Show and Tell

Pray about everything

Today is Monday, October 3. We're on the radiation treatment countdown now. Just three more sessions and then we're finished... so on Thursday we'll say good-bye to all the nice radiation people, our radiologist and his nurse, plus the receptionists and all those people that we've been seeing every weekday for several weeks now. I won't really miss the treatments or having somewhere that I have to be at 9:00 every morning, but I will miss the really nice people that have been so important to our daily routine!

My reduce steroid dose was reduced today. It's really too soon to tell how that will affect me, if at all, but I'm optimistic that all will go well. I also learned something new today. My legs have been very weak throughout this whole process. Getting up from a sitting position takes quite a bit of effort and walking much of a distance is not really an option. And you can definitely forget about speed. I'm slow as molasses these days. But — here's what I learned. Steroids can be the cause of weakness in the legs. Man... I should have mentioned it to the doctor sooner. I just assumed that it was tumor related and that the tumor was pressing on something or wrapping itself around something or doing whatever to make me weak and unsteady. It was a bit of a relief to learn that the weakness is probably related to the steroids. That makes me even more eager to get off them! (And, I'm really hoping that I understood the doctor right and have my information regarding that straight!)

I think that's about it on the medical front. Still napping every morning after treatment. Well, this morning after treatment and before the nap we made a quick run to Target and got me some "fat jeans" — two or three sizes above what I previously wore. And stretchy pants (formerly I would've called them workout pants...). Poor Ken. He's endured three trips to Target in three days with me trying to find a size and style that suits me. And he's done it so patiently. Really, he's a new man. Sure do love him!!! But, unfortunately for him, I think that we're going to have to go back one more time. Sigh. I'm even getting sick of trips to Target!

Oh, I also keep forgetting to show you one of the other caps that I have acquired.

I must say, I love this one. It is so soft and comfortable. It doesn't squeeze my ears against my glasses. It's a beautiful color. And — it was sent to me by one of my blog friends (thanks so much, Karin!)... which I think makes it extra special. :)

 

So let's move into something more inspirational. Maybe not more inspirational than the cute purple hat, but definitely more inspiring than fat clothes! I'm taking today's scripture from the New Testament.

Philippians 4:6-7

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

I think that first verse has always been my unofficial life verse. I pretty much live by it. Always have. I don't know if I'm just not a worrier by nature or if it was maybe somehow engrained in me to pray instead of worry. But... that's what I do. And I'm just now realizing what a gift that is — to be able to just turn things over and not stress or worry about the outcomes. I know my Lord. I trust Him. He has never failed me. I'm so thankful that I have a relationship with Him!

And, as the verses say, when you have a relationship with God and tell Him what you need — then you will experience His peace... His supernatural peace that is beyond anything we can comprehend. His peace will guard our hearts and our minds as we focus our relationship on Jesus. I'm so grateful for that relationship. I'm so grateful for that peace. Truly... I don't know how people function without Jesus!

Here are the words to a little chorus that I learned years ago... I guess, as a child. Seems like it's always been a part of my repertoire. :)  

 

Why worry when you can pray?
Trust Jesus, He’ll be your stay;
Don’t be a “doubting Thomas.”
Trust fully in His promise.
Why worry, worry, worry, worry,
When you can pray?

Alfred B. Smith, John W. Peterson

© 1949 Singspiration Music

 

I must've loved that song because I've found it coming to mind a lot over the years. Isn't it amazing how a song can do to that? Just kind of lift your soul and serve as an important reminder of some Biblical truth or concept? That also makes me think of how important it is for parents to teach their children little songs like this, scripture verses, and Biblical truths. Even if the children fall away for a period of time, having things like this in their heads will always resurface when they need it. I'm convinced of that. It's also why my iPod is loaded with Christian music. I just feel like feeding my soul with words and ideas that are pleasing to the Lord is the best way for me to keep my focus on what's important in life. So far, it's served me well. Maybe some of these ideas will help you experience the peace of God, too — peace that is beyond anything we can comprehend.

 

And today I'm going to close without anything artsy-craftsy for you. Sorry about that. We can chock it up to poor planning. I am going to try to create something for Susan's challenge on her blog — the one that honors me. And I'll have to get busy on that because the deadline is looming. So — hopefully there will be two posts tomorrow. One with just a card for the challenge and then the regular one with all the regular stuff. At least, that's the plan. But, over the past couple of months, I've been learning to hold my plans rather loosely. :)

Thank you so much for stopping by here today. As always, I really appreciate your visits and love hearing from you. You are a blessing to me and I'm sending your big hugs! 

 

My heart is confident... and... Let me be acceptable

Today is Tuesday, September 13. It is my 13th day of radiation and my 20th day of chemotherapy. And I guess the fatigue that they said would come is starting to kick in. Blech. Other than that, I feel pretty good. Much better than yesterday. 

