Faitbbook Challenge #5

[Tara]

It is great to see so many of you uploading pages to the gallery. And I love the extra work some of you have been doing too. I should be so disciplined! :)

This month's challenge (yes, we are starting our challenges at the end of the month since so many start at the beginning of the month) is to create a layout that describes a time of suffering and explains how God revealed his grace.

Not a very happy topic (at least not the first half) but I think the stories will be meaningful and a great testament to God. Who knows, it may even be healing to get some of these stories out on paper.

Here's hoping God will use these pages to transform us and encourage others.

Don't forget to put your layout(s) in the Faithbooks Gallery (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=1120)and post a link here.

[Biffylady]

I know just the think to scrap about. It's something I dont like to dwell on, but part of my past just the same.

[MeriBeth]

Morning all... this is my first post to the Faithbooks Challenge. I've been toying with the idea of joining in, but was a little leary of doing so as I'm not a Christian like all the other participants. Still, Tara told me to join the fun, so I did.

Working off her prompt for this challenge, I've created the first page, the 'introduction' so to speak, to my faithbook. You can find it here: New Beginnings (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=78159&cat=1120)

I used Kim Liddiard's Creamy Classic Plopper as the base for this page, as it's heavy on the journalling. Later pages will be more creative - and perhaps a bit more 'touchy' subject wise - as I'm predominately Pagan.

Please comment... if you wish, that is.

MeriBeth

[Biffylady]

Well, I know what I want to scrap, but the topic has me stuck. It's very personal, but something that I have to share in order to heal. Would someone mind if I IM them for some assistance? I dont want to post here, since it is such a personal topic.

Thank you!

[Tara]

I'd be more than willing to try to help you out (that's what we are here for, right?)...I don't have IM...but you could PM me or e-mail me.

[Carla]

Here is mine! I am so thrilled to share this with you all. I have struggled for several days over exactly how to word it because I am not good with journaling but eventually the words found their place.

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=79395&cat=500&ppuser=38829

[gracelikerain]

Carla, I can't believe you think you're not good with journaling--your layout was perfectly phrased and beautiful to boot...thanks so much for sharing!

I'm still working on mine. Hopefully I will get it finished while kids are napping!

[gracelikerain]

Alright, there was no napping involved, but somehow I finished :) Here's my layout. Thanks for looking!

Time to Mourn (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=79543&cat=500&ppuser=19690)

[Seagal]

:D Hey, I found you all again! With the change in forums/gallery I lost the thread. Will get to work on challenge 5 soon. Just a thought - some follow threads by the last one rather than the forum. Others may be waiting for a post to challenge 4 to direct them to the next one (or maybe I am alone in this? :confused: )

[gracelikerain]

:D Hey, I found you all again! With the change in forums/gallery I lost the thread. Will get to work on challenge 5 soon. Just a thought - some follow threads by the last one rather than the forum. Others may be waiting for a post to challenge 4 to direct them to the next one (or maybe I am alone in this? :confused: )

No, you're not alone in this. I got lost for a little while as well. :) I think you can subscribe to a whole forum, not just a thread (anyone correct me if I'm wrong, please) and I would say that now that this is in it's own subforum that is linked on the front page, that should make things easier. I guess, I'm just saying that I like the new format. So, thanks to whoever made it happen !:D

[Biffylady]

Ok, I just wrote out my story. It wasnt the easiest thing I've ever done, but it was something that needed to be done. It will probably take me a little while longer to actually create the LO. I have no idea what colors/style to use. Please keep my in your prayers while I complete this difficult task.

Thank you!

[Seagal]

Hi all :)

I have posted a 2 page layout for this challenge. It has kept me up late the last 3 nights, but the Lord would not let me rest until it took shape. I really had a difficult time figuring out what exactly to use as my point of suffering. I have been through many trials in my life, and many points of fervent prayer for strength and forgiveness, however I do not believe I have truly suffered. As you will see from my layouts I hear many stories of suffering. And I count my blessings that I have been sheltered from some of that pain. That alone shows me the Lord's abundant Grace. Here is my work:
Through the Eyes of a Child (p1) (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=80644&cat=1120)
Through the Eyes of a Child (p2) (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=80643&cat=1120)

All feedback welcome :)

[Biffylady]

Well, Satan must not want me to upload my LO. I keep get to the screen that says "Preparing to process image list!"...then nothing happens. It says "Errors on page" at the bottom left of my browser.

Any ideas or suggestions?

[gracelikerain]

Well, Satan must not want me to upload my LO. I keep get to the screen that says "Preparing to process image list!"...then nothing happens. It says "Errors on page" at the bottom left of my browser.

Any ideas or suggestions?

This happened to me a while back for no apparent reason. I waited a while and reuploaded with no problem a few hours later. Wish I had something more constructive to tell you :)

[Biffylady]

Finally!! I was putting the journaling into the description, but apparently it was too much. Hopefully you can make out the journaling enough to read it.

This was the most difficult layout I have ever attempted, but the most healing one. Thank you, Tara, for the encouragement!

