A Friend Loveth At All Times

Proverbs 17:17 tells us that "A friend loveth at all times", but in all reality, I'm sure we've each met "friends" along the way who ran the other way the moment life got in the way.  You know, the ones your Mom used to refer to as "fair weather friends".  We all know the type.  They're there for you when times are happy and fun, but when stress comes along, or a major event comes in your life (or theirs), they just don't stand the test of time.  Yet, God is SO GOOD TO US.  Every now and then, He sends us a true Proverbs 17:17 friend.  For me, that person is Patti Lyn.  We met when we were four.  We went to Kindergarten together, and we've been the best of friends, through thick and thin, ever since - that's over 45 years.  Well, Patti Lyn called me the other day.  She needed her friend.  And truth be told, I had been thinking of her, and longing for her friendship for several days leading up to that.  We concluded that we NEED to get together and lift each other up.  She lives far away, but we make our trips to see each other a priority every year (more than once).  Patti Lyn has been dealing with a lot lately.  Recent changes in her life have caused her to begin to reflect on things from the past, and she found herself thinking of her mother.  It's complicated, and much too much to get into here, but she simply broke down and she needs me.  While it feels good to be needed, if truth be told, I need her support right now just as much as she needs me.  So, it's a double-edged sword.  We bless each other while being blessed by one another.  That's a blessing!  I treasure her friendship more than words can express, and now I can hardly wait until we're together.

Anyway, as I got off the phone with her, I knew right away that I wanted to make her a card to encourage her.  I got right to work on her card so that I can pop it in the mail today.  I simply wanted to encourage her, and to remind her how very much I love her.  I used some Crate Paper patterned papers and stickers, My Craft Spot stamps, some washi tapes, Tim Holtz inks, machine stitching, and a brown kraft card from the Kraft Outlet.

I just LOVE this sweet new stamp set that I won at My Craft Spot.  What a precious store!  And Kimberly, the owner, is such a DOLL!  She's a sponsor of ours at Word Art Wednesday, a talented woman of God, and a generous soul.  God has most certainly blessed her by giving her this wonderful store, blog, circle of crafty friends, and a servant's heart.  I LOVE using her sweet stamps and supplies and promoting her store and blog.  Click here to check out My Craft Spot by Kimberly.

This last photo is a close-up photo of the inside of the card with the "faith" sentiment stamped.  This sweet stamp set (like ALL Kimberly's stamp sets) has so many lovely little sayings.  I was SO blessed and SO happy to win a challenge on her blog.

Thanks for stopping by to take a peek at my card and say hello.  I am SO very grateful to God for my BFF  of 45+ years, Patti Lyn.  I'd LOVE to hear about your special friend.  It's such a blessing when you find those rare precious friends.  Be sure to remind them how much they mean to you.  Never let them go!

I'm sharing my card for Patti Lyn in the following challenges:

Just B Creative Crazy Challenges - May Just Because Linky Party

Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Anything Goes"

Creative Card Crew Challenge Blog - Challenge #60 - Girly

Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by to say hello and take a peek at my card.  I would encourage you all to take a moment to let your BFF know how very much she means to you.  Cherish her forever.  A friend like that doesn't come along every day.

Blessings,
Karen