I thought I'd show you some of the hair loss. Here's a hair ball —

Definitely just a small part. What an ugly color, huh? Mousy brown and gray (although, I still consider myself a blond... haha!). I'm thinking it's time to bring the wig out in public — probably tomorrow. Don't worry... there will be a picture of that! :)

I was going to show you a picture of my pattern of hair loss :) but I'm losing daylight and so I guess I'll do that tomorrow. You'll be able to see the ugly before you see the good.

Today's scripture is from the Psalms.

Psalm 57:1-3, 7

"Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me. He will send help from heaven to rescue me... My God will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness.

"My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises! Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth."

And here is where I sigh a contented sign. My life may not be all hunky-dory right now. But I cry out to God who WILL fulfill His purpose for me. He WILL shower me with unfailing love and faithfulness... in this my heart is confident. He is faithful and He is to be exalted over all. 

The verses say that He will send help from heaven to rescue me. I don't know exactly what that means or what that will look like for me — but I'll just trust God to do it... whatever it is. And do count on Him to hide me beneath the shadow of His wings until this danger passes.

In the meantime, I'm putting one foot in front of the other and carrying on. This morning after a couple of kind of long naps, Ken took me to work for awhile... where I tried to do a little math — challenging enough for me when my brain is functional. But I was able to figure out what I needed to know, so that's good. After coming home for lunch, I did a little work on this blog post (obviously not enough!) and then we went shopping for clothes — which was challenging.

When we arrived at the store (well, boutique, really), I had three things that I could wear. And then, after a tearful exchange with the sales lady — gosh, this is an emotional journey!, I left with four summer dresses from the clearance rack (which I can put t-shirts under to extend their wear) and a rather expensive (for me) dress and jacket from the current line.

And a better attitude, too. Since I was down to three outfits, this is a good thing. And Ken is a great guy to suffer through that shopping trip with me. And then fork over the credit card, too. :)

 

I did make a card this morning.

SHOW

Such a great verse. Reminds me of one of my favorite DC Talk songs, What if I Stumble. I'm pretty sure I've inserted it into a post before, but couldn't find it... so, just in case you don't know it, here it is again. 

 

Download 15 What If I Stumble (Jesus Freak Ve

As far as the card goes... as usual, there are imperfections that probably most people won't notice, but isn't that just the way it goes?

 

AND TELL:  stamps are from Verve (Meditations); cardstock is Papertrey Ink (Stampers Select White) and Stampin' Up (Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black); ink is SU (Pool Party, Calypso Coral) and PTI (True Black); also used Star Dust Stickles and SU's Elegant Lines embossing folder, Floral Fusion die, and one of the punches in the Punch Pack.  

This week we've started having rTadiation at 9:00 in the morning and it has completely messed up the routine we had fallen into. I'm very tired after the treatment, so I take a nap and then try to go to work for awhile, meaning I don't even usually get to start on a blog post until afternoon. And if we take some little excursion during the day, which I try to do so I'm not just sitting on the couch the whole time... well, everything gets later and later. Like now.

So — sorry about the lateness of this post. I really appreciate your waiting around for it and hope you've had a fantastic day. Maybe tomorrow will be the day where I get my act together with the new schedule. But that's a pretty big maybe. :) Thanks for your patience, for your prayers, and for the love that you show us every day! We love you back!! 

 

{in the fortress} and little beaver thank you

Today is Monday, August 22. Three weeks ago today I was in the emergency room being told I have a brain tumor. Life turns on a dime. Good idea to have a solid foundation. (Thank you, Jesus, for being mine!)

Well, I've consumed my third Krispy Kreme doughnut of the morning. Pretty dangerous for someone to come and visit in the morning with a dozen hot ones. I mean, who could resist that? Thanks (I think!), Susan! I know that people want me to eat healthy all the time — and we really, really have been enjoying all the well-balanced and extra-delicious meals that people have been dropping by. And I've been a pretty healthy eater for quite a few years now. However — I do still have this thing for sugar, so feeding that need once-in-awhile is OK, too, I think. :) (Now, please don't start dropping off dozens of doughnuts or sweets... love them, but don't want to grow out of all my clothes — which is starting to happen, I'm afraid! Even elastic only stretches so far...)

Now on to some scripture for today —

Psalm 37:39-40

"The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked.  He saves them, and they find shelter in him."

And, I do find the Lord to be a great shelter. And a fortress to run to when things get to be overwhelming. Well, actually, I think I'm living in His fortress right now. And there truly is no better place to be.

I wasn't planning on inserting another song into a post, but this morning what may be my favorite Jeremy Camp song popped into my head as I was praying and reflecting on what is going on with me... and on how it appears that God seems to be using this situation in my life to impact lots of people with lots of different levels of faith (or none at all). Even people that I don't physically know. And that's pretty amazing to me.

Five years ago I went to Nicaragua on a short-term mission trip and set some of my photos to this song when I returned. Love these words — "This is my desire, to be used by You." And those lyrics (along with all the rest of them!) have really been the prayer of my heart for the last five years or so. I could listen to this song over and over again (well, who am I kidding — I have been for several years now... often on repeat!). You really have to hear it — listen to the whole song. (And you can click here to be taken to the lyrics.) But — really listen to the song...

