Unseen Blessings

 

I have a confession to make, I have been in a creative funk lately. Ever been in one of those? Well maybe not creatively but we all find ourselves in a funk now and again, where we have just seemed to lose our motivation or inspiration for a little while. I don't know if it's been the busy of the Christmas season or what, but I've been struggling to get it back.

But what I have found helps is just sitting down with some paint and stamps and just play! I wasn't sure where I was going with this when I started, but I put on my worship music and just started playing. While I was scraping paint on a piece of yardstick in this binder clip junk journal I created a few months ago, this song "Blessings You Can't See" came on. 

It got me thinking as I continued journaling. Just think of ALL the things that have been blessings in our lives that we don't even know about! Most people try to count their blessings especially when you're in a hard time and trying to remain grateful. But what about all the quiet unseen blessings we don't even know about?!

I know one thing I am really grateful for the unanswered prayers I said in high school! Back when I thought I knew what I was doing and what was best for me. But those unanswered prayers turned out to be blessings. I didn't know what I needed, but God did. And he strategically removed people from my life to protect my future. 

And how about all the things that never happened to you but COULD have?! For example, I was stopped at a traffic light one afternoon after getting lunch with my kids. The light turned green but I hadn't moved yet because I was checking to make sure I didn't leave my wallet behind. By the time I looked up and saw the light had turned green, a truck came barreling through the red light right in front of us. Had I not stopped to check my purse, our car would have been in the intersection when that truck ran a red light, and either smashed into my door or my daughters. It took a moment to sink in, but I realized what COULD have happened!! A huge blessing that I almost didn't notice. I have no doubt God put that thought in my head that caused me to pause at that light before going. It could have changed our lives forever!

So when you count your blessings at night, try to not forget about the quiet unseen blessings. God is always working behind the curtain. His hand is in everything.

xoxo,

Stephanie Gammon

@faith.and.creativity

Lollipop Alpha

Made New

With Love Alpha

Mini Grunge Type Alpha

Be United

1 Corinthians 1:10

"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, 

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

that all of you agree with one another in what you say 

and that there be no divisions among you, 

but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."

Currently, our nation is divided and torn apart by disagreement. There are so many things that everyone is "choosing sides" on right now that it is mentally and emotionally exhausting! If you turn on the news, the only thing they seem to highlight is all the chaos and hate happening. But that is NOT the whole picture. I KNOW it's not, and I refuse to believe that the whole country hates each other. There are so many of us that love each other, despite their views on politics, mask wearing, and whatever else you choose. Some people don't seem to realize that yes, it IS possible to disagree with someone but still be respectful and kind. 

I'm sure as God is looking down over his people, He is heartbroken by how torn apart we currently are. When the coronavirus first started hitting the United States and we were all closed up in our homes, it really seemed like the majority of our country was united and "in this together". Sadly that seemed very short lived. Soon, the new debate will be whether you choose to get a vaccine or not. 

The Lord wants us to be united, and to treat one another with love and respect. In 1 Corinthians 1:10 Apostle Paul writes that Jesus wants us all to agree with one another and have no divisions among us.  While the thought of that is wonderful, sadly, I highly doubt we will see a day like that anytime soon. One thing we should all be able to agree on is that we should all be treated equally in all matters, and no one held in any higher or lower regard because of the color of their skin. I tell my kids all the time, that God made his people in all shapes, sizes and colors, and that he loves each person equally. We are ALL brothers and sisters in Christ and we should be treating each other as such. 

I challenge you! Let's continue to shine our lights during these difficult and emotional times. Do something kind for someone! One kind gesture from you can lead to another kind gesture to another person. This world needs more Jesus and more kindness right now, so let's get it going!

Do something kind!

Pay for the persons order behind you in the the drive thru
Help and elderly person at the grocery store
Mail a card or a letter to someone
Call or text someone to let them know they're important to you
Have food delivered to a loved ones home
Leave positive reviews for items you have purchased online from small businesses
Let someone in front of you in the check out line at the grocery store
Leave prepackaged snacks by the door for delivery drivers
 Donate blood
Compliment or encourage a coworker
Add a positive comment into a conversation that may be turning negative
Cut your neighbors grass if they are elderly or not feeling well

There is an endless list of things you could do to brighten someones day and touch their spirit. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ! Let's start treating each other like we are!

xoxo,

Stephanie Gammon

IG: @faith.and.creativity

Fall in Love With Jesus

All in All 

Free Unity Printable
by Hillary Krippaehne
Available in the Creative Worship Facebook Group

Stay Afloat

Psalm 121:1-8

I lift up my eyes to the mountains---

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 Isreal

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. 

