Dear friends,
A blog post without craftiness is rare for me but I am opening a window for you today. There have been some tough times for many and our family finds itself reeling at the moment so I'm going to share and ask for prayer. If you want to wait for my next card post, feel free to skip this as I may go long!
In the past 18 months, so many of us have had times tougher than we have ever imagined. Everyone finds their own ways to cope but for me it has been BEAUTY that keeps me going. Beauty in God and His promises, beauty in relationships, beauty in nature, and beauty made with paper and stamps.
I've mentioned how I love the solitude of watching nature from my back porch. I find myself there every morning. This morning I was seeking comfort for the happenings of the last three weeks. My daughter and dear son in love got very bad cases of Covid while on their vacation. Julie is recovering but Richard was hospitalized two weeks ago. He has now been moved to a bigger hospital and is on a respirator, with no change. A week ago my dear mother in law passed away with little warning. She was fully lucid and one of her last words spoken to us was to ask about our loved ones.
So you get the idea, and I hope you will pray for a miracle for Richard's healing in this life.
What prompted me to write today? Although this is a card making blog I wanted to be authentic and real with you. The crafting community is the best and I have received such support from you! Prayers are our hope.
Reason number 2. This.
I read a devotional this morning that discussed beauty and asked the question, "What does your heart need today?" I looked up from prayer and saw a red fox in my yard, not even 10 yards away. I could see his eyes. It was amazing as I watched him look directly at me and approach me, then trot around our fenced yard for several minutes. We've seen him before but never up this close. It was such a comforting reminder to me that the God who created the universe is my Friend.
This is what my heart needed this morning. Thanks for letting me share. My story, and my creations with you that are the main feature here. Several cards are in the hopper to post because you know - stamping is my therapy! I will be back. In the meantime...
Be yourself
Have delight in your craft
Make something beautiful!
9 comments:
I got your text as I was creating birthday cards for two granddaughters and a son-in-law (party is this afternoon - you'd think I'd get them done sooner!). Thanks for sharing here. LOVE that the Lord encouraged you this morning in your prayer time on your back porch. Love that the fox visited you... And I know you and your loved ones are secure in God's hands. We will continue to pray....
Cindy, I've been praying for Richard and for Julie...and for you all! This has been such a rough 18 months, and Covid has devastated many lives. I pray for a miracle in Richard's body and that He will restore him to health. I'm so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law and trust that God will give you all comfort in the days ahead. Thank you for sharing this on your blog and for being real. Yes, God is our Friend, our Great Physician and Comforter. Much love, tender hugs, and continued prayers for you all!
You, your family, and most particularly Julie and Richard, have been in my prayers ever since I heard about them contracting COVID. Adding the death of your beloved mother-in-law to the mix seems just overwhelming! I hope happy memories of times past with her help in the grieving process. Thanks for sharing your wonderful encounter with the fox--and God--this morning.
Cindy, you and your family have been having a rough time, indeed. It's a blessed thing that you know where to turn to find comfort in beauty and goodness. The fox is very special. I'm so sorry about the loss of your mother-in-law. Will hope for better news about Richard.
I have never commented on your blog before. But your faith in God and love for family and nature really affected me today. Sorry to hear of the loss of your MIL and pray that Richard gets better soon. I just wanted you to know that I appreciated your wonderful post of the visit from the fox....
My heart hurts reading this post.....Covid has been such a nightmare. Sending love and prayers for a complete recovery for your daughter and sin-in-law....
My heart hurts for you! So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother-in-law, I pray that Richard makes a full recovery. And, I love how God sends us little beauties of nature when we need a lift. Thank you for sharing the lovely fox photo. May God be with you and family, hugs!!
Oh Cindy, I am so sorry to hear about all the trials your family has been going through. I will pray for Richard, for his healing, for your daughter and your comfort. And yes, that beautiful red fox is for sure a sign from God, saying He's got your back. Am I right to assume this beautiful baby girl is feeding this fox? If so, that's absolutely AMAZING! What a beautiful photo and experience for you all. Hugs and hang in there. XO
Sending prayers to you and your family. In sympathy for your loss, and hope for your son-in-law.
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