 

Download 05 My Desire

It's worth the 3 minutes and 43 seconds that it will take. :) Maybe you'll be brave enough to make it the prayer of your heart, too. 

 

 

So — how about a card.  

This card had to be rescued from the envelope so that I could photograph it. :) (Must've been one of those moments where I lost my focus and forgot what I was doing... well, it can happen when you're over 50 — no matter the circumstances, I guess!)

SHOW

Another not very good photograph. I think I should start working on that so I don't have to keep apologizing for my lack of skills.

AND TELL:  stamps are from Stampin' Up (Furry Folk, Short & Sweet); cardstock is Papertrey Ink (Vintage Cream) and a scrap of Bazzill textured (but I messed up the textured side somehow so had to put it facedown... no need to waste that great little heart!); ink is SU (Chocolate Chip); and that heart? Maybe it was punched with the SU small heart punch... not sure at this moment.

This afternoon I have an appointment to be released by the surgeon who took a sample from my brain. I'd like to not go, but that doesn't seem to be an option. They don't really accept your word that the wound is healing fine — and I understand that. I mean... what doctor would want to not check something out and then be sued or whatever later on? So — what saves the day is that it will be easy to take swing past Pinkberry on the way home and try their new flavor... Peanut Butter & Jelly. I mean, school's getting ready to start. Who doesn't need a little PB&J in their life? :)

I think that's all that I have for you right now. Hope you're having a great one! I'm posting a little earlier than usual today — before leaving for the doctor appointment (and Pinkberry... :) ). I'll plan to be back here tomorrow with another update. (And to let you know how PB&J frozen yogurt is...) Love to you from me!

Saturday, August 20, and I'm grateful

(Grateful was the original name of this post... just thought that I should add the date that I'm writing it, too...)

I wrote most of this post early this morning... when maybe I wasn't in the most optimistic frame of mind regarding my situation. Still I'm going ahead and posting it because it was what I was feeling and what happened and what was going on at the time. So — keep that in mind as you read. And let me assure you that I'm not "giving up" — I'm just trying to be proactive and realistic. 

Today is Saturday, August 20. And this is Janelle. I had a pretty good night of sleep — with some wakefulness in the middle. Which was good because it enabled me to have a needed conversation with Ken — since he woke up, too. Now it's about 6:30 a.m. He's gone to do some financial work for the church that I work for — a volunteer job that he's faithfully and willingly done for I don't know how many years now. He loves doing it — and I love that he's so dedicated to keeping their finances in order.

When I was waking up awhile ago, I wasn't really planning on doing any posting. But thoughts kept coming into my mind and so I decided that if I could focus long enough I'd just go ahead and see about getting them down. 

I've had so many nice blog and facebook comments and emails. But some people seem concerned, too — which I understand — so let me try to calm any fears or anxieties you may be having. First of all, I haven't had any pain. And what a blessing that is — because I can be a real wimp. I'm thinking that it's true that the Lord knows what we can handle and that he's being extra gracious to me. And, of course, I so appreciate that! :) Mentally, I still feel fairly alert — just tired. Super, super tired. I haven't felt any confusion lately like I did a couple weeks ago when I suppose the swelling was worse. And that's a blessing, too. Not being coherent is not fun — especially when you know that you're not making sense. So, actually, all is good. I'm just fatigued. But, I still have an appetite — so I'm definitely not wasting away. :) We have had so many delicious meals delivered to us — and have eaten every bite. We're having a wonderfully sweet french toast casserole for breakfast that I'm really looking forward to. My sweet tooth has not abated a bit. Main difference is that I haven't weighed myself since the end of July — and knowing the damage of all I've been eating seems rather unimportant right now. If it's put in front of me, I eat it. If I want it, I eat it. Everything tastes great and I eat it whether I'm really hungry or not. Or maybe food has been put in front of me so often that I haven't even had a chance to get hungry. No matter. Don't be afraid that I'm wasting away because that is certainly not happening! :)

In our middle of the night conversation, I told Ken a bit about my thoughts regarding services, etc. (Hope this doesn't make you uncomfortable, me "talking" like this... yes, I'm reserved, but I do like to just put it all out there!) All I want is for God to be glorified and for His Holy Name to be lifted up — through my life and through whatever is said. Personally, I don't like having dead bodies around — but I've heard that comforts some... so whatever my husband wants and whatever will help him and the kids most, that's OK with me. I don't really like to be "looked at", it's not my cup of tea — but, hey!, I won't be there so... whatever is best for them. And, other than that, I guess I'd prefer there be more celebration than sadness. I'll be in Heaven rejoicing with my Savior in ways that I can't even imagine. So, no need to be sad for me. Would I prefer to stay and see my family grow and change? Yeah, I think so. But I also wonder sometimes... when someone dies (I should say when someone who knows and loves Jesus dies), what is the Lord possibly saving them from (humanly speaking)? What heartache and pain will they not have to suffer if they are already with the Lord?