I recently watched a sermon from Joel Osteen. I always enjoy his sermons because they are so easy to relate to and understand. The page I journaled here is from a sermon he preached back in April of this year. In April, we were still newly entering into and trying to navigate the coronavirus shutdowns happening across the country. Stress and anxiety levels were high. We were being beaten over the head with news and questions. Conflicting information and concerns at every corner, not knowing who or what to believe. Heck, we still don't know who or what to believe, and it's now mid June! 

Joel Osteen started preaching about the current time and situation we find ourselves in. He reminded us that God is not surprised by anything! God knows everything that is going to happen to us before it even begins to happen.  We need to stay at peace because God is always in control. He has always been guarding our souls since the beginning, and he will continue to guard us even if sickness does come. 

With all of the media and information that is swirling around us on television, social media, radio.....everywhere...... it's way too easy to get overwhelmed by all the information and all the negativity. I loved the visual Joel Osteen gave in his sermon. He explained it as this:

"It's not the water around a ship that causes it to sink, but when you let what's outside in!"

If all you do is watch the news constantly, the negativity will seep in and cause you to sink. The negativity will fill in any little holes of doubt you may have. Instead, stay informed but then turn off the news. Only feed yourself with God's word and positivity. That will keep your boat afloat and your head above water! 

We need to announce to the enemy that it can't control us! Sickness or sadness may come, but it doesn't have to stay! Don't make it welcome. You don't have to accept it in your mind and make it a permanent place to stay. You have to have faith that it is only temporary. Convincing yourself that its only temporary will help you to move through it till we reach the end. The enemy means for this to harm us,  but if we keep the faith until it passes, God will bring you out stronger than ever before.

xoxo,

Stephanie Gammon

@faith.and.creativity

Bold & Outline Caps Alpha 

Landscape Silhouettes 

Let's Do This 

What is God Teaching Us?....

Psalm 139:16

"Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

in your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me,

when as yet there was none of them. "

Our preacher has really been amazing during this pandemic even though church doors were closed. With so much fear and anxiety floating around everywhere, I look forward to turning on my tv and watching our preacher every Sunday! Even though we are sitting in our living room and watching a screen, I get up filling so refreshing and my heart at ease. 

After he finished a few sermons on Faith Over Fear, he spoke about the things he thought God wanted us to learn during this Covid-19 pandemic. Though this is an uncertain and scary time, there are some positive things we can also learn during this season as well. Below I am sharing my pastor's list he shared with us last month. Though there are soooo many more things we can learn right now, this is a list of seven. Seven is the number of completion so he rounded it out there. 

     

7 Things God Is Teaching Us Durning Covid-19

1. Life is so very fragile.     James 4:14

This virus has taught us very quickly that we should not take life for granted. We have lost some very healthy people that we otherwise would have thought would have been just fine! Sadly we have even lost poor children. True, we lose people to the flu every year. But this virus has been different because it was new and we didn't know how to fight it. So we have clung tightly to those we love. Whether it's in our homes or from a safe distance. Life is indeed a fragile and precious thing. 

2. Church community is so very valuable.

A lot of us may have taken for granted being able to gather with church members every week. Sometimes we stress trying to get everyone dressed and out of the house on time making for a stressful morning. And then, when church doors are closed, we realized just how much we needed that fellowship with church family.

3. We are all equal and we are all connected.   Ephesians 2:16

Seeing this virus sweep through our country and the world has been scary. And it has made it clear that it does not discriminate. It doesn't care what your age is, what race you are or where you live. We are all equally susceptible to it. Being that we are all in the same exact situation at the same time, it really helped bond us all together, as one group of people. 

