Life & Healing... and... You've Been So Kind

Today is Tuesday, January 24. So far today I've been to work and to Curves. And I've read a couple chapters in a book that had been recommended to me several times. Have you read "The Hunger Games"? That is what I'm reading and it's the first book that I've read in a long, long time. And since it's a trilogy, I will probably need to read the other two also. I wasn't sure that I could sustain attention long enough to read a book, but it hasn't been as hard as I thought. I'm much slower at reading than I used to be, but I think I'm retaining the story pretty well and that's encouraging. (If you've read the book, don't give anything away... I still have about 100 pages to go. :)  )

I told you yesterday that we went to the beach last weekend. We had hoped to visit with some friends (Sheila and Jimmy) while we were there. They used to live near us, but call Wilmington, NC home now. Unfortunately, they were going to be out of town for the weekend, so we'll have to catch them next time.

But, I wanted to show you a sweet present that I got from Sheila around Christmastime.

... this sweet pewter shell-shaped dish that was filled with real seashells. Shells Sheila wrote that she had picked up on the beach as she was praying for me. How sweet is that? What an incredibly thoughtful and meaningful gift.

I placed the dish full of shells on the bookcases in the living room... in front of the oil painting that we had one of our former preschool dads paint of our two children. My Oregon friends might recognize the coastline in the painting. It would be nice if my memory was working well, but it's somewhere around Newport, I believe. Maybe closer to Depot Bay. Anyway, I gave the artist several photos to work from: pictures of the Oregon coastline, of the clothes I wanted the kids to be wearing, and of our kids when Britt was about 5, I think, and Ian, 3 (although, when the picture was painted they were teenagers). The actual photo that he painted the kids from was taken in Florida. They were wearing swimming suits and looking out at the Atlantic Ocean. I think Greg did a great job melding all those photos together to make a painting that turned out even better than I could've hoped for. It is definitely one of my prized possessions. (If you're interested, you can learn more about Greg and contact him here. He's fabulous!)  

 

 

Here is the scripture I chose for today.

Proverbs 4:20-22

"My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body."

OK, I know. More verses talking about healing. I can't help it. It's kind of a big theme for me right now.

When I was in the hospital nearly 6 months ago, I wished that I had spent more time memorizing Bible passages. I would've liked to have been able to comfort myself with the Word of God. It seems like all of the verses I know are attached to songs... which is good, but I'd really like to commit some entire passages to memory. Maybe my mind is working well enough now to do that. I'm sure it'll be slow-going, but I think I'm up for the challenge. :) What verses or passages are particularly meaningful to you? 

 

 

In my quest to use all the patterned paper that I can't seem to stop buying, I came up with this thank you card. Basically patterned paper, a stamp, and embossing powder — with a bit of ribbon for good measure. (This paper, like what I used yesterday, was purchased from Emma's Paperie — my favorite online paper source.)

SHOW

I really like the look of embossing powder, but I don't use it often. It's just too messy. But this Zing embossing powder did really well. It didn't scatter all over and it didn't leave a lot of extra specks. So — maybe my problem was that I was using old and/or cheap embossing powder. I think I may have to throw out most of what I have and get some new. And that'll be kinda fun, I think.

AND TELL:  stamps are from Papertrey Ink (a big thank you); cardstock is PTI (Vintage Cream); patterned paper is Sassafras Lass (sweetly smitten: floral fields); ink is Versamark; embossing powder is Zing (aqua); ribbon is PTI (1/4" white silk).

Tomorrow is another treatment day so I'll appreciate your prayers. Well, I always appreciate your prayers... they just seem so necessary sometimes. The last couple times the chemo has pretty well wiped me out — and if that's important to getting better, well, bring it on. But I'm pretty much a wimp so if the results are the same, I prefer the easy, "feel good" route. :)

That is enough for now. Thank you so much for stopping by and for listening to my ramblings. I really appreciate you — and your prayers! Sending you big, big hugs!

Comments

[Marybeth L.]

I don't blame you, who wouldn't want the feel good easy route! :) I love that verse. The painting is beautiful what a treasure! I really like your card, I like that you just stamped on the printed paper. I might need new embossing powder too. I pray that tomorrow will go well for you. Take care, big hugs to you.