Well, maybe that's enough of all of that. I'm going back to bed for awhile... perhaps we'll talk again later. :)

Back up... (and dressed!)... have read my Bible. See what the Lord sent for me today (New Testament, this time) — 

I Corinthians 13:12-13

"Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know completely just as God now knows me completely.

"Three things will last forever — faith, hope, and love — and the greatest of these is love."

Wow. See what happens when you are in the Word everyday? God sends just the right verses to speak to your heart. Old Testament. New Testament. Psalms. Proverbs. It's all so alive and so relevant. God is so good! So — I encourage you again to read your Bible daily... or purchase a Daily Bible (my translation is the New Living Translation — so readable and understandable). Truly... it will change your life. And don't we all need a little life-changing action?

 And, since I'm fairly alert at the moment, how about a couple more of my most played iPod songs — 

Download 03 Glory to God Forever

Download 01 Here With Me

Hope they minister to you as they've ministered to me.

 

 

Well, might as well post a card, too. :) 

SHOW

One of the cards that I made to send to all the people who have been so nice to us throughout this time. We are truly grateful!

AND TELL:  stamps are Stampin' Up (Furry Folk, Small Script); cardstock is Papertrey Ink (Vintage Cream) and SU (Positively Pink); ink is SU (Chocolate Chip); also used glitter from my stash. 

I don't think I have anything else for you today. Just lots of love and prayers. :)

Thanks for your faithfulness to me, to my family and friends, and — I pray — to the Lord Jesus Christ. Love you! (And, maybe I'll be back tomorrow. haha. This is all really in the Lord's hands!)

thank you for your kindness

Today is Friday. August 19. And I'm tired. I slept really, really well last night — I don't think I woke up at all from about 10:30 until 5-ish. And that's pretty good. But now it's 7:15 a.m. and I'm feeling exhausted. I think that Roxy the dog will be sharing the couch with me in a little bit. :)

How about some of this morning's scripture reading?

Psalm 36:5-10

"Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord. How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. You feed them from the abundance of your own home, letting them drink from your river of delights. For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.

"Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you; give justice to those with honest hearts."

And, sorry, but I have no special insights from me today. Just letting the love of God wash over me as I mentally grapple with this situation. Well, mentally grapple is way too strong an imagery for my thought processes. Actually, I don't know if my mind is capable of grappling with anything right now. So — I guess I'm just trying to let God's unfailing love permeate my thoughts and "feelings". Because no matter what the situation is, His love never changes and it never, ever fails.

I almost forgot... here are a couple more songs for today: 

Download 06 In Christ Alone

Download 13 Because of Who You Are (Remix)

Hope you enjoy and let them wash over your soul. :)

 

 

Moving on... 

I've always been pretty good at making cards — but not so good at sending them. Pretty ashamed to admit that. Especially after receiving so many cards, handmade or not, that have truly lifted my spirits and comforted my family. How selfish that I have denied that blessing to others! 

Well, I thought I'd try to remedy that — but I guess once bad at mailing cards, always bad at mailing cards. (So please don't be holding your breath for yours to arrive in the mail... instead know that I love you and am thinking of you, but probably don't have the energy right now to write a card to you... sorry...) However, I have sporadically written a card here and there over the last couple weeks — and this one is right now winging its way to the Quilt Ministry of Gladeville Baptist Church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee... my blog friend Kelley's church that sent a beautiful handmade quilt. 

SHOW

I don't know that I can adequately express how it feels to receive mail of any variety in a situation like this. Every card and every note is like a huge hug and a salve for my heart — and for those who love me, too. So — if you are a cardmaker or just a card-sender, keep it up (I'm not talking about sending me cards... I mean keep sending them out to others). It has just such a huge impact. And if you are kinda like me and think... oh, that would be nice... I'll do that later... I don't know what to say... I don't have time to sit down and do that right now... or whatever your excuse is (those are some of mine)... set the excuses aside and just take action. You don't have to be eloquent... you don't have to "say the right thing"... just taking the time to say I'm thinking of you or I'm praying for you and then actually putting on a stamp and mailing the thing (or walking it to your neighbor's mailbox)... that means the world to someone else. There is no perfect at times like this — just faithful action. (Go do it!)

AND TELL:  stamps are from Stampin' Up (Array of Sunshine) and Papertrey Ink (Iconic Images); cardstock is PTI (Vintage Cream); patterned paper is PTI (Bitty Box Basics) and Bo Bunny (?); ink is SU (Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz, Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight); also used items from my stash (purple button, self-adhesive pearls, and a ribbon scrap).

Here are a couple more pictures of wedding related things. Remember that I showed you photos of how Kenneth's family had gussied up the restrooms at the reception site? At the time, I didn't have photos of the doors — and you really need to see this. (Thanks, Ruth, for sharing your photos with me!)

That is Britt...

and this one is Kenneth. Britt cut silhouettes of each of them to be framed for the restroom doors. What a great personal touch, don't you think? (And, they actually look like them, too!)