4. We need to slow down and treasure family.

Our normal everyday lives are very fast paced and each day seems to go by in a flash. We are so busy checking off our list of To-Do's that quality time with family tends to fall by the weigh side. This time we have spent at home with our families with literally nowhere to go, has in a way forced us to slow down and enjoy time with family. We have made so many unique memories trying to be creative and pass the time, it will be something to really look back on and treasure. 

5. We should always remember to care for the elderly.

Sadly, sometimes our elderly population seems to get forgotten about. This virus has been terrible on our grandparents and older loved ones. It has really caused us to pause and take extra special care of them. They deserve our unconditional love and protection. We should honor them for all they have done for us. Some people argue about wearing a mask or not. I personally wear my mask to protect the loved ones around me and those I come in to contact with. 

6. Putting our trust in the things of this world is flimsy, fickle and unstable.

Watching the whole country suddenly shut down and close was really surreal. It was so eye opening to see everything just stop while trying to figure out how to still function day to day without the certain "luxuries" we've become so accustomed to. It has helped show me the things that we don't really "need". But luckily, my trust was not in any of those things to begin with. I have been fine without going out to restaurants, movies and various things. I already know that all of those things are temporary and are not important. Our faith and trust should be in God and God alone!

7. We can either be patient or we can panic.   Isaiah 40:31

And lastly, we can choose how we react to this. It is a basic human instinct to go from fear to sarcasm to worst case scenario. Instead of panicking, we need to be still and make good choices. No one makes good decisions when they panic. We have to put our faith in God and He will see us through this. God is sovereign over Covid-19! 

xoxo,

Stephanie Gammon

@faith.and.creativity

Safe With God Printable 

Graves Into Gardens

Have you ever have an image or idea come to mind, and you just can't get it out of your head until you get it out on paper or complete it?!? That's what this page was for me. 

I heard the song Graves into Gardens from Elevation Worship this past Easter Sunday. And this song just blew me away. I was singing as we worshiped Easter morning in our living room together as a family. But this image of an old grey tombstone suddenly covered in bright flowers was burned in to my brain and I knew I had to make a journaling page about it. Knowing we had this beautiful floral stamp set Consider the Wildflowers coming out soon, I held on to my idea till I could use them and AHHH I just love how it turned out!

Graves Into Gardens By Elevation Worship Live Video

Some Lyrics:

I searched the world
But it couldn't fill me
Man's empty praise and treasures that fade
Are never enough
Then You came along
And put me back together
And every desire is now satisfied
Here in Your love (hey)

Oh, there's nothing better than You
There's nothing better than You
Lord, there's nothing
Nothing is better than You
(Oh, yes I know it's true)
(Come on, tell 'em, hey)

I'm not afraid
To show You my weakness
My failures and flaws, Lord, You've seen them all
And You still call me friend
'Cause the God of the mountain
Is the God of the valley
There's not a place Your mercy and grace
Won't find me again.....

Below is an excerpt from Elevation Worship themselves, explaining the meaning behind this song. They explain it so well I won't even try paraphrasing it. So powerful!

"Graves Into Gardens"​ has roots in a sermon [Pastor Steven's] preached on a Bible passage found 

in 2 Kings 13.

After the prophet Elisha died, his story didn’t end there. Two Israelites were near his gravesite about to bury another man. When they saw a band of enemy raiders coming, they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet (2 Kings 13:20-21).

Pastor Steven preached that just like the resurrection miracle Elisha still had left in his bones, ​God is in the business of bringing dead things back to life. ​And i​f we’ll throw the dead areas of our lives on the bones, if we’ll believe in the power of God, if we’ll declare resurrection power 
over everything we sow, nothing will be wasted. Nothing is over.
 Nothing is finished. If God is in it, we will move forward.

As the members of Elevation Worship have corporately expressed: “Our prayer for this project is that it would serve to bring the reality of the Kingdom of God into our hearts and minds –– our entire faith is built on the truth that when Jesus hung on a cross and was placed in a tomb, it wasn’t the end. He wasn’t buried, he was only planted. What the world saw as defeat, God knew was a victory. Our faith is in a resurrected King, and the reality that resurrection 
is still happening and is possible in our own lives.”

