Farewell....for a bit.....

I've come to a crossroad and decided that it's time to step away from my blog for a while.  I considered shutting it down completely....but then I changed my mind and decided to keep it around...but just not post to it.  Life has been so busy and I'm finding it hard to post on any type of regular schedule.  So for now I'm taking a sabbatical from my blog.  Not sure how long it will be...but for now it's time to get life back in order and organized.  Until next time...whenever that may be... 

Struggling

I've been struggling lately.  There.  I said it.  It's out there.  My heart has been pricked and I feel I'm supposed to DO something....but I don't know what that is.  Let me start at the beginning....

A friend of mine recently started being the pastor of a local church.  He's a part time pastor and the congregation is small.  But they are certainly mighty.  Their church is involved in a couple very successful local ministries - one being a meal program where they provide a free meal once a week to the poor, lonely, and/or homeless and the other is a clothing "closet" (that is so much more than just clothing - they can get clothes, household items, etc).  They also take those plastic grocery bags that we all just throw away or use as trash can liners and weave mats for the homeless.  And they give mattresses.  He shared with me about a couple who were at one of the meals - a young, unmarried couple.  She was obviously pregnant.  And they had no vehicle.  They walked to the church.  And when they walked back "home" then went behind a store to a dumpster....a dumpster they called home.

That has chilled me to the bone.  I sit here and look at what I have - the stuff - and yet within 3 miles of me is a couple living in a dumpster. 

I'm not wealthy by any means.  We don't own a home.  I drive a car that is rusting out from under me and will be 20 years old if it makes it to next year.  I don't wear designer clothes.  I don't carry a designer purse.  I have 3 pairs of shoes.  I don't own a smart phone or android but use a prepaid cell for emergencies only. We don't go on vacations because we just can't afford them.  But I do have a roof over my head.  And I do have food on the table.  Lord knows I get enough to eat - too much!  I sleep in a bed.  And 3 miles away from me is a couple living in a dumpster.

I have a craft room full of stamps and paper and markers and embellishments.  I have a couple drawers full of yarn.  I have a sewing machine.  And 3 miles away from me a couple is living in a dumpster.

How is it that we can overlook those who are in such need?  How is it that I can overlook those in such need?  How can I justify buying one more thing that I don't need when 3 miles away from me a couple is living in a dumpster.

I know I keep saying that....but it has touched a part of my soul that is aching.  It has made me realize not only how blessed I am, but how because of that blessing I should be doing something to help those around me.  But what can I do?  This is my struggle.  I don't know what to do.  I don't know where to start.  What can one person do?  But I know that God is calling me to something.  I can feel it in my soul. 

It's even got me to thinking about this blog.  What is it supposed to be?  I started off thinking it was a creative outlet for cards.  But can it be more?  And if so - what is that?  I'm not sure where this is going.  I guess I just wanted to share my heart and let you know why I have been MIA lately.  I'm praying about where to go from here.  I'm asking God to show me what He wants me to do.  I'm asking Him about this blog too.  I'm praying for an answer.  Stay tuned.

Beautiful Things

Beautiful things.  What is beautiful in your life?  Is it a favorite outfit?  Maybe a wedding ring?  Or is it your home?  Maybe a piece of glassware that has been passed down through your family?  Beautiful things are all around us - and we take so many of them for granted.  Many times we think beautiful things are just that - things....something tangible...something that we own.  But the most beautiful things in life are those that we can't really touch or own - but things that are given freely to us because we just don't deserve them.  You've experienced it I'm sure - a smile when you're having a bad day....a friendship that spans years and years...a rainbow after a storm...the kindness of a stranger...and most importantly - God's unfailing love.  The most beautiful things can't be bought.  In a conversation today I was talking with someone about two people I have never met that I try to encourage but yet in the end - they bless me.  They haven't given me a thing - except their appreciation and they friendship.  Those are beautiful things.

I encourage you to be a beautiful part of someone's life today.  Send them a card and tell them how much they mean to you.  Or leave a note for your waitress along with the tip - telling her that you appreciate her service.  There are so many little ways to lift someones spirit...to show some kindness.  And I promise you one thing...you will be more blessed than the person you are trying to bless.

So what am I going to do today?  Well, this card is going out in the mail today....