[Karin]

Janelle - What a beautiful painting, so full of meaning. I am praying for a wonderful day for you, full of healing and love.

[Janis]

I've always loved that painting in your living room... didn't realize it was the Oregon coast.. amazing!
I once memorized the book of Philippians - (35 or more years ago during a difficult time) ... I still can remember large portions of it and it is precious to me to have it available "on tap" so to speak... I only wish I had continued to memorize more passages... I learned it by starting with a couple of verses, and then repeating them every day for a few days, then adding to it and repeating it all every day etc... until after a couple of months.. voila! It is worth the effort... tell me what you choose to memorize, and I might join in! prayers for tomorrow, and as always for healing, strength and joy in the Lord... janis

[Joyce Mehrberg]

Well, good luck with your treatment tomorrow. I know my daughters read The Hunger Games and loved that book. Lots of my friends have read it, too. I believe that they are making it into a movie, pretty soon. If you are having trouble concentrating, I would suggest audio books. I am addicted to audio books, and have one on my ipod at all times. Hugs from San Diego.

[Kristine]

I'll be sure to let Kat know her Aunt Janelle is enjoying The Hunger Games! The kids and I memorized Col. 3 rhythmically by making up a song....It is still in my head.....you know how I am with songs..."He Owns The Cattle On a Thousand Hills..." you might give it a try and discover a musical gift! I'm smiling thinking about us trying to remember the words to our childhood chorus! Good song for tomorrow's treatment! Much love to you precious child of the most High King!

[Kristine]

PS: Let me know if you and Janis decide to memorize scripture and I'll join in, too!

[eleftheria]

Will be praying my Janelle...
Oh and this is the most beautiful painting i ve ever seen

[Sherry in MI]

You asked about favorite Bible verses. Mine is
Ephesians 2: 8-9...."For by grace are ye saved"
It has answered a lot of questions for me.
Beautiful painting, and will be saying prayers
for you during your treatment tomorrow.

[SueB]

Oh goodness - that painting is so precious and beautiful. I love how you have the shells underneath. I collect shells and things too and was just wondering what I could do with mine. I really love your card - it's very whimsical - the patterned paper is lovely. I have many, many favorite Bible verses but one I always return to is Romans 8:37-38. Hope the chemo goes ok today. Love you. Prayers and hugs!

[Marguerite Fourqurean]

Thanks so much for posting a picture of the painting so I could see it and show it to David. We are excited for our picture and will show it to you when it is done. FYI my hawk is back and taking up position on the bird feeder- she looks just like the previous years and will even stay in place if you go outside.
Marguerite

[Tricia]

Last year I memorized the book of Philippians and it was SUCH a blessing to see Paul grapple with the suffering he was undergoing and to see him encourage those who were watching him that whether by life or by death his goal was to magnify Christ. I need to go back and review the book, cuz it's easy to let it slip. I used spiral bound notecards and just carried them around with me as often as I could. i memorized in the car, or when doing dishes... whenever my mind was free or wandering, I tried to turn it to Scripture. Thank you for the reminder. That was a precious time of fellowship with the Lord and I need to pick a new section and start to feast on the Word again!

Blessings!

[Laura]

I love that painting and the story of how the artist pulled from different photos to make it. I've bookmarked his site for the future.

Re: embossing powder -- I definitely have better luck with some than with others. Zing seems to be quite good. The extra specks could be from static electricity -- when I remember, I swipe a used dryer sheet across the cardstock before inking.

Praying.

[Connie F.]

I also love the painting,the story behind it and the thoughtful shells gift from your friend. Your card is beautiful. I love patterend paper and just seem to "collect" it like I did with beautiful fabric for so long. You have inspired me today to get some of my beautiful paper out and USE IT!!! I'm praying your treatment goes well today and takes the easy feel good route! (((BIG HUGS)))

[Jessica Clarkson]

Wow. I am reading about Katniss, too, right now. I am about halfway through. Pretty intense! Like a better "Lord of the Flies" I think. What a day. You are in my prayers. What a nice verse!