She also had a poster created to act as a guest registry —

I think the plan is to have it framed to hang in their new home.

Love those fun, personal touches that couples put into their weddings these days!

OK — now some brutally honest talk. Really — I'm one to brush things under the rug... and though it might seem as though I'm an out-going talk-about-anything kind of person, I'm really quite quiet and reserved in real-life. But, I want you to know what I've been telling my family today. Because you're kind of like an extended part of my family and you've been with me since this all began and I have so appreciated your love and support. 

Today I'm feeling weaker, probably in every way. And extremely tired. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I may have the energy to post tomorrow, or I may not. But — I have invited my mom to come back to be here with us and I've told my kids and Ken how I'm feeling. This is new territory for me so I can only go with my gut. And my gut says that people who love me need to be with me so, while I might prefer to be alone, I need to let those other people in. Really, very little — if any — of this is all about me. It has to be about God being glorified and His name being lifted up. He does not change — no matter how our circumstances change. Don't forget that!!! 

And — maybe I'll be back here tomorrow with something crafty. Or maybe someone in my family will hop on. I don't know. Just wanted to make sure that you know how much this relationship has meant to me and, while I'd like it to continue (and it may), I didn't want to go away without saying good-bye. Hope I'm not being melodramatic. :) And, maybe I'm not going away at all — I've never walked this road before so I'm not exactly sure what is happening. I hope to be here posting tomorrow... and the next day... and the next... And — I promise that if I am, I won't keep "saying good-bye". That would be ridiculous. :)

So — now that all that is out of the way (and I've given you another post that is probably way too long!), thanks for stopping for a little visit. You all are the best! Hugs to you! (And — probably I'm just being a little crazy so I'll "see" you tomorrow. Because, just so you know, giving up is not in my nature!)

Gift and Goodies, Girls and Gowns

So — the long-awaited post on last weekend... my weekend in Raleigh with the bride and the bridesmaids.

Let's start with the gift I took for the bride. Actually, let's start with the tag I made for the package.

SHOW

 
Inside the box?

 
Her first plate from her registry. Very exciting stuff. :)

AND TELL:  stamps are from Papertrey Ink (Floral Fusion, Background Basics: Text Style, Blooming Button Bits); cardstock is PTI (Stampers Select White, Lemon Tart); ink is PTI (Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, Tea Dye Duo); button is PTI (Spring Moss); ribbon is PTI (Aqua Mist Swiss Dot); baker's twine is from Divine Twine (Lemon); also used PTI's Tag Sale #3 die.

I couldn't go empty-handed, you know? So, at the last minute I also decided to take a little goodie bag for each girl — decorated with scraps, already cut tags, and pre-made flowers.

SHOW

 
The picture of the trio isn't too good, so I'll show you some individual close-ups, too.

Since I was working under last-minute inspiration, the glassine bag contained what I had on hand — green tea and dark chocolate. Health food, right? :)

Too bad I neglected to think about how hot it might get in the trunk of the car until the time was right to present my little gifts. The chocolate was pretty melt-y by mid-afternoon. Oh, well. What do they say? It's the thought that counts, right?

AND TELL:  stamps are PTI (Fillable Frames #1, Fillable Frames #5, Fillable Frames #6, Little Bitty Bird, Boxes, Bags, and Tags); cardstock is PTI (Stampers Select White, Harvest Gold) and Stampin' Up (Pixie Pink); ink is SU (Wild Wasabi, Cajun Craze, Basic Gray); baker's twine is from The Twinery (Lilac); also used PTI's Background Basics: Diamonds impression plate, and Fillable Frames #1, #5, #6, and Banner Borders dies.

Now that we've covered the gift and the goodies, here are the girls.

 
This was our first stop (Can you believe that all of us — even me — were wearing shades of navy blue? Talk about being on the same wavelength!) — and here are three of the "gown" styles that were in the running.

 
I know that using the word "gowns" is a bit of a stretch, but I liked the alliteration of it all — so, even though they are mere bridesmaid dresses, we'll elevate them to gowns for the sake of literary style. :)

Our next stop on the dress-shopping tour was a bit fancier.

 
One of those by-appointment-only type of places that entices its visitors to spend too much money with personal attention, petit fours, and mimosas.

 
We found some potential dresses there, too. When we left to come home, an ultimate decision had not been made, but since then I've heard that dresses from the first shop were the final choice. Cheaper and more flattering. Can't ask for more than that.

Other fun from last Saturday included a little wedding-related papercrafting involving a paper cutter, a heart-shaped punch, and a Gocco printing machine at Britt's office, 
 
browsing in the store/gallery space in the front of her building,

 
grabbing some coffee,

 
and taking a walking tour of downtown Raleigh, where the wedding reception will be held.

 
 

Of course, the girls had to pose with Sir Walter himself...
 
We went out to eat at a new-ish Italian restaurant.

 
I had shrimp and scallops in a red sauce over angel hair pasta...

 
Delish!

