As the clock struck twelve, the chief and I hugged tightly, prayed over our littles, and asked God to bless 2010! 

January seems to be a time we attempt to forecast what the future holds as well as look back on the past.  However, I am learning that it is in making the most of the present moments that bring us the greatest joy.  What's the old saying?

"Today is the tomorrow you wished for yesterday."

The term swipe file is derived from the advertising industry.  A swipe file is a collection of ads, headlines, promos, and sales letters that stand out from the rest. Keeping a swipe file is a common practice used by advertising copywriters and creative directors as a ready reference of ideas for projects.

Copywriters are not the only ones who benefit from having a swipe file.  This is a great starting point for anyone who needs a little extra creativity.  My swipe file is a constant source of inspiration.   

I use a manilla folder.  I fill it with scribblings, thoughts, recipes, advertisements, magazine pages, decorating ideas, paint colors, quotations, scriptures, photos...  Anything that catches my eye and inspires me. 

The most important thing to remember is that a swipe file is not a place to blatantly copy stuff and infringe copyright laws. My swipe file is there to help me generate ideas. I thumb through it to find inspiration.

This Works For Me.  Find more tips at  We Are THAT Family.