Identity is such an important issue for us all.  Let us all remember that we find our identity in Christ.

A contribution from Bernice

Each month on the forum we set challenges.  Join us to find out more.

This month's challenges are photography based and can be interpreted in any crafting way that you can imagine.

Take a photo everyday in July

Using the list below, choose one topic each day and take a photo (or download from the internet!). This is actually a list for 100 days of photos so if you want to do the complete list ~ go for it!

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts.
Day 02 - A picture of the one who is always there for you.
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
Day 04 - A picture of a missed memory.
Day 05 - A picture of you and the person you've had the best memories with.
Day 06 - A picture of a person you’d love to trade places with for a day.
Day 07 - A picture of you and someone you'd be lost without .
Day 08 - A picture of you and someone that makes you laugh
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.
Day 10 - A picture of your favorite sport or favorite athlete.
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.
Day 12 - A picture of something you love.
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.
Day 17 - A picture of something/someone that has made a huge impact on your life recently.
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest phobia.
Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you’d love to travel.
Day 21 - A picture of your favourite film
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.
Day 25 - A picture of your day.
Day 26 - A picture of people that mean a lot to you.
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.
Day 28 - A picture of something you never want to loose
Day 29 - A picture of someone that can always make you smile.
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.
Day 31 - A picture of what you wore today.
Day 32 - A picture of what you did today.
Day 33 - A picture of you doing something you love.
Day 34 - A picture of your currently most played song cover.
Day 35 - A picture of your favorite place to eat.
Day 36 - A picture of your ‘other half'/best friend.
Day 37 - A picture of the people you spend most of your time with.
Day 38 - A picture of the best part of your week.
Day 39 - A picture of your favorite animal
Day 40 - A picture of your favorite Disney character.
Day 41 - A picture of your pet.
Day 42 - A picture of your dream house.
Day 43 - A picture of something you can’t function without.
Day 44 - A picture of someone you’re told you look like.
Day 45 - A picture of you wished your room looked like.
Day 46 - A picture of where you wish you were right now.
Day 47 - A picture of your favorite place to shop.
Day 48 - A picture of your favorite actress/actor.
Day 49 - A picture of where you spend most your time.
Day 50 - A picture of your most frequented place.
Day 51 - A picture of your dream car.
Day 52 - A picture of your favorite sport.
Day 53 - A picture of someone you think is hot.
Day 54 - A picture of the one thing you would bring if you were stranded on a deserted island.
Day 55 - A picture of the last movie you saw in theaters.
Day 56 - A picture of something that makes you happy.
Day 57 - A picture of your favorite holiday.
Day 58 - A picture of your favorite album cover.
Day 59 - A picture of a random item that you own.
Day 60 - A picture of something you’re excited about.
Day 61 - School class picture.
Day 62 - Last place you traveled to.
Day 63 - awards?
Day 64 - Favorite childhood book.
Day 65 - A picture of you and your best friend.
Day 66 - A picture in your room.
Day 67 - Something Green.
Day 68 - A magazine you like.
Day 69 - Something red.
Day 70 - Something you borrowed from someone else.
Day 71 - A picture of your favorite piece of jewelry.
Day 72 - A stuffed animal.
Day 73 - Your lunch.
Day 74 - Something you found under your bed.
Day 75 - You and a friend you used to be close to.
Day 76 - Something that annoys you.
Day 77 - The last thing that you bought.
Day 78 - Your sunglasses.
Day 79 -someone I like to talk to
Day 80 - Your favorite childhood movie.
Day 81 - Something you baked.
Day 82 - The most embarrassing thing in your closet.
Day 83 - The moon tonight.
Day 84 - Your favorite pair of shorts.
Day 85 - Something Pink.
Day 86 - Something your mom bought you.
Day 87 - Something you hold dear to your heart.
Day 88 - your garden
Day 89 - your favourite food
Day 90 - Your current school/college photo.
Day 91 - Something that made you smile today.
Day 92 - Something weird in your house.
Day 93 - The view from your bedroom window.
Day 94 - What you're doing right now.
Day 95 - Something yellow.
Day 96 - A place you went today.
Day 97 - Something heart shaped.
Day 98 - Your favorite nail polish color.
Day 99 - Something that makes you feel accomplished.
Day 100 - The final picture of yourself with 15 facts.

Today is the last day of our 10 day birthday celebrations for heART&soul.

We have used the theme of Praise and Thanksgiving for blog entries and craft challenges.   The forum gallery is bristling with new work and is a delight to look at.  Thank you to all who have taken part.

Here are three layouts to be found in the gallery.  If you want to see the rest of the work, please go to community on this website and follow the instructions to register as a member.

There's still time to take part in the challenges which have to be uploaded to the forum by the end of tomorrow.

Thriftycrafter's blog about hands reminded me of a challenge that I took part in.  We were given a photo of hands outstretched to the sky and we were to use it in whatever way appealed to us.

I made this layout using stamps and rub-ons.  It includes things I am thankful for and various praise words.

