lord answered our prayers. My back pain did go away for those few days. It's a lot better than before. I am so thankful and putting my trust in Him. I will however be going to the Dr. this month just to make sure it's not something else besides my siatica.

Yes, it was painful, but I found so much rest in the Lord. I don't know how I could have made it through my days without His help and without all your prayers. "Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." Psalm 106:1

I'm not sure how often I will be posting. Since my back injury, I think I might have to lay off too much time online. I will try to post as often as I can. Thank you once again. May God bless you abundantly.

In His love,
Leslie

Inner or outer beauty?

Hello everyone!
I want to share a little of something about the Lord revealed to me this morning. As I was reading God's Word, He convicted my heart on this. All month I've been super busy trying to get some fall clothing shopping done. We will be taking a vacation soon and visiting my sister in law and her family. Its been two years since we last saw her. I of course want to look my best when visiting her. The point is I have been putting so much effort into how I am going to look on the outward appearance rather then the inward. I can look my best outside, but what comes out of my mouth and actions will reflect my heart. I was so convicted. I know that I need to ask the Lord to work on my heart more than the outside appearance. Thank you Lord for revealing this to me once again. What a blessing it is to have the Lord and the Holy spirit directing us when we get out of line. I know now that the Lord doesn't mind me looking presentable and good for my hubby, but the question is What are my priorities? At what expense? Will I be stressed and moving my family aside to get all of MY things done? What about God? Where does He stand in all this? I need to keep my focus on Him and not let other things become first in my life. I ask for your prayers that the Lord will prepare my heart this week and use me to minister to those around me family, friends, and all. May He prepare me for my visit to my in-laws and show me how I can be of hands and feet to Him. Here are the versus that spoke to me...



"Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror." 1 Peter 3:1-6



"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." 1 Peter 3:15-17

A day at Boulder City

Here are a few pictures I took from out trip to Boulder City. We had fun that day. Faith got her face painted and Jaden played football (for about 10 minutes) for the first time.



Getting her face painted.




Run!!!!!!!!!!


She was looking up at the bubbles.

New look!

Hello everyone! Yes, yes!!! I know. I keep changing my templates. I just love Allie Brown's templates. Its like changing your clothes. Got to dress up my blog. :) As long as it doesn't take up to much of my time. Well, I hope you all like it. I think this one will stay for a while. I hope... I know I haven't posted lately. Its been a little challenging with my back pain. I have my sciatica acting up again. Its VERY painful. I hope I will be back to normal soon. There are many things I want to do. For instance sit and blog or scrapbook. Those are not very good options since sitting too long causes me to be in pain. That's also something I am not happy about. It also becomes very diffucult to to stay seated at church service with this happening. I pray that it will be gone soon. Its not the first time it happens, so I am not shocked. Its just seems longer this time. Well, I will try to post here and there. Might be short post though. I also have pictures to share, but my time is limited. Hope you all have a blessed first day of Fall.


In His love,
Leslie

PrismaColor for Less!!!

Hello all! I found this website that offers PrismaColor Pencils for so much less than other places. For all those who love card making these are excellent color pencils from what I've researched and can't wait to buy my first set. Hope this helps!

Click Here--> PrismaColor Link

Hello again!

Hello everyone! Its been a while since I have really posted here. Its been crazy with starting homeschool this month and the never ending errands to run. Thankfully I have the Lord by my side to help me through it all. I just wanted to touch bases with you all and let you know that all is well. Although I do ask for prayer. I hurt my back yesterday and its still going on. Its my siatica. Very painfull! Hopefully it will be better tomorrow. Well, can't stay on too long since sitting does begin to hurt. I will keep you all posted. Take care and God bless!

In His love,
Leslie

Hello everyone! I read this article the other day on my Focus on the Family magazine I get for free monthly. It was such a blessing and conviction. I felt so blessed to read this that I thought I'd share with y'all. Hope you enjoy it.

In His EVERLASTING love,
Leslie


*************************

Does the Honeymoon Have to End?

Keeping the romance alive through the years.

by Sandi Greene

One night during our engagement, my fiancé, Bob, and I went out for dinner with his parents. His dad unlocked the passenger-side door of the car for his mom without opening it then walked around to the driver's side. Bob’s mom noticed this and sarcastically pronounced, "Well, I guess the honeymoon’s over!"

Bob and I looked at each other and rolled our eyes. We didn't understand why they expected so much of each other and why they were rude when things didn’t go their way. I promised myself I would never be that way.

