BACK TO THE LOVE

Love

¹If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

²If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

³If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,^{b]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[}but have not love, I gain nothing.

⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

⁸Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

⁹For we know in part and we prophesy in part,

¹⁰but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

¹¹When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

¹²Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

¹³And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

(I Co 13)

And nothing is more relevant than LOVE in our lives.

(Little note to you...Say "Love you" to someone today)

Be bold and fearless

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2 Timothy 1:7

I was once a little girl with lots of fears. Not knowing God as Father and Provider, I was always in doubts and living without confidence. I needed to be strong but didn't know how.

Then HE found me. And I know even though I'm still struggling with new and old fears, God is always with me.

That's what really counts.

And I'm forever grateful.

Lya

REACHING OUT OF MYSELF

Hi everyone,...I know, I haven't been posting here. It has been more than 2 weeks.

Recently I was diagnosed I got a muscle-neurological issue in many parts of my left side, such as elbow, shoulder and lower back - where seems to be the most affected areas of my body.

Well, before this issue started to come out as a concern for me, I was not really worry about the possibilities of getting worse until the doctor told me I have to think seriously about it. And begin some kind of oriented exercises to avoid future complications.

Well, the good news though is that I'm pretty much in my youth yet...my late 30's(LOL )! So was good to know this issue of mine "early", then my chances to get it fixed can be bigger.

I wanted to share this because as paper crafter and former health care provider myself I know how crucial it is to be aware of our body as whole part of our lives. Lots of talented crafter out there are facing some challenges in their health conditions - obesity, fibromialgia, etc. And many other issues that can really make the creative artisans give up- somehow - on their true passions or hobbies.

So, take care of yourself. Be creative. And healthy.

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV"

Glad to be back "home".

Lya , apprentice of Paper Art with Faith

HAPPY DADDY...EVERY DAY!

GOD BLESS YOU ...my dad and my honey...LOVE YOU ALL!

Lya

The blessed girl.

DAD'S BLESSED GIRL

Jesus said,"Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."

Matthew 6:8

God wants you to have everything you need for a great life. But sometimes we pray and things don't happen when we expect them to. You must trust that His timing is perfect. None of us live in a vacuum. Sometimes your request requires compliance on the part of other people, and they may not be prompt to respond. DON'T GIVE UP. God will answer your prayer in the perfect way at the perfect time.

(adapted from Every Day Blessings, from Barbour)

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

This is such a true thing. And I really believe so.

God knew my heart so well that my prayers were answered in such an amazing ways.

When I first met my husband - I felt so sure he is the answer of my prayer. For these years I had been searching and waiting for the right person to be my life's partner, I was so grateful for him and his life, like a little girl with an entire heart fully filled with sweetness and thankfulness that can only come from her lovely father, providing just what she needs.

A time after our beautiful wedding, I was once again blessed by getting the answer for my prayer...when I found out I was pregnant - carrying the little seed of our love - and everything went by in so smooth way. I meant it because I thought I was not in my best shape and healthy condition. Our little prince came to our world, bringing along joy, happiness and so many countless wonderful things that changed my life forever.

Since then Father's Day became such a special event for me.

For the great dad I have in earth, the sweet daddy my husband turned into the first day of our baby's born, and the most important - and ALWAYS...the amazing FATHER we have, watching and loving us, in ways we can't even imagine, in time we even don't know. There, forever.

THANK YOU, all of you. For keeping my life such a joy and bless!

Lya.

Some attitude

Hi everyone!

Today I woke up with this in my mind, and wanted to share with you:

"Be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude."

Ephesians 4:23 AMP

Your attitude can substantially affect your happiness level. It's true. When your mind is assaulted every day by "stinkin' thinkin'"- things like..."I'm not good enough - "not loved - "I'll never reach my dreams" - it's pretty tough to be happy.

On the other hand,when you think about good things - GOD THINGS - your happiness level will soar. Let's try it!

"God loves me.""God is always by my side, watching out for me, ""God has made me a winner."

Wow...what a difference it will make!

The key to a great attitude is to rise above your old ways of thinking and start thinking like God thinks. The Bible says we aren't capable of thinking God's actual thoughts. They are too high and holy. But you can think like God - raising your mind - sight to focus on the good. the right, the holy, helping and encouraging others, ways to express your thankfulness. An attitude is simply a response to what you see - keep your mind tuned in to the good.