We hung out for awhile at Britt's apartment

 
which is packed with old-house charm (and which she's moving out of this weekend to move back in with a former roommate for the next five months... good for the budget, but kinda sad to leave this cool space behind).

And then out to a concert.

 
Not my usual sort of venue and not my normal evening, but fun nonetheless — even though I probably had at least 20 years on the vast majority of the people present. And it was a little preview for me, too, because the headlining band will be playing at the wedding reception.

 
Old Habits is a local bluegrass-style band. Fun music and definitely a Britt & Kenneth thing.

 
:)

 

The encore song finished at 1:33 a.m. — yes, I checked my watch. Back to Britt's by 1:45, in bed around 2:00. Been a long time since I stayed up that late doing anything other than making a card!

After sleeping until we woke up Sunday morning, we did a little more wedding-related stuff while sitting around Britt's kitchen table,

 
went out to breakfast, and then Ruth and I got back on the road to Charlotte. It was great to have company for the 3 hour trip... definitely makes it go faster!

So — that's the story of the girl trip to Raleigh. Thanks so much for stopping by and for hanging in there through all the narrative. Just can't help myself sometimes. :)

Hope you're having a great Saturday! See you again soon.

 

 

The Word

The One Layer Wednesday challenge of the week, as issued by Susan Raihala, is to use words and no images on a one-layer card. I struggled a bit with how to do this card until after church today. As our pastor started a series on the book of 1 John, he was emphasizing that the Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11)... meaning, the Word of God is never spoken without long-reaching results. It accomplishes the purpose for which it was given to us (by God).

So, when I got home I pulled out my Verve scripture Plain Jane's and chose six of them, along with another sentiment, to create a card suitable to send to someone going through a hard time.

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Before inking, I arranged the stamps on a card blank being careful not to make them look too much like they were lined up next to each other in two obvious columns. I think I succeeded in making the arrangement pleasing to the eye. Shades of blue and green seemed comforting and stamping the sentiment in a neutral gray makes it stand out a bit.  

AND TELL:  stamps are from Verve (Isaiah 61:3, Philippians 4:4, Psalm 46:10, Psalm 31:24, Nehemiah 8:10, Proverbs 3:5, Notes of Prayer); cardstock is Papertrey Ink (Vintage Cream); ink is Stampin' Up (Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Marina Mist, Wild Wasabi, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Basic Gray).

And — just because I feel like it — I'm going to include a video of a song that we sang this morning. There are several versions on YouTube, but I like this one because it shows the words to the song, too. Maybe I've stuck it in a post before, I can't remember, but I do love it... especially the line "Every prodigal called home." If you've ever loved (or have ever been) a prodigal (someone running away from the Lord) maybe you can gain comfort in that line, too.

 

That's it for today. May you find comfort and hope in the Truth found in Bible. Have a blessed Sunday — and, as always, thanks for stopping by! 

A Banner Birthday

This card was made for our niece's birthday last month. Um. Yes. It was late. Her birthday was on Thanksgiving — kind of a busy time around here — so I made and sent her card the next week.

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As I often do (since getting the idea from Dawn McVey), I made a pocket for the inside and put in a little gift card so that Katherine could go out and get herself a Pinkberry yogurt treat. By the way, if you have a Pinkberry near you, have you had a Pumpkin-Chocolate Swirl? Oh. My. Goodness. Can't stop thinking about it. I definitely have to go back soon.

Katherine, our beautiful blonde California-girl, is a freshman at Westmont College in Santa Barbara. Lucky her. Santa Barbara. I'd love to live there — but I suppose vacationing in a place and living in a place are two different things. Probably going to school in a place and vacationing in a place are two different things, too. :)

Anyway, Kat's dad, Steve, is a professional singer. If you're inclined, check out this video of him singing "Lasso the Moon" to her — at her kindergarten graduation and at her high school graduation. So precious. I love how it goes from her as a 5 year old to her as an 18 year old. (Steve, on the other hand, hasn't changed much at all... how does he do that?)  

AND TELL:  stamps are from Papertrey Ink (Banner Builder, Floral Fusion); cardstock is PTI (Stampers Select White); ink is Stampin' Up (Basic Gray, Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, Tangerine Tango).

Here's another cool thing. Steve is doing free downloads of some of his songs as a 12 Days of Christmas sort of thing. Today's (Dec 6) song is Amazing Grace. Day 1 was a Christmas song (called "It's Christmastime"), but Day 4 is my favorite so far ("Isn't Our Lord Wonderful"). It's so melodic and such a great song of worship. Anyway, you can check them out here. You'll have to do a quick registration — just your name and e-mail address — and then you can get to the download page.

I think that's it for tonight. Ken's in Boston on business and is spending the evening at the Monday Night Football Game — Patriots vs Jets. Gotta turn on the TV to see if I can spot him in the crowd. :)

Hope you have a great night — thanks for spending a little bit of it here!