A year later, after we married, I was in our kitchen trying to prepare some breakfast before work when Bob walked in from the bathroom.

"You always forget," he said, irritated. I looked up to see him holding his electric toothbrush. "You always forget to plug this back in after you blow-dry your hair."

"Sorry," I said quickly, wanting to get out of there before a confrontation took place.

"How am I supposed to brush my teeth now?" he asked. I thought about a million things I could say. Instead, I ignored him and picked up my purse.

"I just wish you would try to remember that this is important to me," he added.

"Well," I shot back defensively, "I wish you would remember to put your white clothes in the first hamper and the colored clothes in the second hamper, but that doesn't happen."

"Great, here we go again with what I don't do right,” he said. "Why don't you just tell me what you expect me to do?"

"I don't expect a lot," I started, knowing I shouldn't open this can of worms but irritated by his inconsistencies. "Just some basics, like remembering more often to tell me you love me, being a little more romantic, throwing away these soda cans you leave lying around and helping me with the dishes and the trash."

"Oh, is that all?" He shook his head and went into the bedroom. I rolled my eyes, walked out the front door and slammed it behind me.

I drove to work in tears, wondering if I had made a mistake getting married. While we were still engaged, many people told us to enjoy the beginning because "after that, the honeymoon's over." Maybe they were right, I contemplated.

I rubbed my forehead and thought back to the week before our wedding. I was at work, and a woman congratulated me on my engagement. "I've been married for 12 years," she said, emphasizing 12.

I remember waiting for her to say the same thing about the honeymoon ending. Instead, she said. "And after all this time, we're still on our honeymoon. You don't ever have to let it end." I had never forgotten those words or the glimmer in her eyes. How I wished I could go back to that conversation and simply ask her how. How in the world do you not let it end?

I got home that night and didn't say much to Bob. We sat in the living room, watching TV and eating dinner. I was tired of the unspoken tension.

"I'm going to bed," I said, getting up. "Are you coming?"

"No. I'm going to stay up and watch TV," he said.

Figures, I thought. I got into bed and wanted to cry. But before I could, Bob walked in. He tucked the covers around me and kissed me on the forehead.

"I love you," he said.

I closed my eyes and felt a flood of emotions. It felt so good to be loved. But most of all, I was humbled by his humility.

"Hey, Babe," I said as he began to walk out of the room.

He stopped. "Yes?"

"I promise to plug in your toothbrush tomorrow morning."

He chuckled and nodded.

Over the following years, many such moments would keep the honeymoon "on." Moments when we acknowledged that what's not important to one may mean the world to the other, moments when we learned to let go of the expectations that don't really matter. Sure, marriage is never perfect, but as we try to love the other without expecting anything in return, the joys of the honeymoon stay with us still.

This article first appeared in the Couples edition of the September, 2008 issue of Focus on the Family magazine. Copyright © 2008 Sandi Greene. All rights reserved.

Sandi Greene lives with her husband, Bob, and their two children, Justice and Micah, in Arizona.


http://www2.focusonthefamily.com/focusmagazine/marriage/A000001214.cfm#

Scrapbook Supplies

Okay, so I forgot to include that the rick rack and buttons on my layout below where from Walmart. I got them from their fabric section at a very reasonable price. I think it was almost $2 for the rick rack and you get 4yrds. Anyhow, just thought I'd share. God bless!


-Leslie

Kindergarten Layout

Hello again! Here is a two page layout I wanted to share with y'all. I made this today. I don't have the pictures for it yet, but will soon. I didn't take pictures of my son on his first day of schooling, but they will be of when he is doing his schoolwork. So, that why its a kindergarten layout. I just realized I was going to use my b&t paper on both and used different ones. Oh well! I guess it goes. Let me know what you think. More ribbon? More rick rack? How about more buttons? I will also be placing some printed journaling on the first page next to the picture. I will sure take pictures of the finished look to share. Okay, till next time...

In His love,
Leslie




I used my cricut to make the title with Base Camp cartridge.




The stars where made by placing stars I cut out with my cricut
using George and Basic Shapes. First I placed them on the paper with
repositionable adhesive and then out lined them with chalk. I just bought
my first set of chalk and really recommend them. They are Pebbles Inc.
chalks. I love them! Then I removed the stars and voila!


I outlined my title letters with brown chalk. I like it. Do you?

Beautiful Templates for your blog!!!

