Here's how the hop works:
Like last time we have some GRAND Prizes to share with you, plus most of the blog owners are willing to share some RAK with you. In order to qualify for the GRAND Prizes you ought to leave a comment under this thread and become a follower of this blog (if you are not one yet). We are asking that you would also become a follower of paper Tree House Studio on Facebook so that you can stay updated with our challenges and contests. In order to qualify for the RAKS i ask that you would also become a follower of those blogs and leave them a comment with your thoughts about the project they might have created or the story they were willing to share (if any). It can be very humbling to share our hearts with the world, yet the Bible says that our troubles come so that we can console another going through the same thing. My prayer is that the Lord would use this for His Glory as He heals all of our hearts.
Now for the GRAND Prizes:
Paper Tree House Studio: Cuttlebug V2 Machine
Scrapbook News and Review Magazine: One Year Subscription
Bella Blvd.: $45 retail value worth of their yummy product
Echo Park: Be Mine Collection
Scrapbooks & Stuff: Cricut Your Story
Punky Sprouts: Sweetie Mini-Book
The Paper Blossom Shop: $25 gift certificate to their shop.
Bonita Rose LIfe.Love.Color.Art: 1 spot to her new self-paced Color Your World 2.0 workshop. Read more about it in her blog: http://alifeunrehearsed2.blogspot.com//.
Remember that in order to be considered a winner, you should leave a comment here and become a follower. :) It is that simple.
As you hop through the blogs you will see some very open lives, and others that are not as much. We are all being molded everyday more into His liking. Know that I have been praying for each of the participants, and as you begin to open your heart, I will be praying for you as well. It is my desire that the Lord would begin to build a community of bold women that would be willing to show their weaknesses so that in turn He can be their strength. Maybe next month we can hop through your blog as well.. This will happen every month on the very last weekend of the month, so please plan to be here learning about Him and about His love for YOU and His commitment to make you His!
(If you get lost, make sure to go check out the list of participant's over at http://www.mypapertreehouse.com/)
Here is my hidden heartache:
I am filled with insecurities... Insecurities about being a woman, about being a mom, about being a wife, etc... It does not matter how hard I try, no matter what I do I always end up feeling guilty. If I scrapbook because it is what i want to do, i feel guilty because I am not with my children. If I am with my children, I feel guilty because I am not cleaning my house. If I am tired and i want to go take a nap, I feel guilty because i always have 20,000,000 things pending... (you get the picture). Feelings of inadequacy consume me at times and I am left with no other option than to crumble at Jesus' feet and once again ask Him to become my everything.
There is also a sense of unsatisfaction and almost like a hunger that needs to be satiated in my soul and has not yet. When it is intense i notice that I tend to withdraw from the Lord because I see such glimpses of who i used to be that it makes me wonder whether or not He will ever be able to heal me...
I have come to learn that the Lord does not always heal you the way we would like for Him to do so, but for sure it is the PERFECT WAY and He WILL INDEED HEAL!! :) That is a promise I hold on tight, especially during my rockiest times. To remind myself of that I created my first offcial art journal to record His Truth...
i want to know your story and I want to pray for you. Please leave me a comment... I really want to pray for you!
Here is my first offcial art journal:
Here is my RAK:
Remember that to qualify for the GRAND Prizes you must leave a comment over at http://www.mypapertreehouse.com/ and become a follower. If you want my RAK you need to leave a comment and become followers here as well... :)
Thanks for participating with us... Now hop on over to my sweet and talented Rebecca's blog: http://www.polkadotdoordesign.blogspot.com/
Love in Christ,
Nana
Posts
46 comments:
On reading that I had to comment as I was nodding in recognition. So often I have had those same feeling of inadequacy, of always feeling I've got it wrong, of feeling I can't be forgiven or acceptable. I've come a long way on the forgiven one, I now know that there is no condemnation and rejoice in that - but I do still struggle though the guilt and inadequacy many days. Learning to leave it all with Jesus and just do what is in front of me, learning to be the person he made me to be, learning to love myself as he loves me...it is all a long path. But what an adventure we are on.
oops, forgot to add, please don't enter me for your rak because I don't have a cricut.
It's so hard to live like you never feel good enough and feeling guilty by doing things you think you have to do.
I so hope you can enjoy the things you want to do. When you are with your kids, be all there. Don't think about cleaning the house. There is always another time to do that ;) The cleaning won't walk away. As i always say: there is always another day to do so.
And when you are scrapbooking, enjoy that too. And just remind that you are not only a mom. You are also you, who needs time for yourself. And when you need to create, be all there and put your heart into your work. When you do so, you will also be a better mom. They will understand that you need time for yourself. As much as they need time for them selfs.
I often see that moms tend to forget that they are more than a mom. They forget that they are a person to, with needs and time to grow personally.
I know, it easy for me to say... But I am struggling with those things too. I don't have a family of my own, but I always thought I wasn't good enough. Always thought about what other people would think of me. I'm so harsh for myself.