Cheer up, Buttercup

Our daughter Britt had been feeling badly for about a week. She sent me a pitiful e-mail the other day that said, "If you need an idea, I'd love an 'I wish you didn't feel yucky... ps I love you' card." So — here it is. (Also, for Susan's One Layer Wednesday challenge for this week, to use some form of watercolor on a card.)

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For the umbrella, I colored the stamp with a red watercolor crayon, spritzed and stamped. Then I diluted some Cool Caribbean ink and spattered it across the card front with by tapping the handle of a small paintbrush loaded with ink on the side of my hand. Before mailing the card, I wrote her exact words from the e-mail inside and stuck in a gift card to Panera Bread — chicken soup & whole grain baguette, by order of Dr. Mom. :) Glad you're feeling better now, Sweet Girl!

AND TELL:  stamps are from Papertrey Ink (Scattered Showers); cardstock is PTI (Rustic White); ink is Stampin' Up (Cool Caribbean) and PTI (Summer Sunrise); also used SU's Watercolor Wonders crayon (Real Red from Bold Brights set) and Martha Stewart's baker's twine. 

Edited to add:  I completely forgot that I was playing catch-up with the One Layer Wednesday challenges. But — lucky me — the challenge I was on was to add ribbon. I think baker's twine will work. OLW4, checked off the catch-up list. :)

And, to further prove that I'm good at pampering myself, too (as I mentioned in an earlier post)...

I couldn't stop by Panera Bread and not walk out with something for me! How about a Frozen Strawberry Lemonade? Mmmm. Perfectly refreshing on a hot day in the Carolinas!

Changing the subject, today at church our pastor started a series on Faith-Building. Part of his sermon was from James 1:2-8 — and he said something that really struck me:  to build faith — for our faith to grow — it must be stretched (exercised) and tested; that testing produces maturity in us. Whew — I'm glad to know that my trials have a purpose! :)

One thing that has become a bit of a routine for me, is to download a few songs from iTunes on Sunday afternoons. Often I include a song that we sang in church that day. Here is a video of one of today's songs — The Stand, by Hillsong United. This is a l-o-n-g video that is filled with images of worship occuring at Hillsong concerts. It takes a few minutes for the song to really get going (and 4 minutes to get to the chorus...), so if you choose to watch it — hang in there. And, if straggly, stringy hair on guys really bugs you, you may want to close your eyes for awhile — but, then, closing your eyes during worship isn't an altogether bad idea as it allows you to focus more on WHO you're worshiping rather than on what's going on around you... :) 

During his sermon, Kelvin also warned us that Satan's goal is to get us to doubt our faith — that it's OK to have questions, but that we can't take that to the point where we doubt who God is or what He wants to accomplish in us... that we need to stand firm in our faith. Always good to be reminded, isn't it?

So — as we begin a new week — Stand, my friend.

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."  Hebrews 11:6

Thanks for stopping by today. See you again soon.

(If you're interested in hearing Kelvin's July 18th sermon on faith-building, it should be ready to listen to  here in a day or two.)

 

HI

Warning, warning! This will be a long post. We have cards. We have a devotional. We have some home stuff. And, I think we'll go in that order.

My blog friend Kelley has been posting lots of cards that she calls bucket cards. Hers are ones that for whatever reason (NOT because they aren't excellent cards!) have not be accepted for publication. Well, inspired by Kelley, I have piles of cards that I made before I started blogging that I thought I'd share every once in awhile. And maybe I'll make a new card either using the same technique or the same stamp set to share at the same time. That's what I'm doing today.

First of all, here are the older cards that were all made using a Stampin' Up set that included four blocks with a full alphabet on each one.

Must've been in a pink mood when I made those. I do remember being so excited when I realized that "h" and "i" were next to each other in the alphabet. Perfect for "hi" cards!

Hmmm. I think I'll go into the devotional now before I show the new "hi" card. Maybe you visited me earlier when I talked a bit about giving the devotional at this month's preschool prayer breakfast. This year we've been going through the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23) stressing a different "fruit" each month. February's fruit is love.

Now, you're going to have to bear with me a little bit here. And to understand where I am going and how I will get there, you first need to read a post from the (in)courage blog called "Can your shampoo do THIS?" (Click here for the exact entry.) When I read that post on the morning of our prayer breakfast it reminded me of an encounter with God that I had back in the summer of 2002. The 4th of July, to be exact.

We have friends down the street who have three boys and a large travel trailer. They spend quite a bit of time camping in it at the beach. Our daughter had just graduated from high school and was on a mission trip with our church youth group to an orphanage in Mexico, so my son and husband decided that the three of us should go spend the 4th of July weekend with our neighbors at the beach — where we'd be sleeping in a tent next to the cushy trailer.

Now, I grew up camping (mostly in a trailer) and did some backpacking and sleeping under the stars. But that's when I was young. I've gotten old. And spoiled. I like mattresses. I really like air conditioning. I'm into comfort.