Hello everyone! I just wanted to post a quick one. Hope all are well! I found this blog and her layout are beautiful. They are free and if you scroll all the way down she gives you instructions on how to. Hope you will love them too. God bless.

http://alliebrownslayouts.blogspot.com/

In His love,
Leslie

The Latest

Hello once again. I know its been quite some time since I posted and it hasn't been happening very often. Just want to say sorry for that. Lately its just been one thing after another that just keeps me busy and I find that the quiet moments I do have I try to get some rest to make sure I don't burn out.
There is a lot going on in our lives right now. The Lord has been slowing preparing me for our new journey in homeschooling. I am so thrilled and yet nervous, but I guess its normal. I am though not afraid since I know the Lord is right there beside me to walk me through it. It is so comforting to know that He is always there. For those of you who don't know, I will be starting my first year of homeschooling. I will be teaching kindergarten, so that will be interesting. I thank the Lord for blessing me with the opportunity to be able to stay home with my children and now home school too. So, I just hope that the Lord will keep leading me in the right direction as I go. I know I can do all things through Him.
Well, I hope the Lord will allow me to keep having time to post as I go along in my journey. Till then, may the Lord bless you and keep you.


In His Grip,
Leslie

In living memory...

Here is a layout I made for my moms birthday. I found this old picture of my late grandfather and her dancing together. I love this picture. Its so sweet. I chose this picture and theme to give her something to cherish since my grandfathers passing away was this month. She had asked me if I would scrapbook some of his pictures for her. So, I found this in my old pictures from my childhood. I scanned it and had it developed in B&W. She loved it. I am still wondering if I should add more to it or leave it as is. What do you think?


*Click on picture to enlarge.

Our day at the bowling alley.

Here are some pictures from our day at the bowling alley. These were taken when my sister was here visiting last month.


My nephew Ruben and my son Jaden


Trying to carry the heavy bowling ball.


My nephew Matty doing his victory dance.


Jaden & Ruben


My mom looks so excited. Can you tell how much fun she was having? lol...


My little sister Diana and my niece Danielle.


The anticipation... Waiting for the score.


Yoohoo! Go Jaden!


My mom and her granddaughter.


Nanis (grandma) and Faith.

I'm back from CA

I just wanted to say a quick hello to all my blog friends. Sorry I haven't posted anything lately. Its been so hectic lately and I seem to be feeling so tired some days. I'm not sure if its the heat or just a combination of everything. I just got back last night from CA. I drove to CA Wednesday morning and got back last night. Thank God and all your prayers that we return home safely. I am pretty pooped, but I am so glad that my kiddos did super good on the way to CA. We drove 5 hrs to get there and same back. They did not cry nor fuss. I know that was totally the Lord. Faith did get car sick on the way to CA, but was fine coming back. I gave her some motion sickness medicine. Hopefully I will be getting back to "normal" (whatever that means) soon. Ha ha ha...
I also want to thank all my friends who have been praying. Thank you so much! You are all such a blessing in my life. I love you all! I hope I get some time soon to blog some more and post pictures. Thank you and may God bless your day and weekend.




In His love,
Leslie

Fun 4th of July!!!

This 4th of July ended up being such a blessing. Yes, my hubby ended up having to work and we really missed him. Lucky enough I was able to capture so much of that day on video and photos to share with him. The Lord really blessed us with friends too. We ended up going to Boulder City to the fireworks show at the park. It was so much fun and to add to it the weather was nice. Not too hot. The kids had fun with their friends and so did I. The firework show was awesome! All I can say is the Lord has truly bless me with all my friends. I hope you all had a blessed 4th of July. May God bless your day!

-Leslie



Fireworks!!!

My favorite picture


Bubbles!!!


Victoria & Faith


Petting the doggy. She was a little hesitant.


More fireworks...


Blowing bubbles before we left to the park.




Another favorite!


I love those dimples!


Exploring. Searching for bugs and spider webs.

Tea Party

Here is my first Cherish layout. I love how I was able to fit 15 photos in this two page layout. Love the book Mel! Thanks for recommending! The title was done with vellum and printed on my inkjet. Pictures of the layout are a little fuzzy since the flash kept washing it out so much I had to use without. I can't wait to get started on my next layout. BTW, the book was so easy that I was able to create this layout in no time. Hope all of you enjoy. Till next time!

-Leslie

Our trip to the Train Ride!

Here are the pictures of our trip to the train ride in Boulder City. We had so much fun. I am glad we were able to spend this time as a family and get out. Can't wait to go again.

