Friday, January 22, 2016
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
We will be closed part of Thursday this week (1/21). We will be open from 3:00pm-8:00pm that day. Our family lost a wonderful pillar to his battle with cancer this week. Jim has always been another Father-in-law to me and always did so much for everyone in his circle of influence. He will be greatly missed by us all.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Well everyone, it's been several years since we updated our blog because we were using our website and Facebook pages for consistent updates. The inevitable has happened, and our website has crashed, so we will try to keep our blog in our interim period until we decide how we will proceed. Our technical folks are working on recovery of the site too.
Just a reminder that we will be closing at 5:00PM, tomorrow, Friday, January 15th.
We will still be sending out newsletters and special events so you can always get to our calendar from our most recent newsletter. We will share the link here as well too.
Current Calendar of Events
Thanks for your patience through this transitional period.
Stacey
Just a reminder that we will be closing at 5:00PM, tomorrow, Friday, January 15th.
We will still be sending out newsletters and special events so you can always get to our calendar from our most recent newsletter. We will share the link here as well too.
Current Calendar of Events
Thanks for your patience through this transitional period.
Stacey
Friday, April 1, 2011
2 Years and Climbing!
As I sit this morning, praying and getting ready for our doors to open, I am pondering and thanking God for the many blessings that Joys of Life has brought me in the last two years. Sometimes it seems like yesterday we were painting the fixtures, and getting things ready to open. Other times, it seems like it's just always been here and what I've been doing. It's called "convergence", when you are doing what you know God has called you to do with your life. The fellowship and friendships shared within these walls is fun, sometimes full of tears and touches hearts (mine and yours). Each day is different, the needs are different, the expectations constantly changing, but the peace of knowing this is where I'm to be right now with my life, with the talents God has given me, gives me peace. I come in to work with great expectation for what He will do that day. For how He is growing the business, the people he is bringing through these doors (and via Internet) from all over the country and into Canada. I cherish the relationships built, the stories shared, the way I've seen many of you grow and create from your heart. I am blessed to have you sharing this journey with me. I know I haven't arrived. Things are ever changing in life and what we think tomorrow will hold, but I know God is directing my steps, leading me in what He wants me to do each day and in helping me create works of art and letters of love through my scrapbooking. I am grateful for today, our 2 year anniversary, just as I am for every other day i go through. Thank you all for what you bring Within These Walls at Joys of Life Scrapbooking.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Trying to Get Over the Winter Blues
It's been such a tough time through this winter season. The weather just keeps pummeling us and I know I feel beat down by it. The store has had many slow days as we deal with the weather worries, class cancellations and people just wanting to stay inside. You guys though are all excited for classes which I'm grateful for. The calls and emails help keep my day busy when there are not many people out and about. I guess the one good thing from all the weather is that we have been able to get ahead a little bit with scheduling events and doing samples for upcoming classes. As I have taught so many of you, you have to just scrap what makes you feel good that day so that's what I've been doing to try to fight the winter blues.
We've finished working on the classes for February. All the samples are in the store and on the website. We are also working on future classes - this past crop night I finished the Artist Printer Tray we will be doing for Mother's Day in April. Good thing because we already have a bunch of people signed up who were in the store on Saturday. I'll have those photos soon loaded to the website. Attached is a photo of one of the new Bo Bunny Paper Lines that I can't wait to get in!
This weekend has been a great time spent with the grand kids. Now I'm even more excited to begin to scrap some of the those photos soon. So, enjoy the 'snuggle time' you are having with the cold winter weather. And hang in there - it should be over soon. I found this quote I thought was appropriate in light of what we're feeling...
For being the shortest month of the year, February can sure drag on and test our grit. Instead of fighting winter to its bitter end, try embracing the subtle ways nature can sustain you. Take a walk around your yard. Listen for the first birdsong. Turn your face to the warmth of longer sunlit days. Spring is just around the corner.
(Jane McKeon)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Happy New Year
As we embark on the new year here at Joys of Life Scrapbooking, we look forward with eager anticipation to those new faces and people we will meet as well as give thanks for each of you, our current customers and friends. This year promises to be one of many new projects and ideas. We are already getting in new products to recover from the end of year sales and are anxiously awaiting the new products that will be revealed later this month at CHA's (Craft & Hobby Association) big show in CA.
