Credo Designs Ltd.

Did you know… Monday September 12th is National Encouragement Day? This is our mission here at Credo EVERY day!

We all need encouragement. Who can you uplift today?

CREDO'S Sizzlin' Summer Sale
Starts TOMORROW
Come See Us | Bring A Friend!

1 DAY ONLY | Thursday, August 11
10:00am - 3:00pm

*Shop our BARGAIN CORNER for great deals!
*22% off ALL regular priced items- including Marva's originals!

At Credo's Showroom
3621 85th Avenue North, Suite 108
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
(763) 315-0377
(on the south side of 85th, directly across from Edinburgh Golf Course)

*** If you can't make it in-person, you can place your order online starting TODAY
and receive 22% off.
Use coupon code SIZZLIN ***
credostore.com

Enjoy some iced tea & chocolate while you shop.
See you tomorrow!

Longing for peace & love to fill the atmosphere.

Credo is so blessed by the customers we serve. Last fall, Lorrie asked us to help her with the "Glimmers of Hope Greeting Card Project" in memory of her daughter Elisha who struggled with depression and an eating disorder. We were privileged to work with her to raise awareness and to offer hope to others. This is worth a watch!

https://www.inforum.com/news/minnesota/otter-tail-county-woman-who-lost-daughter-to-suicide-fights-stigma-with-cards?fbclid=IwAR24NKKkFEvu_CWOn-ZCQzsxi33Frc6_je3zAXDHEWMlbFaEPHgIAIY14eA

Pondering Summer Days

As a child when the school year came to a close, I was ready to relax, play and have some fun in the sun. It was time for a break! Those were the good ole’ days …

These days, summer ushers in all kinds of activity on top of my usual tasks. Yard clean up, gardening, weeding, day trips, entertaining, visits from the grandkids, etc. Planning a vacation takes so much effort … clearing schedules, finding just the right VRBO for a family of 12 plus 3 dogs, making lists, packing, finding someone to check in on Lola the cat, mow the lawn, water the flowers and on and on.

I am finding that summertime seems to be just as busy as the Christmas season. What has happened to those lazy days of summer? Have I become addicted to busyness? Maybe so. I am intentionally trying to find ways accept God’s invitation to come & rest. Surely this is the season!

To soak in these summer days and the marvelous creation that surrounds me, I’ve been working at creating a peaceful respite in my backyard. Instead of planning and preparing to go somewhere, I am finding that beginning and ending my day outdoors helps me just “be”. The sun’s rising and setting, the fresh air, the birds’ songs, vibrant greens, colorful flowers and the marvels of creation help me to “still” my heart and mind. When this happens I “know” that God is close at hand. And then I can rest. My burdens become easy and light. I feel like a child again, full of wonder and delight. Free from the worries of the day. PSALM 46:10

Most of us long to connect with our Creator. Why is a simple "pause" such a challenge? This summer, do you have a plan to "be", "still" and "know"? Maybe your time to come & rest looks different from mine. Any suggestions? I'd love to hear what your respite looks like ...

May your summer be a time of rest, relaxation, and reconnection with our Creator, the One who loves you beyond anything you can imagine.

In awe and gratitude,
Marva Sheriff, Artist/Owner CREDO

You Are Invited!
Credo's 30th Anniversary Celebration & Open House

Thursday May 12 | 10:00am to 7:00pm
*Special Thursday-Only "Sip & Shop" hours, see below for more info!

Friday May 13 | 10:00am to 2:00pm

Saturday May 14 | 10:00am to 2:00pm

Snacks ~ Treats ~ Refreshments
to enjoy while you shop

Door Prizes ~ Drawing for Discounts on Your Purchase ~ Fun Giveaways in Every Bag

Join us & bring a friend!

*Details on "Sip & Shop" Special Hours Thursday May 12 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm:
Stop by for this extra special shopping event. We will be serving wine & sparkling drinks along with light appetizers. Let's toast to Credo's milestone birthday!

We are looking forward to celebrating God's faithfulness with you!