Comfort - Page 1 (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=80913&cat=1120)

Comfort - Page 2 (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=80912&cat=1120)

[Tara]

:D Just a thought - some follow threads by the last one rather than the forum. Others may be waiting for a post to challenge 4 to direct them to the next one (or maybe I am alone in this? :confused: )

Thanks for the suggestion...I never even thought about that! So I'll post Challenge number 6 here!!!

I just finally got back into the Faithbooks Gallery...the DET competition has kind of consumed the little scrapbooking time I've had this month! :) But I love seeing the layouts everyone has uploaded. (yeah - I know, mine isn't there yet...what a slacker!)

Okay so here is the next challenge...

Describe the most direct experience (or one of the most direct experiences) you’ve had of God (spine-tingling sense he was present, joyous worship, conversion, inner sense of his presence, answer to prayer...whatever...even none!). Give as many details as possible: what was the situation, what were you doing, what did you feel/hear/see/taste/touch (sensory details!!!), what was your response, etc. Remember, the more details the better!!!

Does that make sense? I know I've been asking questions that challenge us to think and work hard to describe our experiences...but I think that the effort we put into this really benefits us and will benefit others too. I know I love it when someone can put something into words and I identify with it. Anyway, good luck...next month I'll try to choose something a little less journaling intensive. :)

[Tara]

And for those of you who may just be joining us, here is a recap of our previous challenges...just jump in wherever you'd like!

DSP Faithbook Challenges

1. Share the story of how you became a Christian
2. The story of your baptism
3. 10 Things you like/appreciate about God
4. Describe a time you heard God’s voice
5. Describe a time of suffering and how God revealed his grace
6. Describe the most direct experience you’ve had of God (the current challenge)

[ArtcTiger]

How many challenges will there be?

[Tara]

Hmmm, how many challenges will there be....till people stop participating or my laptop gets stolen! :) I don't have an ending point/number in mind.

There hasn't been any response to this month's challenge...perhaps everyone has been busy with DSP b-day week...or maybe I chose a bad topic. If you want something easier this month, why don't you make a page featuring a favorite Bible verse...could be just the verse all done up pretty or you might include some journaling about why it is one of your favorites/especially meaningful.

Any takers? :) I think I might opt for the 2nd option!!!

[gracelikerain]

I've been working on it...but my layout isn't coming out the way I saw it in my head (does this happen to other people?? :) ) With all the hoopla around here, it's been a busy month, hasn't it?

Tara, I actually think the topic is wonderful, but I know I've been a bit "challenged" over how to journal this. I still plan to finish it (soon I hope) but I think option #2 is ALWAYS a great plan B.

[Carla]

I have been contemplating over mine as well, Glynis! It happens to me all of the time! LOL!! Just look at it as God leading you, maybe in a different direction than you want to go. Stop, take a deep breathe, pray about it and it will come to you! Have faith, my friend.

In the mean time...I think I'll opt for plan B as well! :)

[gracelikerain]

Alright--I think I did it...a layout using Option #1 :) Here is my two-pager about "Feeling God"

Page1 (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=91672&limit=last7)
Page2 (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=91673&nocache=1)

[darrenswifeONLY]

Hello Ladies,

I am new to this so please bare with me. I am very interested in doing this Faith Book and will do all I can to catch up I just have a couple of problems. The first being that When I got my digital stuff and unpacked it I moved it into different folders and such and do not remember who all of them came from to give credit. Sorry I never thought I would need to remember because I didn't think I would be doing something like this (now I feel dumb) My next problem is where do I find spiritual pages and such to use in the book. any ideas and ifo would be greatly welcomed, Thanks so much

God Bless
Heather

[gracelikerain]

Heather, it's so good to meet you and welcome to the Faithbook challenge!

Regarding downloaded files and giving credit--I'm not an expert, but I say do your best. A lot of times, if you use something, upload it and say in the credits that you're not sure where you got/who designed it, chances are, someone might be able to help you out. I think it happens to a lot of 'newbies'...I lost a couple of kits myself :)

Regarding your question about finding spiritual pages...I'm sure there are designers out there have things like 'quick pages' where you could just fill them in. I think most of us have been making our own pages from kits and stock photos.

Did that answer your questions? Or just make it worse ?? :) Send me a PM if I made it worse, or if you want any help at all.

Blessings!

[Tara]

Hey Heather!!! Welcome to DSP and to this challenge. You are going to love it here!!!! This is a great community of people. I think Glynis answered all your questions already...and she is right - most people who are unsure of the designer just state that in the comments section...and someone can frequently point them in the right direction!!!!

As for spiritual pages, check out the DSP store...I think there are a few religious kits in there. But as Glynis said, we mostly just use other kits or our own things...whatever we think suits the page.

Anyway, WELCOME!!! I look forward to seeing your layouts for this challenge and in general!!!

