Today is Monday, November 7. And it's my sister-in-law's birthday... Happy Birthday, Kris!
So far, the steroid reduction seems to be going well. I've had two of the reduced doses with no ill effects. I know that's not much and last time I went a few days with the lower before getting a bit crazy, but there may have been extenuating circumstances that time. It was right before my first chemo treatment and so it's possible that anxiety was playing a role. I've always been pretty strong mentally, but these have been kind of extreme circumstances so maybe I did have some psychological stuff going on. Who knows. I'm just praising God that today is going well and I'm trusting Him for another good day tomorrow!
A few weeks ago I showed you pictures of all of the hats that had been sent to me to cover my partially bald head. Well, of course, as soon I did that, several more hats arrived. And then more... so here's a photo update with all the hats.
The first three are actually the same hat, but each is adorned with a different pin that the gift-giver included in the package. Pretty clever, huh? And, excuse the pun, but I think the problem of my bald strip is pretty well covered now. :) (Thanks, Britt, for doing another collage of your pudgy-faced mom! :) )
Today's scripture is from the Old Testament.
Ezekiel 16:62-63
"'And I will reaffirm my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the Lord. You will remember your sins and cover your mouth in silent shame when I forgive you of all that you have done. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!'"
Here is what this verse is saying to me today. Compared to the holiness of God, we are all filthy-dirty. Yet, even in the Old Testament, before the new covenant took affect, God was willing to graciously forgive us and give us another chance. Our behavior is often shameful — but God still loves us. He knows us... He created us. Nothing about us, nothing we do, comes as a surprise to Him. I often marvel at the fact that God could still love the human race even after all the ways we have messed up. I'm so thankful for His mercy. How about you?
I mentioned earlier that today is my sister-in-law's birthday. If she lived closer, I'm sure we would have a blast celebrating her special day together. But, since there are about 3000 miles between us we have to settle for cards and phone calls. (However, she does have a trip to North Carolina planned for early December so we'll have to save up some "party" for then!) Happy, happy birthday, Kristine!
SHOW
Since I didn't use a sentiment on the card front this time, I stamped one on the inside and then used several little butterflies from different stamp sets to add some color.
I should probably mention the rhinestones on the front cover. Those of you who know me, know how I feel about doing things over. And after I did the main stamping on this card and stepped back to take a look, I noticed it was covered with little smudges from my not-very-coordinated fingers. Since I truly dislike wasting cardstock (and doing things over!), I just took adhesive rhinestones and put them on each mistake. Voila! Disaster averted. :)
AND TELL: stamps are from Papertrey Ink (Make a Wish, Tags for Spring, Tag-its #2, Places Please); cardstock is PTI (Stampers Select White) and some unknown pink scraps; ink is Stampin' Up (Tangerine Tango, Pumpkin Pie, Apricot Appeal, Basic Gray, Perfect Plum); rhinestones are Kaiser (clear); bakers twine is Divine Twine (Purple Plum); also used a clear star Gelly Roll pen and Stampin' Up's Beautiful Wings Embosslit.
Well, it's probably about time to wind this up. Thank you so much for stopping by for another visit today. I so appreciate your faithfulness in keeping up with me. And for your prayers. Especially for your prayers. Sending you lots of hugs!
Hurray (and alleluja!) for a great day... loved the card - and the confession about the rhinestones... perfect fix! love you, janis
Posted by: Janis | 11/07/2011 at 05:36 PM
I LOVE MY BIRTHDAY CARD sweet sister! XXOO PS: Thanks for posting the pix of your handsome husband with his power tool carved pumpkin! Kenny looks just like dad! What a sweet gift from God! Can't wait to be with you!
Posted by: Kristine | 11/07/2011 at 05:49 PM
PS: Just had to add that the butterflies on my card remind me of Nora Grace wearing the butterflies on her dress at Britt's shower and the sparkling rhinestones makes me smile!
Posted by: Kristine | 11/07/2011 at 05:52 PM
Love all of the photos with that wonderful, warm smile. Beautiful card. Love the verse today and yep! Sure glad the Lord loves us so. I was wondering today if the chemo ever made you sick this time? Have a pleasant evening sweet friend. Love you.
Posted by: SueB | 11/07/2011 at 06:28 PM
Happy birthday to your SIL. What a wonderful card you made her. I'm sure you will have all kinds of fun when she comes to visit. And, love the hats, too. Hugs from San Diego.
Posted by: Joyce Mehrberg | 11/07/2011 at 08:24 PM
I'm glad to hear you are not experiencing any ill effects today. You look cute in all your caps. And Janelle, you didn't have to tell your secret about the rhinestones -- we would not have known. :)
Posted by: June K. | 11/07/2011 at 09:16 PM
You have the best smile! LOVE the birthday card. Rhinestones...you are the McGiver of card fixes! XXXOOO
Posted by: Kelley Smith | 11/07/2011 at 09:54 PM
Glad to hear you're having a good day, hugs and prayers coming your way!
Posted by: Terri | 11/07/2011 at 10:19 PM
Hey Janelle. Our wedding was Saturday so I am finally not so busy and have more time for blogging and blog reading. :) I posted a few of our wedding pictures on my blog. Thought you might like to see, since I have been talking to you about the wedding plans for over a year now!
You have such a radiant smile. I love the pictures of you with all of your beautiful hats. And of course that card!
Katy
Posted by: Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft | 11/07/2011 at 10:47 PM
You have the MOST beautiful smile! AND you are one of those people who look great in a hat! I read your blog daily to see how you are doing and to add perspective to my life when I get discouraged over things of such little value. You are special! Jane~
Posted by: Jane Broman | 11/07/2011 at 10:59 PM
What an awesome collage of photos in your darling hats and smiling face! Kristine's birthday card is beautiful. You wouldn't have even had to mention diverting a disaster as we wouldn't have ever known. Praying for another good day Tuesday!
Posted by: Kathy Mc | 11/08/2011 at 01:06 AM
Praying for your continued steroid reduction. I am glad it is going well so far. I love the card. The butterflies inside add such a happy touch of color. I like the way you added the rhinestones, I am always needed to fix a smudge or two on my projects!
Posted by: Karin | 11/08/2011 at 08:23 AM
Love the hats and your beautiful smile! So happy your steroid reduction is going well so far - praying that continues. I love the card you made for your sister-in-law too - so bright and cheery. Praying that you are having another good day. ((HUGS))
Posted by: Connie F. | 11/08/2011 at 12:30 PM