But now I came at the point that it's time for ME. I need to learn that that's not selfish or egoistic, but that it's necessary for me to become who I need to be. That I need to love myself and don't be so hard on myself. That I deserve to be happy.
Wow, it's become quite a story.... I hope you can use some of it to be less harsh on yourself and try to do the things you love ;-)
God bless!!
Wendy
Enhorabuena por el testigo y por tu trabajo! Dios te bendiga.
Voy saltando.
Besitos y bendiciones.
Guilt/Insecurities... I can relate to you so much on this. With my husband I've gotten better through the years. However, I was raised to feel guilty for everything. Although a Fantastic woman, my mother is infamous for making me feel guilty for everything I do. This made me feel so insecure growing up. I'm much more confident these days and have learned to value myself much more than I use to. Remember in order for others around you to be happy you need to be happy. Thank you for sharing your story. Also for the blog candy. So sweet of you to offer that.
Liz
whichcraft @ me .com
OMG! I was so focused on your story that I forgot to comment on your BEAUTIFUL card. I love it!!!
Liz
I think women naturally stress over trying to do it all. The older I get, however, the easier it has become to put everything in perspective. I strive to just "live in the moment" and enjoy whatever and whoever my path crosses. Hugs!
http://lillianchild.blogspot.com
Your story is mine... I know that pain of inadequecy all to well. Thank you for reminding me that God heals.
Jazzy
such a beautiful post.. I'm honored to be participating! hugs xo
Hola Nana!!! Se que Dios cura los corazones y tambien los llena de su amor. Dios la bendiga!! Estoy visitando a todas.
Debora
Your art journal is beautiful. I, too, feel inadequate most times. I feel as though I never choose the right path in life.
I think this comes natural being a mom wife a giving person with a big heart.
wish we could be everywhere and help everybody. god leads us in the right direction and he knows best. so dont feel guilty. your card is beautiful
Thank you for sharing your story. I found myself mirroring your feelings. Hugs
kacee
mcvicwif@yahoo.com
Your ache sounds so incredibly familiar - this is something I struggle with ALL the time. I need to constantly remind myself that God finds me worthy and wonderful and wants me to feel that way about myself too. He wants that for all of us. Be blessed!
Congratulations! because you make very nice work God bless you!
Nana, Thanks so much for sharing! I think just being able to share is healing! I have had the same guilts in my life. It has taken me along time to let the little things go and enjoy the here and now! Don't get me wrong I still let my house not being perfect get to me but family is so much more important!
Many Blessings:)
new follower:)
~Kim
http://crazyaboutscrapin.blogspot.com
kfordyce6638 at gmail dot com
Nana, thanks for sharing. As a woman, I think we all have insecurities. I feel the same way sometimes - I am on my computer, doing genealogy, or making cards. I feel guilty because I am not with my husband doing whatever he is doing. But he reminds me it is ok. My husband is good to me. I pray that Satan is rebuked and that you enjoy what you are doing. I am sure you are a good mom and a good wife!
PS - I am a new follower.
Tammy
tammysmakingmemories.blogspot.com/
Thanks for sharing your story... I think we all feel this way at some time we just have to remember that we are perfect in God's eyes and he will never give us more than we can handle.
Thanks for sharing your story and your feelings. My feelings lately have been one of frustration and fear of failure. I am frustrated by things going on in my personal life and I am afraid of what the future holds, how to get through the difficult times, and how to keep my head up and still be a good example for my daughter.
Hola ME ha gustado mucho tú trabajo los colores son hermsoso
cariños y Bendiciones desde Chile
Carolyn, for that very reason I craved this hop... I think there is power in numbers and knowing the problem is half the battle. :) I will be praying for you and will ask that you visit often so that we could keep each other updated and accountable to keeping our eyes focused on Him! :)
Wendy, you have been such an inspiration from the very beginning of my faithbooking adventure. I praise God and thank Him for you often. Thanks for the encouraging words and for your tips. I will make use of them and will let you know the outcome... He never fails so I am positive that they will only be success... :)
Lillian, i have a friend that constantly tells me that as she grows older she worries less and less about people's thoughts and reactions. :) I am about to turn 30 and I am starting to realize that what people say or do does not have to determine who I need to be... I now intend to make God the standard in my life, and through His Son I have forgiveness, so the guilt can be washed away... there is hope! LOL Thanks for your sweet comment.. Hugs!
Jazmin, this is why i think it is important that we share our stories.. the enemy has made us believe that we are the only one's that feel this and that God cannot do anything about it. It is ALL A LIE!! I will be praying for you, that the Lord would protect your heart as He heals it and gives you the confidence you need in Him!
Bonita, the honor is mine! I love your work and it always inspires me... your perseverance and your talent make me want to be like you when i grow up! LOL Love you girl!
Bonita, the honor is mine! I love your work and it always inspires me... your perseverance and your talent make me want to be like you when i grow up! LOL Love you girl!