Keep watching the blog, newsletter and website for updates. We will try to be better this year about doing updates and keeping you in the loop beyond just receiving our newsletters.
Blessings for the new year!
Stacey
Saturday, December 18, 2010
A Holiday of Intention
How did it go so fast? How is it that we are only a week away from Christmas and only two weeks away until 2011? Did I sleep too much that it flew by so fast? I am in awe at how quickly this holiday season was upon us and it seems from reading cards from family and friends, it hit us all blindsided. Even though we know its coming. Even though every year we vow not to let it happen again next year. Even though I have been making cards since August with many of you in classes. I just don't understand. But then I pause. I think about why CHRISTmas is even around. What are we to be really giving this holiday.
As I find myself praying though this morning how to get it all done without too much stress to me or my family, I realize, for me at least, how this has all happened.
This year, the Christmas season for me has been a Holiday of Intention.
- The classes we have been teaching have had meaning - with specific thoughts of who you or I may even be making he gifts for.
- The Christmas cards being sent out by me are not sent yet because I want send personal handwritten sentiments, not just a signature. They will update people on our lives for the ones we don't see often. They will ask about their families and their lives and they will remind each of them individually why they are special to us.
- The gifts we are giving family and friends, are about memories shared with them and how important they were to us. Recapturing the emotions and fun shared with them throughout this year or in years past where we can. Some may not even be done for Christmas (gasp!).
- The holiday parties we are attending will be with those people that matter to us and share life with us and we will be sure those events don't interfere with personal family time. It won't be just a "yes" because we got an invitation. Many events and gatherings will be with family we want to see and spend time with.
- The time has been spent caring for and helping friends in need. While many people have been running around to give the "perfect" Christmas with decorations and gifts, we have been intentional about calling and offering help, serving and reaching out to others:
* for the friends we have that are lonely and need a phone call just to say hi
* for the friend who had a negative stress test and are worried about heart disease and what may be needed to fix that, worrying that every pain could be a heart attack
* for the friend we have whose adult daughter is recovering from a stroke
* for the friends we have who have had surgery this week or are getting ready for surgery
* for the friends we have with a cancer diagnosis, or who are in limbo waiting for the possible diagnosis
* for the families that we minister to, many with loss of job or what we would consider lesser living conditions, but who we have built relationships with through the ministry this year, who we now know and share our lives with
* for the families of former prisoners/offenders, who are trying to get their life back on track and are struggling to fight addictions and situations
* for our friend trying to work full time and care for a mother and brother who are both dying of cancer, running to another state every week trying to make sure they spend all the time together they can before it's too late
* for our friends who have experienced great losses this year of family and people special to them in their lives for many different reasons
* for the people we have met this year who have lost someone to suicide
* for our daughter and her husband who just had her third child - with two boys already only 3 and 4 1/2
* for our son-in-law currently stationed in South Korea for a term and not able to be home with family this year, away from his wife who could not go with him for this year term, working our country
This holiday has definitely been about intention. It's been about spending time on the things that matter most to us. So even though the cards and notes may not get mailed until January, it's OK. Even though there is still shopping we want to do and should do, we will find rest. Even though everyone may not understand us not having extended holiday hours this year, we understand it is so we don't over-stress our bodies and end up sick the month of January and it's so we can spend time with family and friends. Even though we are closing between Christmas and New Years except for one day, we will be grateful to be spending the time with family from out of town. Some of them we haven't seen in a year or two so do those last minute sales really matter that much?
As you read this, I ask that you also take pause and think about what kind of Holiday and last week before Christmas that you will be having. The cards really aren't important if they come with just a signature, especially if you haven't been able to make time or connect with that person all year. Trying to just have a gift for someone, and not thinking of the person you are buying it for, or making it for, doesn't matter. Making sure you attend every holiday party so no one is offended will just leave you tired and feeling lost. Decorating and cooking for many, many hours to have the perfect meal for everyone coming over is not where our time should be spent.