(adapted from Every day blessings by Barbour)

Some of us constantly keep criticizing ourselves for everything. When you try your best to do something, that's a good attitude. But when time comes that ALL you do should be THE BEST - mostly better than others, like "conscientious" comparison - that definitely is what we need to avoid.

We can't be good on everything, all the time.

I have a friend that's always saying or doing something this way. And I can see how she can be frustrated in a futile manner and how the people around her see her as a "perfectionist" and not easy to get along with. The fact that she has Master Degree does not qualify her to be the best, NOT at all.

Well...I don't want to be judgemental either. But I'm sure that a good attitude is to think how blessed we are for what we are and what we have. That's a good one.

By saying so, what's yours today?

Lya.

Comfort for broken hearts

What happened to the Air France Flight 447 really made me feel how precious, yet fragile, we are as humankind. Mostly the people even have no idea how susceptible they are in all aspects of their lives. And how blessed we can be, just being what we are, with people we care about, doing something we appreciate. In a very ordinary and simple way.

I felt very - deeply sad when I saw on TV the confirmation of the airplane crash into the Atlantic. Even though I was already convinced that the 228 passengers wouldn't get chances giving the situation. But as any other one with a hopeful heart - I really wished to hear about some kind of "miracles" for those people.

Well...I'm attached to things related to Brazil ...not only because I have lots of friends and relatives living there, but the friendly people, amazing beaches, the diversity in a rich manner.

And news like this is actually like a horror movie playing true.

The fact of the flight ended in such tragic way really shocked me. With people from so different countries and backgrounds - leaving behind lots of crying hearts - women (wives, daughters, mothers and good friends...) who lost their love ones.

So I have a thought. Let's pray for their comfort. No matter if you're a stranger or a friend to those people. Just let us think of them and pray that God, make them find His Comforter inside of them. Because He hears every cry.

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

God has given us another gift filled with His love and comfort - the holy scriptures. As you read about Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Esther, Ruth, Job, David, Elijah, Mary, and Paul, we'll see how God comforted them in their darkest hours. He will certainly do the same for us. Be encouraged. Place the hope in His Goodness. He will comfort His children, and we can be sure of that.

(adapted from Every Day Blessings - from Barbour)

The Lord will hear you crying, and he will comfort you. When he hears you, he will help you.

Isaiah 30:19 ncv

May God touch your heart today.

Lya L.

Be joyful

Happiness is elusive in this life. Because it's an emotion - like sadness and anger - it comes and goes with the circumstances. Joy is different. It's the permanent condition of the heart that's right with God. It isn't based on circumstances, but rather the known outcome - eternity with God. So let us forget about the persuit of happiness and embrace joy. It won't fail us...even in the darkest days and most trying hours. Rejoice!
(adapted from the Happiness... Every Day Blessings by Barbour)

This is what I tell myself every time things seem to be out of control, actually ...well, "my" own control.

I confess I have my weakness and fears. Who doesn't?

The secret is to know when to let it be and BE JOYFUL.

Sometimes it may sounds weird or hard to follow - in our eyes, under some circumstances. But this is the moment to believe we're not alone and everything can be-will be...all right. Under God's control.

After becoming a mom myself I learned in many different ways. One of them - hard way(my own) and other, a joyful way. Today I'm glad to say I'm so blessed by having a child and getting the chance to know this.

Thank you Dear Father.

"A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but the heartache crushes the spirit."

Prov. 15:13

Have a great day.

Lya L.

Beyond Mother's Day

"The Lord your God will lead you and protect you on every side."

Isaiah 52:12 GNT

Protection - We all have fears...fear of harm, fear of losing a child or other loved one or even meaningful object, fear of being alone, fear of failure. When our fears rise up and threaten to overcome us. When we feel sick in the pit of stomach and our hearts ache with anxiety...remember this. God is with us, every day, every hour, every moment. So let us focus on Him, really focus. And we'll see that all fears are nothing more than speculation that is swept away in His presence.

(adapted from Every day blessings by Barbour)

.......

A mother knows the joy and struggle she carries day by day. As well as the up and down (sort of) whirlwinds she finds to take care as "it-must-be", of her child, counting each of them. And in between day and night hours of her daily mommy duties she just try her best to ensure the comfort and well being of the child. These are countless words to describe the effort of a mother to give the child her love, and PROTECTION. This is just the wonderful thing of a mother.