Spring Flash Sale!

Save 15% on everything at credostore.com

Use coupon code SPRING15
(offer expires Monday April 25, 2022)

Plan ahead & stock up on our heartfelt, inspirational cards & gifts for ALL of the fun events on your Spring calendar:
Teacher Appreciation, Mothers Day, Confirmations, Graduations, Weddings & Summer Birthdays!

Blessings from All of Us at Credo!

Pondering the Time of Waiting …

Who enjoys waiting? Who can escape the process? Waiting is part of the cycle of life. And after all these years, I ask myself “why is it still so hard to wait?” I am impatient! I want things NOW. I enjoy instant gratification. I don’t enjoy delays, detours and unknown outcomes!

Waiting requires patience, strength and the willingness to surrender. Yet another reminder that I am not in control! The Word teaches that as people of HOPE, waiting builds character. And who wants to sign up for a character-building class? Not me! And yet, when the waiting period is over, such relief and gratitude fills the heart. How much more I appreciate what I have been given.

After a long, brutal winter season in Minnesota that seems to have no ending, how much more spectacular will Spring be when it finally arrives? The greening of the earth, the budding of the trees, the colors that paint our gardens will be welcomed with outstretched arms of praise to the Creator! Each year the thrill and wonder of it all makes all the waiting worth it. It has been wonderfully created for our delight!

I’m eagerly awaiting the delicate blue flowers that peek through the wooded area in my yard … it WILL happen … in God’s perfect timing. And then I will know the wait is finally over! May God give you an extra measure of strength, patience and hope for whatever you are waiting for … God is faithful.

In peaceful anticipation,

Marva Sheriff, Artist/Owner
CREDO DESIGNS, LTD.
credostore.com

~Credo in the Community~

What an amazing conference we attended last weekend. We ignited our faith with nearly 100 beautiful smiling faces!

Our team had so much fun worshipping together,
learning from God's Word, having a lovely lunch,
receiving fabulous giveaways, and sending everyone home with Credo goodie bags. A spark of new growth was ignited in all of us.

Did you know that Credo has inspiring materials
to enhance your next event?

Conferences
Ministry Events
Retreats
Bible Study Groups
Meetings
Special Celebrations
Volunteer Appreciation

We have messages and designs to complement any theme or topic for women, men, youth or mixed groups. We offer impactful bookmarks, magnets, prayer cards, hand painted rocks and other special items. Contact us credostore.com and we will put some ideas together for you to give your event that meaningful touch. We have a free bookmark offer just for your event!

May Christ's love light our way ...

Introducing our new 'Glimmer' Care Packages!

WHY? Because life since the Pandemic is different.
We work differently. We play differently.
AND … we shop differently.

We all need to know we are loved.

That’s why our team at Credo has put together
3 new Glimmer Care Packages for those you love:

Send the Sympathy Care Package
instead of flowers

Send the Birthday Care Package
to brighten someone's day

Send the Mom Care Package
to offer her encouragement

We have packaged these with love, for those you love. We can ship directly to your special someone or ship to you. Cheer a heart and bring a Glimmer to their day!

Our Calendar Says "It's Valentines Day" ...
But we say EVERY day is a day for LOVE

It's time for a FLASH Sale to help you celebrate the day!

Save 14% sitewide
using coupon code: love14
(Minimum purchase $30)

Offer valid now through 2-14-22

Feel free to share this offer with your friends & spread the LOVE!
https://www.credostore.com

Happy Valentines Day
YOU are loved!

Pondering LOVE … what does LOVE ask of us?

Every year we either enjoy or we dread Valentine’s Day. Which is it for you? We know in our heart of hearts that LOVE is not just receiving a sweet box of chocolates or a bouquet of red roses. It's not enough to hear the words "I love you" only on February 14th.

LOVE is so much MORE than just saying the words. Love is a lifetime of learning and growing, of giving and receiving & of putting others before self.
To truly LOVE is perhaps the hardest and most rewarding work in life!

I’ve been thinking ... true LOVE asks a lot of us!