The papers were from my stash and the image is from Deedee's Digis.  You can find it here: 

Special Lady - Non-EU Residents ONLY

Special Lady - EU Residents ONLY

My card is heading off in the mail today to a very special lady.  

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

• Clear It Out Challenge - Anything Goes 
• Alphabet Challenge - H is for Hats/Handbags 
• Left Of Center - For the Girls 
• Catch The Bug (Bugaboo) - Anything Goes 

And hopefully this will encourage YOU:

Thank you for stopping by today.  God bless you!!!!!

Forever Friends

Have I ever mentioned that I love animals?  I do.  Any animal.  Ok, maybe not snakes and bugs....but most animals.  LOL!!  And I love animal images/stamps.  Deedee's Digis has some great animal sets and one of her recent ones is called "Forever Friends".  You can find it here (EU Only) or here (non-EU Residents).  I printed the color image in black and white then colored it with an orange Spectrum Noir marker.  I like how it turned out.

The papers were from my stash as well as the ribbon.  Oh - and look at the little easel thing my wonderful husband brought me home from work!  It's just perfect for taking pictures of cards!!!  LOVE IT!  He's such a great guy!!! 

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

• Robyns Fetish - Anything Goes
• My Time To Craft - Zoo Animals
• The Crazy Challenge - Use Ribbon or Lace
• The Pink Elephant - Anything Goes

As always - I do like to share a little encouragement with you....

Why is that encouraging to you?   Because it's something we can say every day no matter what day it is - Be Happy - Be Blessed - God is doing amazing things!!!!


God bless you and thank you for spending a few moments with me today.  

Dreaming of the beach....

Why is it that everyone seems to be heading to the beach this week except me?  LOL!!  I know of 3 families who are beach bound this week (or already there) and I'm sooooo jealous!  So since I can't be there - I thought maybe I could at least feel sort of "beachy" by making a card using beach items.  One of the things I always loved doing at the beach was looking for shells....so why not use "Seashells" by Deedee's Digis for a card and remember those times.  At Deedee's Digis we are sponsoring All Sorts Challenge - No Squares Allowed this week.  Come on over to Deedee's Digis and play along with us....or see who else we are sponsoring too...or just get some great inspiration from some very talented cardmakers!

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

• Fresh Brewed Challenge - Ribbon or Twine
• Cuttlebug Mania - Ribbon
• Cards In Envy - When Nature Calls
• Crafting From The Heart - Anything Goes

And a little something to encourage you:

I just love those old hymns!  They really touch my heart.  Hope this one touches you.  Thanks for stopping by today.  God bless you!!!!!

Tea anyone?

I know most people are coffee drinkers...and while I love the smell - I honestly can't figure out how anyone can drink it!  I can't even stand the fancy mocha drinks or milkshakes.... But give me a cup of tea or a big ol' glass of iced tea (unsweetened of course) and I'm very happy!

I decided to use a set called Cuppa Love from Deedee's Digis.  Even though you do get a colored version with the set, I used the outline version and then colored it in with pencils.  The paper came from my stash - just an extra piece I had from a previous project...and the same with the ribbon. 

I decided to to two different versions....since I did have the extra paper and ribbon.

The insides of both cards are decorated but I think I liked the corner ribbon one better. 

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

• Inspiration Destination - Anything Goes
• Wonderful Wednesday - Anything Goes
• Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes
• Clear It Out Challenge - Anything Goes (Ribbon)
• Doodle Pantry - Anything Goes
• Crafty Ribbons Challenge -Anything Goes with Ribbon

As always I like to leave you with a little something to encourage you:

Thanks for stopping by today!  Come back and visit soon.  God bless you!

Paper Piecing - new for me

I tried something new!  I know it's not new for everyone else but it is for me.  I've never really done any paper piecing before and was given the challenge in a card kit...so I tried.  I can't say I'm 100% thrilled about the results but for the first time I don't think it turned out so bad.  I'm not sure I will put this technique into my usual routine....I'm so basic and all....but it was fun to try something new.  What do you think?

 (inside)

Cross your fingers for me too...I used this card to enter a contest to win a MISTI!  Oh how I would love to have one.....sure hope they pick me! 

As usual, I want to give you a little encouragement today.....

Thanks for stopping by today!  God bless you!!!!