[Tara]

And here's my contribution for this month's challenge. I wasn't sure what I wanted to write about but then I was looking at the kit for this week's MCDT Chat...and started thinking about the paths we chose and how God intervenes. This story came to mind...I started off trying to explain how I felt God's presence...but then ended up going in a bit of another direction because God seemed to be teaching me as I wrote the story. Anyway, the journaling took me a LONG time because I wanted to get the words just right in order to convey the experience and lesson properly. Any suggestions for improvement are appreciated.

AND - I'm still looking for a quote/Bible verses to include on the layout (thus the unfinished look). I want to have something that ties in the idea of our path (to go with the map on the page) and God's plan/leading/provision...I know what I want...just not sure what exactly it is!!! :) ANY IDEAS??????

A Story of God's Grace (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=93092&nocache=1)

Sorry for the long journaling...grab a cup of coffee and pretend it is a book! :)

[darrenswifeONLY]

Thank you for all the warm welcomes, also thanks for answering my questions, I guess my second question was a littel unclear sorry, What I was trying to ask was were to find the spiritual element and kits that you all off you found, I have found a ton of places for kits and such but none of them spiritual. I just have one more question sorry to have so many, I have Photoshop elements 4 free trail that is about to run out. I am on an extremly limited budget due to being disabled right now and I was woundering if any of you knew of a program that is not so expensive to obtain but will let me produce the same quality of pages and that is not to to hard to learn? as much as I wish it I just can not afford to buy Photoshop right now but really want to be able to do this challenge. I NEED the faith growth very badly. Thanks again and sorry to swamp with questions.

God Bless
Heather

[darrenswifeONLY]

Please excuse me I want to see if my pic and stuff work I am not sure I did it right, sorry for the interuption

[Tara]

I think most people have just used normal kits and adapted them to their own use. Most people will state which kit they used in the comments section (below the layout) so if you see something in particular you like, you can usually find out the name of it there. If it is from DSP, you can get it in the store...if not, you could always PM the person and ask for more details.

Here are a few things I found in the store. I'm sure there are lots more too!
Christmas Word Art - Religious (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=726)
Thanksgiving Word Art (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=325)
Vintage Vignette Angel Cards (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2225)
Bless This Child Kit (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=16&products_id=2079)
Bless This Child Add On (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=16&products_id=2080)
Star of Christmas Mini Album (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=35&products_id=1704)

Hope that helps!!!

As for programs, there are many possibilities out there. I'm partial to Photoshop...but people use Microsoft Picture It and many others. For info about that, you should check out the threads on software. Here's one about free trials (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11020) (you could always use free trials over the next few months to make pages, then decide which one you like best and buy it when you are working again). You should also poke around in the Software section of the forums...found here (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=7).

Hope that helps too!!!!

[Tara]

Oh yeah - and if you are on a budget, DSP has the BEST freebie section ever...you can get tons of beautiful stuff there and it won't cost a penny!!! You can also attend things like Lisa Carter's Members Choice Double Take Chat and Lauren Bavin's Gimme More Crops...at chats like these you usually get a free kit or add-on just for attending the chat. You'll get more free stuff if you make a layout using their kit...but if you don't want to buy it, you can still get free things just by attending.

DSP is full of challenges, crops, and freebies that will make your collection of digital scrapbooking elements explode in no time and for very little cost!!!

[darrenswifeONLY]

Thank you again for all the info. Thanks for all the ideas, I did my first Faith Book page. it is the one on mt favorite verse. I wanted to do some of the words that lay underneith the other words and look kinda transparent but I couldn't figure it out. and I wanted tohe big words to look like metalic silver but I couldn't figure that out either. So I am going to do some searching to try to learn more so my pages could be better. Please give any feedback that might help all is welcome. I know my journaling needs work between the bad spelling bad punctuation and not being good with words it just stinks. I can not thanl you all enough for all the info it sure does help.

God Bless
Heather

[darrenswifeONLY]

Ok here it goes. I did my first page and got it uploaded to the members Gallery no I am going to attempt to give the link to it. DO I upload it to the Faithbook Gallery as well?

My Favorite Verse (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=93688&limit=recent)

[darrenswifeONLY]

Thanks Glynis for the comment on my first page. I just noticed a typo in my journaling, LOL gonna have to fix that. The nice comments always help. I am so glad that everyone here is so nice.

Now off to learn more things so my next page can be better

God Bless
Heather

[darrenswifeONLY]

Thanks Tara for you suggestions, I tried to copy my journaling to it but it wouldn't upload I guess I said to much LOL. I had to reupload because there was a couple typos, next time I will proof read it.

God bless
Heather

[darrenswifeONLY]

You know I have been doing a Bible scrapbook with my children, we take a bible story and turn it into a scrapbook page. I am not a very good teacher so this helos me teach them the stories of the bible in a way that I know best..Crafting. Now that I have found this wonderful place with all of you I am going to have them make their own Faith Book (on paper) and then as they get older they can look back and remember things that got them to where they are. I am so glad I found this challenge I have been working on pages everyday (cause it takes me a long time) and I am not so as depressed as I was before. Thanks again for making me feel so welcome it truly has been a blessing already.

God Bless
Heather

[Tara]

The new challenge is finally up...check it out here (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?p=133635#post133635).