Debora, Gracias por tu comentario tan bonito! Es bueno recordar ese atributo de El Señor. Perdón que no te incluí en este hop- te prometo que el próximo serás de las primeras.. :) Besitos!
Jill, i read your comment and a knot formed in my throat. That is by far one of the worst feelings... to feel that you never choose the right path in life! Take courage in KNOWING that He guides your steps. The Bible says that His people are perishing for lack of knowledge.. Spend some time getting to know your God and the promises He has for you. :) I would love to share what I have learned and have you do the same as we encourage each other to grow closer to Him! I will be praying for you... Hugs!
Rhonda.. thanks for your sweet comment. i think that it is natural to feel this way like you said, but i am not too convinced that it is what the Lord desires for us. The Lord never gives us guilt that will bug us down, He convicts so that we would be restored- not paralyzed. My prayer is that He would teach me to abide in Him and that in turn I would stop trying to fulfill the world's expectations and instead i focus on His plans for my life... :) Thanks again for your sweet comment! Hugs!
Kacee, i pray that you too would embark in a journey towards the Lord's heart! :) That you would find satisfaction in Him and complete restoration.. Love you!
Catherine, thanks for your transparency. I will be praying that you would be bold to run to His presence and ask for the healing you and I both need. His Word says that He CANNOT lie and it also says that He will complete the work He has begun in us. May we learn to not just believe IN God, but may we start believing Him! :)
Thanks Erika for your nice words... I loved making the journal... not sure that i love it yet, but thought it was a perfect depiction of where i am at with my insecurities now.. :) Thanks for hopping with us..
Kim, it means so much to me that you would share such a beautiful truth. Family will always be more important. :) I will try to always remember those wise words. Thanks! :)
Tammy, it is wonderful to know that you too have a husband that reminds you of the truth. i once was told by a friend that if i am not doing well, how can I take care of my family. Well without the scrapping and the time on my own, I am not well. I just need to learn how to accept that it is alright and that not everything needs to be done by me...
Savanna, thanks for your kind words. it is so true that He will never give us more than we can handle.. but there are times it sure feels like He forgot to come rescue us. LOL That is why the Bible says that the heart is deceitful above all things.. Even though it feels that way, it is not true! Thanks for the reminder. :)
Neyw, I wish I lived by you so that i could give you a great big hug! My prayer is that the Lord would open your eyes to see Him as He really is: a powerful and saving God that can do anything! i know that i always struggled with even coming to terms that God loved me due to experiences I had with my own father. i made God to be someone He is not! Oh how I ask God to show you how He is your comforter, your provider, your tower of strength.. absolutely everything you need to live- not just survive. I would love to embark with you on the adventure of getting to know Christ: If you are interested, let me know by emailing me at mypapertreehouse at gmail dot com. Will continue to pray! :)
Fabitolana, Gracias por tu comentario tan bonito. me encantaria ir a Chile un día para conocerte.. :) Espero que sea pronto.
Besitos
I can totally relate! I feel that way too alot! TFS!
sweetheartcopper at msn dot com
Awesome art journal. Wonderful post, that I am sure God is already using your heartache shared to His Glory! I totally believe He puts us through trials and "HEARTACHES" so we might share and Let His GLORY shine through! I am very pleased to be a new follower of your blog
Thanks for sharing. I found I was feeling many the same as you.
Hummer Hugs,
Misty
http://deliteful-gifts.blogspot.com/
hummingbird204 at comcast dot net
Wow you were writing about me!! Thanks for sharing! I'm a new follower.
So many women can relate to your story. Is this what makes us all women? Would men feel this way if things were reversed? We want it all for our families. Some days it just is impossible. Cherish those days with your children. You cannot get them back, believe me. I lost a child and went through many days of the why didn't I do this instead questions. I changed my priorities after that. Some things can wait, but your children will grow. Don't forget to take care of yourself too. It's important. I am a new follower and I love your project. TFS
Hermoso tu trabajo. Bendiciones desde Chile.
I too struggle with fears of inadequacy. I never ever feel like I am good enough or that I do enough - home, school, God ... everywhere. I see that there is so much more I could and should do, but I feel so low that it pushes me into inactivity for fear of not doing everything to everyone else's expectations. I cower away from God thinking that He is too busy to hear me calling out to Him - even though He has shown me time and time again that He is the only one in whom I can truly Trust. I push Him away and trudge on, on my own. I feel horribly guilty, as I should. And I don't know how to let it go.
I don't own a cricut, so please don't enter me in your giveaway. I also tried to become a follower but the GFC said it was having difficulties every time I tried. I would like to be a follower though ...
I love your journal and your story is wonderful. I think we all deal with balanacing how to be a lady, wife, and Mommy. I will pray that God will grant you peace as you try to find the needed balance. Much love and scrappy hugs.
Love in Christ,
Christel (Scrappin' Sista)
I want to see more of your project looks super cool.
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