Love asks us to be open and honest
Love asks us to be attentive listeners
Love asks us to be available
Love asks us to judge not
Love asks us to consider our own flaws & weaknesses
Love asks us to treat others with respect
Love asks us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes
Love asks us to understand rather than be understood
Love asks us to be patient with the impatient
Love asks us to be kind to the unkind
Love asks us to keep no record of wrongs
Love asks us to give grace generously
Love asks us to forgive 70 X 7
Love asks us to keep on loving even when its hard ... with God’s help

Love invites us to receive God’s perfect LOVE
and then let it overflow to those around us!

Happy Valentine’s Day
YOU are loved!

Marva Sheriff, Artist/Owner
CREDO DESIGNS, LTD.
PS: You can view my past ponderings here: https://www.credostore.com/about-us.html

Credo's Annual After Inventory Sale

OPEN HOUSE
Thursday January 27th
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

3621 85th Ave. North,
Suite 108
Minneapolis, MN 55443

Our cards are counted and we are ready to offer you our beginning of the year savings

22% off your in-store purchase!

Bring your family & friends
All are welcome!

PONDERING a Fresh Slate & a New Year

January 1, 2022 is like a fresh white canvas; both exciting and dreaded. As an artist, you would think a fresh white canvas would be a gift. But to face it I must be in the mood ... in the “zone” so to speak. I'm looking for a subject matter, some inspiration, enough time and space to create. There are so many decisions to be made … medium, color scheme, composition, light and dark space, details to include and what to leave to the imagination.

I need to plan, yet resist over-planning. I strive to “go with the flow”, trusting the process. I also need to surrender to the fact that I may create a MESS instead of a masterpiece. I need to be okay with that and learn from it. There’s always another fresh canvas. I can always try again.

For me, this creative process mirrors my everyday life. I make lots of good and bad decisions. I make my plans, but those plans often fall apart. I make messes. I fail those I love. I love the fact that with God’s help I can choose to forgive, choose to be kind, choose to give up my right to be right. I get another chance!

It is in letting go of the outcome that I can go with the flow, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in my heart. When I do this, then perhaps the Master Artist will transform my messes into teachable moments. Learning and growing through my mistakes is one of life’s miracles!

In 2022 may we look to the Master Artist for help. And may the freshness of another new year inspire us to live with compassion, kindness and gratitude. May we go with the flow to create a more beautiful world for all.

Let's watch for miracles,
Marva Sheriff, Artist, CREDO DESIGNS

ENJOY the process!

Credo Designs Ltd. updated their business hours.

Credo Designs Ltd. updated their business hours.

MERRY CHRISTMAS ...
it's all about love!

Save 25% for orders of $50 or more
coupon code: LOVE
(Coupon expires Dec 28th)

Visit www.credostore.com

We also have special gifts for orders of $100
This week, you will receive a FREE set of
Thank You Notes!

We celebrate by reaching out in love!

One of my favorite carols is running through my head as I write this pondering. “Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king. Let every heart, prepare Him room. And heaven and nature sing”!

So what brings you JOY this season? Is it the gifts, the busyness, the hustle and bustle, the cookie trays to fill? Maybe, but probably NOT. When I truly stop to reflect what brings me JOY during past seasons, here are things that come to mind …

***A quiet morning watching a gentle snowfall
***Reading familiar verses from the prophet Isaiah and from Luke’s gospel
***Finding a Christmas devotion that expresses the old, old story in a fresh new way
***Listening to Christmas carols and singing along
***Making beautiful music with my choir at church
***Finding the perfect gift that I know will delight someone’s heart
***Savoring a cup of Christmas tea with a treasured friend
***Remembering the safe arrival of my grandchildren & their squeals of delight
***Lighting a candle in a darkened room
***The release of tears as I contemplate the truth of God’s love for all in Christ’s birth
***A darkened church on Christmas eve, candles lit & raised in worship, singing Silent Night, Holy Night

I hope that you embrace all the gifts of this holy season that bring you JOY.
May you & yours have a Merry, JOY filled Christmas!

