Starting a New....And a freebie for you!

Whoa! I just rhymed and did not even plan it! So, I was not on much last week mainly because we started back to school. During preplanning, we teachers really did not get much planning done at all! I know that is not a surprise to those of you out there that teach, but I really wish the higher ups would wise up a little and let us have a day to get our room set up and plan with our other teachers. But not this year...LOL! On top of everything, we are always furloughed for three days this year. Our first furlough day was this past Friday and, in protest, I did not go to the school and chose to mow the lawn and tidy up the yard instead! I hope my dear hubby appreciated my efforts! If nothing else, it really entertained my two boys!

On an another note, my oldest, Jake, will start kindergarten tomorrow! I am so sad! I have held on to my boys being little and not exposed to so much of what goes on in the world! But now I feel like I am losing a little of my grip! But Preacher Tommy's sermon today hit home for me! On going back to school, we as parents should be preparing our children to be equipped to handle the pressures, demons, and dangers of our world. I also loved the reminder that our children should see us praying and practicing what we preach to them. I hope with all my heart that my boys will retain these lessons I have been teaching since birth. If so, my day tomorrow should go pretty smooth.

Now, what you all have been waiting for... A FREEBIE! As you know I have been trying some template making out and enjoyed it so far! I was even thrilled to see that my first templates have already had about 50 downloads after one day on Digifree! Yeah! So here you go....

My Lil' Sparks Free Template

Here's a page using this template...
Papers are from the Smiles All Around kit by Mel Hains

Download Free Template Here

I hope you enjoy! I would love to see your work using my templates! Leave some love if you download!

Blessings!
Missy

Plank in the ol' eye!

WOW! Have ya ever been in church and felt that everything said was directed towards you?!? Well, today Tommy's sermon was one that definitely had me feeling like someone was standing on my feet instead of stepping on my toes. From Matthew 7:1-6, Tommy spoke today about how we judge others and the biblical interpretation of such. So, here I was thinking that I was doing pretty good about not judging others (I know I say it enough....."It is not for me to judge!" is one my common sayings), but not sooooo.... I was doing so during our entire vacation! While at the theme parks in FL, I was constantly making comments to my hubby about how people were dressed (especially while at the water park! HUMMMMMM!) There are certain things men should be wearing in public. But I was not equipped with the facts as the Bible expects of us. Maybe certain types of swimwear are the only types sold in some countries. =) Rather than judgemental, I should be more tolerant of some differences among God's people.

On the other hand, I know how it feels to be judged without knowing the facts! I hope all ears were perked up while the sermon was going on because I strongly feel that "people that live in glass houses should not throw stones". While trying to be helpful to friends and families, I have personally been "judged" as "stabbing a friend in the back" or "not caring" for a family member enough because I was not all in their business. Again, I will tell you whether or not I agree with you, but I do not judge what one is doing. A difference in opinions or beliefs is not a judgement. One final thought on the subject, a Christian is a believer in Christ. Christians are Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, etc. Christ will judge those that will celebrate in Heaven or suffer in Hell and He will be the only one. Let's remove the plank before make statements regarding other demoninations.

Just my two cents!

Blessings & Peace to you all!
Missy