Instead focus that time on calling an old friend to see how they are. That's even better than a card if it's been awhile since you have shared life with them. Share homemade cookies with neighbors if you get too many for yourself from friends. Invite others over for a cup of coffee. Help someone run and errand who may have pain if they go out in the very cold weather we have been having. Remember with love those you know who have had a loss this year or life changing event and who may not be experiencing any joy at all this holiday season. You still have time to make your own Holiday of Intention.
Be Blessed,
Stacey
As I find myself praying though this morning how to get it all done without too much stress to me or my family, I realize, for me at least, how this has all happened.
This year, the Christmas season for me has been a Holiday of Intention.
- The classes we have been teaching have had meaning - with specific thoughts of who you or I may even be making he gifts for.
- The Christmas cards being sent out by me are not sent yet because I want send personal handwritten sentiments, not just a signature. They will update people on our lives for the ones we don't see often. They will ask about their families and their lives and they will remind each of them individually why they are special to us.
- The gifts we are giving family and friends, are about memories shared with them and how important they were to us. Recapturing the emotions and fun shared with them throughout this year or in years past where we can. Some may not even be done for Christmas (gasp!).
- The holiday parties we are attending will be with those people that matter to us and share life with us and we will be sure those events don't interfere with personal family time. It won't be just a "yes" because we got an invitation. Many events and gatherings will be with family we want to see and spend time with.
- The time has been spent caring for and helping friends in need. While many people have been running around to give the "perfect" Christmas with decorations and gifts, we have been intentional about calling and offering help, serving and reaching out to others:
* for the friends we have that are lonely and need a phone call just to say hi
* for the friend who had a negative stress test and are worried about heart disease and what may be needed to fix that, worrying that every pain could be a heart attack
* for the friend we have whose adult daughter is recovering from a stroke
* for the friends we have who have had surgery this week or are getting ready for surgery
* for the friends we have with a cancer diagnosis, or who are in limbo waiting for the possible diagnosis
* for the families that we minister to, many with loss of job or what we would consider lesser living conditions, but who we have built relationships with through the ministry this year, who we now know and share our lives with
* for the families of former prisoners/offenders, who are trying to get their life back on track and are struggling to fight addictions and situations
* for our friend trying to work full time and care for a mother and brother who are both dying of cancer, running to another state every week trying to make sure they spend all the time together they can before it's too late
* for our friends who have experienced great losses this year of family and people special to them in their lives for many different reasons
* for the people we have met this year who have lost someone to suicide
* for our daughter and her husband who just had her third child - with two boys already only 3 and 4 1/2
* for our son-in-law currently stationed in South Korea for a term and not able to be home with family this year, away from his wife who could not go with him for this year term, working our country
This holiday has definitely been about intention. It's been about spending time on the things that matter most to us. So even though the cards and notes may not get mailed until January, it's OK. Even though there is still shopping we want to do and should do, we will find rest. Even though everyone may not understand us not having extended holiday hours this year, we understand it is so we don't over-stress our bodies and end up sick the month of January and it's so we can spend time with family and friends. Even though we are closing between Christmas and New Years except for one day, we will be grateful to be spending the time with family from out of town. Some of them we haven't seen in a year or two so do those last minute sales really matter that much?
As you read this, I ask that you also take pause and think about what kind of Holiday and last week before Christmas that you will be having. The cards really aren't important if they come with just a signature, especially if you haven't been able to make time or connect with that person all year. Trying to just have a gift for someone, and not thinking of the person you are buying it for, or making it for, doesn't matter. Making sure you attend every holiday party so no one is offended will just leave you tired and feeling lost. Decorating and cooking for many, many hours to have the perfect meal for everyone coming over is not where our time should be spent.
Instead focus that time on calling an old friend to see how they are. That's even better than a card if it's been awhile since you have shared life with them. Share homemade cookies with neighbors if you get too many for yourself from friends. Invite others over for a cup of coffee. Help someone run and errand who may have pain if they go out in the very cold weather we have been having. Remember with love those you know who have had a loss this year or life changing event and who may not be experiencing any joy at all this holiday season. You still have time to make your own Holiday of Intention.
Be Blessed,
Stacey
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