Credo Designs Ltd - Christmas Cards, Greeting Cards, & Stationery

CREDO'S Cyber Monday Savings Save 25% on Everything ... One day only!

We are so grateful for your business and for sharing Credo with your family & friends! For today only, save 25% on all orders over $60. Coupon Code: CYBER25
www.credostore.com

Credo Designs Ltd - Christmas Cards, Greeting Cards, & Stationery Order online and let us know what date and time to expect you in the "comment" section. We will reverse shipping costs when you pick up.

Thank you for shopping "small" all year round. On this Small Business Saturday,we are offering a package of our best loved Christmas card, "Keep Christmas Simple" with any order of $25 placed today ($17.00 retail value).

To receive your free gift of "Keep Christmas Simple" set with your minimum order of $25, be sure to mention it in the "Comment" section when placing your online order.

Offer expires midnight tonight, November 27 2021
www.credostore.com

Thanksgiving, my three sons favorite holiday, is upon us. And they are “traditionalists” to the nth degree! It is NOT a time to try a new recipe or change up the menu at our house. I must admit … the food is pretty much the focus. My mouth waters just thinking about this high caloric, flavorful and scrumptious meal!

I am not proud of keeping the food in the forefront. That’s why I like to ponder a lifestyle of ThanksLIVING. By that I mean every single day on this earth is a reason to give thanks. Life itself is sacred and miraculous! I try to remind myself, and those in my family, to be thankful to God, the Giver of life itself. God’s generosity & provision each day are undeserved. When I focus on all the blessings, my frustrations, trials and challenges are diminished and give way to a grateful heart. I believe a grateful heart honors our Creator and produces joy within. And a joyful heart can’t help but overflow to bless others.

God bless your Thanksgiving, 2021!
At CREDO we give thanks for you, our friends & customers often. Your support and interest are gifts we treasure.

CREDO'S CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE!

Christmas season 2021 is upon us, bringing many opportunities to share the Light in our own unique ways!

Come shop next week, and bring a friend or two!
Thursday Nov 11th, 10:00 - 3:00
Friday Nov 12th, 10:00 - 3:00
Saturday Nov 13th, 10:00 - 3:00

We are stocked with new items, originals & your favorites to
"Share the Light" with your family & friends.

I love encouraging the talents & light that shines all around us!
This year we will feature the talents of my special family & friends. I know you will enjoy their creations. And you may just find the perfect gift for someone special.

We'll have special OPEN HOUSE SAVINGS on Credo items
plus giveaways & chocolate of course!
www.credostore.com

3621 85th Avenue North, Suite 108, Brooklyn Park 55443
(763) 315-0377

When I stop and ponder the Fall & Winter seasons ahead, I must admit I feel anxiety creeping in. Why? There are too many things to do, places to go and decisions to make! This is where my simple math comes in. It’s the simple math of adding and subtracting. As I add another “to do” to my list, I have found it helpful to ask God “what can I subtract”? Anxiety mounts when I keep adding and never subtracting. When I do this, I have no margins and it is so hard to keep centered on what is really important.

So what is important?
*Time to be still and just sit
*Time for quiet reflection
*Time to give thanks
*Time to pray and ask for God’s plans, not mine
*Time to remember I am but clay; God is the potter
*Time to be spontaneous
*Time to listen to someone in need
*Time to visit the lonely
*Time to relax & enjoy my family
*Time to take a walk with a friend
*Time to jot a note of encouragement
*Time to make music, time to create
*Time to watch the snow fall
*Time to celebrate Emmanuel, God with us
*Time to just be …

In doing so, I am trusting that God will order my days and help me to make wise decisions about the upcoming holidays. The Thanksgiving menu, the Christmas decorating, the gift buying, the family gatherings, the holiday concerts & entertaining, etc. will all fall into place. Perhaps then the true JOY of the seasons will fill my heart and overflow to others, and God’s PEACE will be my gift to others. That is my hope for these days ahead.