Always on My Mind

My Mom and Dad are visiting us this week from Minnesota.  This evening while we were making dinner, my Mom had a family friend on the phone who is struggling with breast cancer.  We all prayed with her, and she was so blessed and encouraged by it.  I guess the small things really mean a lot to those who are struggling with things that seem SO much bigger than our usual little daily problems.  It really makes you grateful.  So anyway, while we were praying again before dinner just a little while after all this, my mind was swarming with the names of all the people in my life who need God's healing from cancer and other serious medical issues.  Each one of those names ran through my mind - many of whom are on-line friends and acquaintences I've never met.  These people seem to always be on my mind, and when it comes time to count my blessings - I really need to remember how very blessed I am, and I need to continue to pray for those less fortunate.    Whether physically, spiritually, emotionally, financially, etc., I need to count my blessings and lift up in prayer those who are hurting and carrying heavy burdens.  Lord, please don't ever let me lose sight of what is truly important!  I always want to remain commpassionate towards the needs of others.  So anyway, this card is for our family friend who is struggling.  I really hope it will be an encouragement to her.

 I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

 

http://cheerylynndesignschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/cheery-lynn-designs-challenge-60-lace.html - Cheery Lynn Designs Challenge Blog - Challenge #60 - Lace Real or Faux - I used a Cheery Lynn Doily Die-Cut that's pretty lacey, and I also used some vintage lace on the bottom of my card.

 

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/simon-says-anything-goes.html - Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Simon Says Anything Goes

 

http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/mid-challenge-reminder-pio-49-pile-on.html - Pile It On Challenge Blog - Challenge #49 - Pile On The Embellishments

 

http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/make-it-monday-97-participants.html%20 - Nichole Heady/Papertrey Ink Make it Monday Challenges - Make it Monday Challenge #97 - I based this card on Make it Monday Challenge #66 - Making Felt Flowers from Border Dies.  The Papertrey Ink products I used on this project include PTI jute, stamped sentiment, wool felt and heart border die.  I rolled the delicate little heart borders, cut from wool felt in three colors, into these little rosettes.  Such a sweet technique.  This border die is one my all-time PTI favorites.

 

http://fabnfunkychallenges.blogspot.com/2012/12/challenge-152-add-ribbon-andor-lace.html - Fab-n-Funky Challenge Blog - Challenge #152 - Add Ribbon And/Or Lace

 

I'd like to leave you with this thought.  If you can think of someone who is going through a difficult time right now; whether it's a physical challenge or a struggle of another kind, I strongly encourage you to send them a card this week.  Sometimes those little acts of unexpected kindness are just what someone needs.  Let that person know that you're thinking of them, and praying for them, and loving them - and most of all don't forget to pray for them!  God hears our prayers and He will give them exactly what they need.  Just take that extra time this week to bless someone!

 

Have a great week, and share God's love eveywhere.

Bless and be blessed,

Karen