Worship leader Chris Brown further illuminates: “We hope people are able to take a second look at what they once considered “dead” in their life. And that this project provides a new perspective that allows them to see new​ life​ in seemingly ​dead​ places. Because what God breathes on must come to life. And what we may see as a grave, God sees as a garden.”

xoxo,
Stephanie Gammon
@faith.and.creativity

Consider the Wildflowers

Skinny Minnie Alpha 

Typewriter Blocks Alpha 

Loop da Loop Alpha

Wait quietly and Trust

Psalm 62:1-2

"I wait quietly before God, 

for my victory comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress where I will never be shaken."

This is one of those pages where I sat down with a small idea of what I wanted to do but no clue where it would go. As I started working I played a little here, a little there, and after meditating on this verse while I worked I ended up with a page that I just love! Life is a little that way. We don't know exactly how things will turn out, but we have to give it a shot and trust in God for what the future will hold. 

We all had many plans that were either cancelled or abruptly halted recently. Now, we feel like we're left waiting, endlessly, for things to pass and life to get back to the way they were before. Right now more than every it is important that we put all our faith and all our trust in God. He alone knows how all of this will end and when. It's unsettling that we don't know right? Yea... I know I hate it too! But unfortunately that's out of our control, as most things are. 

As Psalm 62 states, we need to "wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation." He will bring all of this to an end, we just have to have faith. Sometimes it's hard to trust what you can't see or trust in the unknown, but that's something we as Christians know is a very powerful thing. Having faith in what you can't see! 

God is bigger than everything! He is bigger than our fears, bigger than our world, and bigger than this coronavirus for sure! He is our fortress and we will not be shaken!

xoxo,

Stephanie Gammon

@faith.and.creativity

Seek Him

Faith Wordfetti

I Will Dwell in the House of the Lord

Psalm 23:6

"Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Psalm 23 is a very popular one. Even people that don't know the bible very well can probably recite a line or two from this particular psalm. God's timing can be so perfect can't it?! We released this gorgeous stamp just after my Grandma passed away. My grandma Joanne Bunch, (known to her grandkids as Nanny) went home to be with her Lord on February 18th. I created this page in memory of her and her love for the lord. 

Nanny was my mother's mom. She faced numerous strokes over the last decade, always refusing to give up or give in to them. My grandma was a fighter. But sadly, each stroke took a little more of her with each one she had. She slowly lost more of her memory and eventually had trouble eating and drinking. Before her strokes she was very active at her senior center and always taking educational classes to keep her brain strong. She would always write and tell me about the things she was doing to continue learning in her older age. So it's always bothered me that towards the end it was strokes completely out of her control that ended up ruining her mind. We don't always understand why things happen the way they do, but it's not for us to understand while we are here on earth.

My grandma was very strong in her faith! She had no doubt in her mind that she would one day go to heaven and spend eternity with Jesus. At her funeral I heard stories about when she was younger with her own young kids at home. On Sundays she would gather all 4 of her children in the car, and still pick up other neighborhood kids to make sure they would hear the word of God too!

I showed this memory page to my mom for her approval before sharing it will you all. She smiled at the photo of her mom as a young girl maybe 6 years old. She then told me that the verse I underlined.... "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" was one of her favorite lines in one of her favorite hymns! I didn't know that and it made me feel even better about this page I created.

I have no doubt in my mind, that Nanny is looking and smiling down on all of her family and friends.  She is happy, in no pain at all, remembers all of us, and is enjoying eternity with her savior! This is my last photo with her before she started losing her memory. This was in 2012 when I spent the weekend with her visiting local mountain craft fairs and enjoying gourmet cupcakes. I love you Nanny! Thank you for being such a great example of a God fearing woman for us all! We love you!

xoxo,

Stephanie Gammon

@faith.and.creativity

Psalm 23

Typewriter Blocks Alpha 

Faith Wordfetti

Have Faith, He Knows...

Luke 24:38

And he said to them, 

"Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?"

So I’m going to be totally honest and a bit vulnerable with you guys. About 2 years ago, my husband really wanted another baby and I wasn’t sure that I did. Not because I don’t love the kids I have, I do of course! But if you’re a mom, you KNOW how hard that first year can be. Very, very little sleep, lots of crying, worrying, wondering what’s wrong, juggling all the baby “stuff” and just in general making life for a few years a little more difficult. And the thought of starting over again after you’ve already had two... you wonder if you can do it all again!

