We Create Blog Hop--Happy Daisy

Well, yesterday I was released from my calling as the President of the children's Primary at church.  It has been just shy of 2 years and it has been an extraordinary blessing in my life. I was able to serve with 3 great women in my presidency who helped me with my responsibilities--they were an answer to many prayers.  It's wonderful to see little faces looking up at me every week as they learn about the gospel.  Listening to them sing about their Savior, at times brought me to tears.  As each of them had the opportunity to speak, whether durning Primary or as part of the annual Primary Presentation in sacrament meeting, their testimonies were pure and simple. I learned so much from them. I will miss seeing them every week, but I hope that they will continue to keep me up to date on all that is happening in their lives! They truly make me happy!!

So, with that said, my project this month just screams "Happy"!!  Who doesn't like daisies?  They are just a happy flower, either alone or in a big bunch.  This daisy is done in a line art style so it can be colored in using the freeform feature on MDS. If you would like to see how I use the freeform feature to add shading detail to digital images, check out this video:

I love that it has depth and dimension instead of just a flat image on a page.  There are several digital stamp sets that allow you to use the freeform tool to color in--try this technique, it's fun once you know how. And make sure you get your 30-day free trial of MDS, you will love it!

Hop along to Michelle, she's just getting started with MDS but I'm sure she'll get hooked on it quickly!

The packing is coming along and the house is going on the market in less than 2 weeks...AHHHHHHHHHH!!!  I hope we're ready!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

As I have been preparing for the new Primary year, I have been spending time thinking about how we all serve in different capacities.  We love and care for our family, help a neighbor, volunteer at church or school, smile at a stranger, encourage a friend.  There are numerous ways in which we can serve.  I know I don't do everything I'm supposed to do, but I do try to help others when I can.  Friday, I was able to read to the young women from church during their read-a-thon.  I loved reading the scriptures with them and I truly felt the spirit sitting with those beautiful young girls who were working towards their Young Womanhood medallion.  They were learning about their Savior and I was glad I was able to help, even if it was just for an hour!

I enjoyed watching my primary children as they giggled and laughed while they wrapped the teachers up in toilet paper to make a sunday outfit!  It was so much fun!

I hope that one day, the service I have rendered in my life will be accepted by my Savior!  He is my example, and I want so much to be like him. I know that the only way I can be like him is to become like a little child; loving, humble, meek, innocent--my darling primary children teach me how to be more Christ-like every day.  We are his hands here on earth, and I hope that as I serve each day, "I will make my hands like those of Galilee."

"His Hands" by Jenny Jordan Frogley

Julie

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for my primary children!  I am the president of the Primary children's group at church (18 mo. to 11 yrs.) and they teach me so much!  I have learned how to love, how to be more kind, how to be more patient, and how to serve others.  They each have such a wonderful love for their Savior and their prayers are so sweet and honest.  We decided to make a christmas card for all of our missionaries from our ward family (congregation) who are serving in all different parts of the world.  We have 10 right now from Argentina to Toronto, Illinois to Virginia, even South Africa and France, plus a few in between!  Here's the photo from our Primary Christmas card!

Here they are just being silly--they love to be silly!
I know that some of these cards will not arrive for Christmas (sorry) but they are all sent with love to those who have sacrificed two years of their lives in service to their Savior.  We love our missionaries!!

I'd love to hear what you are thankful for!

Julie

Phewwwwww!!!!

Yesterday, Sunday, was a beautiful day!  It was the culmination of 10 months of practice and teaching for the young children from our church!  The children from 3-11 (called Primary) have been working the last few months to get ready for the Primary Presentation.  All year, our focus has been "Choose the Right".  Their presentation was given during our main worship meeting, or sacrament meeting.  They sang and spoke (all 48 of them!) for their families, friends, and neighbors!  It was delightful to watch each one of them walk up to the podium and say their part, many memorized!  Through their words and music, they testified of their Savior! Even the little 3/4 year olds or Sunbeams gave their part without showing any fear!  They sang their little hearts out and captured the congregation with their beautiful, sweet spirits!  I felt like a proud momma of all her little children!  And as the president of the Primary, I know I couldn't have done it without my wonderful counselors and secretary, not to mention the music leader and the teachers of these young children!  They have been so supportive and I am grateful for their willingness to serve!  Now that the "Primary Program" is done, we can relax a little bit and have some more fun!  Yay!  I know why the Savior commanded us to become like little children--they are just wonderful!  What an honor!

Julie