Children are gifts from Heaven and mothers are angels God sent to care and protect them.

I'm not sure who said this It's so true.

That's why we should always remember this and I found because it is still , we should be even more grateful - for our lives - for these women of our lives, AND God's Love - so every single day may be a blessing.

Don't think we need to live in a wonderland with sea-of-roses to enjoy and be thankful. We all have our burdens and struggles. And we know we can learn precious things all the way through.

So...once again, let's celebrate...BEYOND MOTHER'S DAY!!

For today: the keepsake box above - simply entitled "LOVE" with its coordinated MotherDay card.

It's never too late. Get inspired and make your own gift for the special woman of your life!

God Bless you always!

Lya

Be kind

"Who can find a virtuous woman?
for her price is far above rubies....
She openeth her mouth with wisdom;
and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
Prov. 31-10,26 KJV

Kindness is often misunderstood. It does not mean stepping back and letting others dictate to us. And it doen't mean coddling and indulging others. It means being gentle, friendly, benevolent and generous with another, especially when there is no expectation of receiving anything from in return. We don't have to go looking for opportunities TO BE KIND, they'll appear on their own dozens of times a day. So, be kind. Just like our heavenly Father.
(adapted from Everyday Blessings - by Barbour)
.......

Well...I know people who just act like they are rude or selfish. They may not really care what others might think about their attitudes or they just are "out-of-their-minds"... as my mom says.
And for time to time, these people keep doing all sort of things that really make other's day darker or heavier.
However, I believe from my heart, that they can still wake up one day and realize how far they went by hurting others through bad behavior or hostile words. I also believe, they are not really happy by being such type of humans. They may have been hurt once themselves or just don't want to give what they never had.

And this is the exact point of divergence you'll find between a person who in fact, knows how to respect and undestand what other means to be.
God knows their hearts.

I'd like to say that in my own circle of acquaintaces - there are mean and judgemental people in the church as well as gentle and kind people that don't keep reminding us if they are indeed believers or not. This second group is just those kind of friends or relatives that is so heartwarming and friendly to be around, while the first group always make us feel that something is not going good enough - I mean, never.

This is what I thought about for this week. About being KIND. It's not that hard to put ourselve s in "other's shoes". And I find it interesting to put here to share, since we're in the week that remembers and celebrates one of the most beautiful KINDNESS we find around us - from our dear mothers.

So...it may just be an eye contact, a hug, some kind words such like "THANK YOU" or "PLEASE", or "I'M THINKING OF YOU" or even..." LOVE YOU".

How wonderful it would be. We could make a person's day better.

In my little corner here, I made a card for someone special. Nothing exaggerated. Just a reminder that she is special just the way she is. Kind and lovely one.

Keep in touch, with your heart.
Blessings.

it's a brand new day

...then we say FAITH.

"Faith is not something you commit to once then don't think about again. Instead it's something that alerts you every day to possibilities and opportunities. God has called us to live a life of vibrant faith, open to His direction, keeping our eyes on Him. Day by day we'll see His faithfulness and our faith will grow. Soon we'll stop worrying about what is around the next corner. We'll know with certainty that the two of us can handle any eventuality."

(adapted from book Every day Blessings - Barbour)

Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.

Let all that you do be done in love.

I Corinthians 16:13-14(NRSV)

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The idea of creating a blog that allows me to share my feelings as christian woman and my passion for paper and the artful ways around it just pop(ed)-up weeks ago. I wasn't sure if this it is in fact, a good thing to do, since I'm not really a blog people, although as paper crafter (I called myself just so) I like and appreciate blogs out there with layouts that please my eyes and their valuable and informative contents.

Yet this year I've already joined to the blogging world with my 2 other blogs*. So (FYI) this one would be the 3rd. I think it is not bad for someone that hadn't be a blogger before.

*I can share with you in my future postings about my other blogs.

Now, why this blog?

It started with a wish in my heart, like a little voice calling, to create it.

And the name for it was so obvious to me. Actually it came right away.

So here it is: Paper Artist With Faith.

A spot to enjoy & share something I'm creating* with my papers and THEN "enforce" the true meaning of FAITH, in my life.

Other good stuff will surely coming out naturally as part of this process.

Until then....may God Bless you!

Look again the picture I posted above. It's how He wants to tell you about the LOVE.