Ready to ride the train.

Our friends.

Father's Day Card

Hello everyone! I know its been a while since I last posted. Things have been so busy lately. I thought I'd share this Father's Day card I made for my hubby. Its the second card I made. I got the idea of using vellum and printing on it with my ink jet printer. I was so simple and love the whole idea of being able to print my own words and sentiments on vellum rather than buying premade ones. I then sewed it on and used brass snaps. The heart was done with my acrylic clear stamps and I used bronze Perfect Pearls Powder to give it that metallic look. I distressed the edges and used ribbon on blue textured cs.

For being my second card, I think its not bad at all. Most important was that my hubby loved it and that alone makes me happy. :) Hope all of you have a blessed weekend!

-Leslie

CTMH Stamp Sale!!!

Hello everyone! A friend of mine is a CTMH consultant and is having a sale on all stamp sets. For more info read below and check out her website! Take care and God bless!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stampaganza!

It’s back! Buy two My Acrylix® stamp sets and select a third stamp set of your choice FREE!*

Whether you’re a long-time crafter or brand-new stamper, now is the perfect time to grow your collection of My Acrylix® decorative stamp sets! From June 3–30, 2008, when you purchase two stamp sets at full retail price you will receive a thirdstamp set of your choice FREE*—a savings of up to $22.95! OUR EXCLUSIVE MY ACRYLIX® STAMP SETS are the most innovative in the industry.They’re easy to use, simple to store, and offer you precision and versatility, allowing you to stamp in exactly the right spot time after time. Add to your collection now! BUY TWO, GET ONE FREE!!!

This doesn't come around very often so stock up!!!! To order visit my website and have your order delivered right to your door step!!!
If you are local please call me and I can place the order for you and hand deliver it to you!

Don't forget about the stamp of the month, which you can earn for free with your $100 order!!! Happy Shopping!!!

A day at the park

Hello everyone! I just wanted to share some more pictures with you. These are from out trip to the park yesterday. It was so much fun! The kids enjoyed the splash pads and the tree house. The day started out sunny and breezy and then it got cloudy. Suddenly the rain got us. It was fun and I can't remember the last time I actually had to run. We literally had to run to the car. It was so much fun! The Lord definitely blessed us.

I was also able to take many pictures of them. I was so excited to finally get out and use my new camera. Let me know what you think. I just love being able to capture my children's moments and facial expressions on camera. Can't wait to scrapbook these pictures!

I've been tagged!!!

The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.

1. Ten Years Ago
10 years ago I was 16 living in CA. I was living a very rebellious life. Thank you Lord for your rescue! I will share and elaborate more when the Lord leads me to. :)

2. 5 Things in todays 'To Do List'
1. Make a schedule for homeschooling. Not sure where to start. :(
2. Laundry
3. Shower (laughs) No! I never put this on my to do list.
4. Go shopping with hubby and kids.
5. pick up books at library.

3. Snacks I enjoy.
1. Fruit
2. Macadamia Nut Guava Cookies
3. Flaming hot cheetos

4. Things I would do If I was a Millionaire
I would do whatever the Lord instructed me to do at the time and pray that I could be a blessing to someone in need.

5. Places I have Lived
1. California where I grew up.
2. Tuscon, AZ
3. Las Vegas where I have lived for the last 6-7 years now. Wow! Times sure flies.

I am now going to pass this this on to the only three gals I know have a blog.

Melanie
Adrienne
Cindy

My first Scapbook page

While all of my friends were of scrap booking this weekend at church, I decided to get started with my own. So, just to let you know that this is officially my very first scrap book page. Yes! So please let me know what you all think. *Click on the images to enlarge.




I printed this on white CS paper on my computer. Nothing fancy.


I used coffee brown in to tint the edges of the paper.


Since it looked a little plain I decided to add this touch to the edges with metallic gel pens.

God's creation

Hello! I just wanted to share with all of you pictures from this weekend. We were outside and after it rained we found a ladybug outside. It was the coolest thing! We rarely see then were we live and the kids were just amazed. To stop what you are doing and be still. Seeing these little creatures that God has created. It always amazed me and I just love sharing with my children about all the things God has created. From the tall mountains to the roaring seas, and even the blue sky and little tiny ladybugs like the one we found, but the best of all his creations is you and me. How great is our God... He is truly amazing. I hope you will enjoy these pictures and may you all have a blessed weekend. God bless. (((Hugs)))

In His arms,
Leslie

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well." Psalm 139:14