I started to pray and think a lot about this whole topic and if I thought I could really do it again. The other two had gotten older and “easier” and starting over would bring me back to square one. But one day I was sitting in my craft room, and read a devotional with the verse

Luke 24:38

“Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?”

It spoke to me in a way it never had before. I just started crying! Like God had spoken right to my heart and said “Why are you doubting Me? And yourself?!?” Right then and there I wrote out a list of all of my worries, and reasons I was questioning myself at the time. I gave them to God and I prayed this exact prayer, “Lord, if we are meant to be a bigger family, please change my heart! Give me a sign or clear my doubt and show me what I am meant to do.”

And I kid you not, 2 days later, it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders and I suddenly wasn’t worried or scared anymore. I didn’t doubt myself and I knew if we tried for another and it worked out, then it was meant to be and I was more than ready. Wow God right?! Who other than God could have changed my mind and heart so quickly.


Well, I lost my dad unexpectedly in January 2019 at 7 months pregnant with the baby I had prayed about. Trying to grieve while pregnant was very difficult. I also worried that the grief I was trying to suppress for my health would end up crushing me after the baby was born when compiled with all the hormones and emotions of having a newborn.

Well fast forward to now... where we’re getting ready to celebrate Alyssa’s first birthday in April! This past year has been a whirlwind of emotion, pain and blessings all in one. But a few months ago I realized, God KNEW that I would need Alyssa! Having her to hold, and love on in this precious season has helped heal my heart immensely!! I had no way of knowing just how much I would need her in our lives... but God did!!! He knew what was ahead for our family with the unexpected loss of my dad, and he knew that Alyssa would be the bright light in a dark year for all of us. And I do not take that for granted for one moment. All the things I was worried about in this first year with her have all been an answer to prayer. She has been the easiest baby, an amazing sleeper (yay!!), and the happiest little girl! She has been an amazing blessing that has completed our family.

I am so glad looking back on that day, that I took that leap of faith and trusted in God and what he had planned for us! God has always been there guiding me through life and he will never leave my side. Just as he is there for YOU and will never leave your side!

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, 

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight. 

Her pudgy footprint :)

I covered up a messed up handprint with
these cascading acrylic flowers

So this page I'm sharing today has Alyssa's footprint on it, at 10 months old. I tried to do her hand print but that's much easier said than done! Check out my instagram post here to see a short video of us "attempting" to do her handprint haha.  Here are a couple photos...

I love capturing personal memories on the pages of my bibles! 

And this is one of those pages that will always be special to me! 

xoxo,

Stephanie Gammon

@faith.and.creativity

Loop da Loop Alpha 

All in All 

Protected By God's Grace

Hey guys! Stephanie here, sharing one of our new stamp sets called Grace So Amazing. 

"The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot protect you." I'm sure you've probably heard that statement a time or two. Is it a verse in the bible? No. I think some people think it is, but it's actually not. 

It is however, very true and a general concept repeated throughout the bible.  

2 Corinthians 12:9

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

1 Corinthians 10:13

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

And he also reassures us all throughout the bible that no matter where we may be, not matter what we may be facing, he is always with us and will never forsake us! 

Deuteronomy 31:6

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave nor forsake you."

Joshua 1:5

"No one will be able to stand against you, all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you, I will never leave nor forsake you."

1 Chronicles 28:20

"David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished."

When I think about this concept, I envision being sent somewhere away from home and away from anything that makes you comfortable. Like being out in the wilderness at night. A feeling of being scared and alone. But, looking up at the night sky you would see all the wonder that God created and know that you are NOT alone after all. Now, this is obviously a bit dramatic. You don't have to be in the middle of the woods at night to apply this concept. You could simply be wondering: is this new job opportunity for me, even though it seems out of my reach? Traveling to a different country to do missionary work is really scary!  So many different times in life where you can wonder if everything will be ok. But trust in God. He has only good things planned for you when you follow his will. It will be ok if you trust in Him!

xoxo,

Stephanie Gammon

@faith.and.creativity

Grace So Amazing 

Scene Silhouettes Trees

Landscape Silhouettes