We have a photo challenge this week on the forum.  Why not join in?  If you're not already a member just click on Community on this website and register.   We really look forward to meeting you.

Today's post is written by Thriftycrafter

One of my first experiences of Faithcrafting was a 'Faith tag' swap. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but thought it sounded like a nice idea. Each person made up tags with the same verse or quote on and they were sent out to the other swappers. I borrowed a stamp from my Mum, it said; Faith is putting out a hand in the dark and finding it held.

 
Faith in God can be a bit like that, there are times when things seem dark or unclear but when we reach out to God, he is there, always.
God is there even when we don't reach out to him, always there, waiting for our hand to reach out to him.
Holding hands is good; it gives reassurance, comfort, strength, warmth and builds on friendship.
It's something we sometimes grow out of as we get older, but those on both sides feel the benefits.
 
Make sure you hold someone's hand today, as well as God's that is.

Today's blog post is written by Amazing Grace and links to a challenge on the forum as well.

At a prayer meeting recently, I was reminded of a “song”. In fact it is two songs which were appropriate for the person concerned but have also been relevant for me. Please indulge me whilst I share these with you.

The first is by Casting Crowns, Praise You In The Storm

The Key words are:

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

The other song is by Matt Redman “You Never Let GO

 The chorus:yri:csmode.com/lyrics/m/

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

We are told to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice” Philippians 4:3-5 (NIV). I know it’s easier said and done and yet these two songs say “I will praise you in THIS storm” and "You never let go." We can indeed praise him in THIS storm and the calm.

Currently I would say I’m having a period of slightly choppy waters from time to time, not a big storm with thunder and lightning nor a hurricane but just slightly choppy waters – odd patches within the week when things are a little bit rough. You know those things where you get cross and frustrated for a few minutes that then leaves you feeling a bit off.

One of those days was on Easter Saturday during a storm in the early evening. Lots of thunder and heavy rain for an hour and trying to get this photo was part of the storm in our household – hubby is a better photographer and I wanted him to get a photo showing how heavy it was raining – he couldn’t remember how to do so and we both got frustrated. Short version of our Storm. That is not making light of some of the storms others are facing, ill health, job problems, money worries or any other “stuff” that makes up storms.

The good thing is that God is there even if I feel I don’t deserve him to hang around after a flair up. He’s been there when I’ve been through many storms some of which have seemed to last for years and he’s been there when things have been at calm and peace. He is good enough to hold us regardless of us because he is our loving heavenly Father, mother hen, Saviour, friend, comforter, Strong Tower and many more names.....

My friend Lynds is testifying again and again that even though she and Dave, her husband, had three years of storm – from Dave’s diagnose to death at the end of January from kidney cancer - God was with them throughout it all. He never let go. He gave them his peace and strength for each day. God is still doing that whilst she grieves. One of the things commented on at Dave’s funeral was how you would talk with Dave about things and there was a story of God’s goodness within, Dave would say Praise God. Throughout it all he was still praising God.

Both songs speak to me of his love and mercy and how he is greater than I can ask or think. Whether, no pun intended, you are in the calm or in the storm as the first song says “for You are who You are no matter where I am and every tear I’ve cried you hold in your hand.” May you be able to know his holding of you whatever your situation, today and always.

AG.

This blog post also links to the challenge posted on the forum today. Do feel free to go and have a look.

Two things that serve to lift my spirit are Psalms and the fells. Reading words like Psalm 100:

¹ Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

² Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

 ³ Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

 ⁴Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

  ⁵ For the LORD is good and his love endures for ever; his faithfulness continues through all generations

Or seeing scenery like this:

not only lifts my spirit but turns my thoughts towards God. The God who made the glories of creation; the fells; the moorland; the mountains; the tiny blossoms; the delicate snowdrops the rushing waterfalls; not only knows my name, but cares for me as the shepherd cares for his sheep. The God of all majesty, is also my loving father. This is something that will never change, that I cannot alter. This is an eternal truth that I can always give thanks for. 

This is the first of a series of posts, written by different members of heART&soul, giving praise and thanksgiving to God during our birthday celebrations. Why not join us on the forum where there are lots of different challenges to be posted during the next ten days.

We have now posted the details of the Praise and Thanksgiving Cyber Party that we are holding in celebration of our first birthday. There is at least one event for every day and we are also offering prizes.

To see the full run down of events visit the forum where you can read all the details.

We do hope you will join us for some of the events, and watch the blog and forum daily during the event.

In celebration of our first birthday we are holding a Praise and Thanksgiving Cyber Party in May.

The event will take place over ten days from 6th to 16th May. 

There will be lots of different events, chat sessions, challenges, blog posts and hopefully a swap and a speed scrap.

There will be a prize awarded to someone drawn from those who submit work to the gallery during the event and another to someone who comments on the blog.

The event covers two weekends in order to give people plenty of time to complete their projects.

This should be a fun event, with lots of time to share things we are giving praise for and projects we have made to celebrate God's goodness.

More details to follow soon! Watch for posts on the blog and in the forum.