We went. But I was in a foul mood. (I realize that this is not an attractive way to be and wonder, along with Kelley who was recently writing about this on her blog, why do we treat those closest to us — those we love the most — so rotten sometimes?) I was tired of being hot. And sweaty. And dirty. (Mind you, it had only been one day.) So, I woke up very early in the morning and informed Ken that I needed a shower. A warm shower. In a clean bathroom. All of "our people" were still asleep. Most of the campground was still asleep. But Ken got up, borrowed our friends' golf cart and set out with me to find a clean (and hopefully deserted) bathroom.

The first bathroom we got to was closed for cleaning. Figuring that was a good sign, we traveled on to the next one. Surely they had started at the front of the park and were making their way in as they cleaned, right? No. That was not the case and the bathroom was not clean. At all. But, it was deserted. I chose a shower stall — the least offensive one — and undressed for my shower. When I turned on the water, though, my mood did not improve. What's a worse mood than foul? That's where I was. The water was not exactly warm, but worse than that, it was a trickle. The kind where you almost have to chase the drips around the stall to catch them. Grrrr. I proceeded — very unhappily — to try to get clean and in the process was letting the tears of frustration flow as I complained to God.

My complaints, though, changed as I started praying for our daughter in Mexico. And it struck me how spoiled rotten I was acting. I had no idea what sort of situation Britt was in — did she have a shower at her access? Did it have hot water? Water pressure? She was putting her faith into action and I was crying in a bathroom that had working plumbing while I was on a brief holiday vacation with family and friends. What was wrong with me? Convicted, I started to sing. Not aloud (I'm not that bold — even in a deserted bathroom), but in my head. The song was one that was popular at the time, "When I Praise" by FFH. Part of the words are "I throw my hands up in the air and I know that You will find me there, find me when I praise." 

And, that's when God met me. Like in the story from the (in)courage blog (I hope you read it...), God met me in a real and tangible way. As I praised Him — I promise this is true — the water warmed to the ideal temperature and the water pressure improved to perfection. I couldn't believe what was happening! I continued praising God, finished my shower, and emerged from the bathroom entirely clean — inside and out. I'm sure Ken was out there waiting for me with fear and trepidation, considering my mood when I entered. I wonder how surprised he was when I came out with a smile on my face, a song in my heart, and testifying to how much God loves me. Me! Ugly-attitude me! I still get goosebumps when I think of it.

Later we went back to the bathroom with the camera. I had to have a record of the place where God met me and showed me how much He loves me.

So — last week I read the (in)courage post at prayer breakfast. And I told them my story. And then I reflected a bit on love. Not so much God's love for us, but how we are to show love to others.

As often happens when I'm preparing to speak about a spiritual topic, God starts working on me. Showing me where I'm lacking. Showing me how far I have to go. Pointing out areas I need to improve in. Or showing me how someone else exemplifies a certain characteristic.

Ken excells at love. He has lived our married life showing me how much he loves me. And I'm so often ungrateful and don't even acknowledge (or sometimes even notice!) the things he does for me. I seem to remember apologizing to him for my horrible mood that day, but now after all these years I was thinking, what if the situation had been reversed? I probably would have told him to suck it up. That he was an adult and needed to get a grip. That we were there to have fun and that he'd better shape up and enjoy himself. (Actually, I probably wouldn't have said any of those things, but you can be sure I would've thought them!) And I probably wouldn't have sacrificed time I could've been sleeping or (ironically) having my quiet time with the Lord to find him a shower.

So — convicted, I am. But, thankfully, I am loved, too. Inspite of my many flaws, my Lord loves me. And I have a husband who loves me as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). And, with daily surrendering to God's agenda rather than my own, I can love that way, too.

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So, when I decided to make a new "hi" card I thought I'd make one for Ken. The outside of the card is OK. I've already thought of some things that I'd do differently, but it's the inside that I'm most happy with. Here's what you see when you open it up.

On the right side:

And on the left:

 

And you can be sure that I'll write some words thanking him for putting up with me all these years!
AND TELL:  stamps are from Stampin' Up (Alphabits, Amazing to Zany, Expressive Flexible Phrases, Straight Up Aphabet & Numbers) and Papertrey Ink (Polka Dot Basics II, Heart Prints); cardstock is PTI (white) and Stampin' Up (Tangerine Tango); ink is Stampin' Up (Summer Sun, Tangerine Tango, Brilliant Blue); ribbon is PTI (Summer Sunrise satin); also used Stampin' Up's Tag punch, the EK Success Medium Heart punch, an X-Acto knife, and Making Memories stapler and blue staple. 

Now, if you can stand it, one more item about my amazing husband. I've written before about how he's been working on his office. I shared a picture of the wood floor he put down. I showed pictures of him painting the stairwell. Some time ago he pulled up the carpet on the stairs and just this weekend laid down the new stair treads that he has spent a lot of time and effort cutting to fit, staining, and putting a finish on. 

He still has some trim work to do, but don't they look amazing?! His office is almost finished! And — shhh! Don't tell him, but I'm now deciding which room he gets to work on next! :)

If you hung in there until now, pat yourself on the back! This was a l-o-n-g entry, but I hope it was an encouragement to you. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! 

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8