Wooo-hoooo!!! I still can't quite believe it, but my counter hit 100K last week...it's just so stinkin' exciting to think that there are that many of you stopping by. Thanks for those wonderful comments you leave! I only wish you could see the great big smile you put on my face as I read 'em...thank you from the bottom of my grateful little heart! Oh, and for those of you who don't leave comments {gasp!}...don't be shy...I'd LOVE to hear from you too : ) !!! Today's cards were both made with the SU set, Phrases for a Friend, from the Occasions mini catalog. I love the fun, chunky, funky font!
And this second card includes a cute little chick by Imaginisce. Joy, fom Eclectic Paperie gave it to me when I saw her at the Copic Certification Class, along with a couple of adorable little penguin stamps that I'll show you soon. Joy, you are too sweet...thanks SO much!!!!Alrighty then...without further adieu.... let's Celebrate You, by giving away some blog candy : ) !!! I looked through my shelf of goodies and here's what I came up with ~
Some of my favorite stuff....for one lucky winner! Here's how you enter to win: I'm posting this while getting ready to fly with my daughter to Houston tomorrow, to see a specialist. She's 19 and one of the nicest girls you'd ever meet. Always going out of her way to do something thoughtful for her family/friends...but today, she needs a little cheering up herself. For the past 2 1/2 years, she's gone from the picture of health to facing one health challenge after another. Long story short, she's not doing well, and on top of her physical symptoms, she's pretty discouraged. We're continuing to pray and are ultimately looking for God's help and guidance through this difficult time as well as wisdom and insight from her doctor. Here's where you and the blog candy come in....to be entered in the drawing for the blog candy, just leave a comment under this post including an encouraging message for Megan.... a cheerful thought, favorite scripture or encouraging quote, a joke (laughter is good medicine)...whatever has helped you when you've been through challenging times. I'll let Random.org pick one lucky winner on Monday! And, I'll show Megan your thoughts and comments! I know there are a lot of you who stop by...so be sure to leave a comment and get in the running for that blog candy AND brighten Megan's day : ) !!! One entry per person please.
Coming up later this week...Divine Design on Thursday, the 8th! I have my May projects uploaded to blogger and ready to show you on Thursday, from Houston : ) ! Isn't technology great?
Supplies for the first card~ Stamps: Phrases for a friend Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Regal Rose, Celery, Whisper White, Flowers for You DP Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Celery Accessories: Paper piercing tool/mat pack, Turquoise rhinestone brad, Silver brads, 1 1/4", 1 3/8" & Scallop Circle Punch, 3/16" corner rounder for scallops, Cropadile for embossed dots, Sakura clear glaze pen,1/4" certainly celery gg ribbon
Supplies for the chick card~ Stamps: Phrases for a friend, Chick by Imagenisce Paper: Ballet Blue, Pink Passion, Whisper White, Summer Picnic DP Ink: Pink Passion, Bashful Blue, Palette Noir Accessories: Paper piercing tool/mat pack, ticket corner punch, Copic markers (sorry, I forgot to note which colors...I'll be better about that in the future), 1", 1 1/4", 1 3/8" circle punches, Kaiser self adhesive orange rhinestone brad, pink striped Amuse ribbon
Thanks for stopping by & helping me celebrate : )
74 comments:
No matter how difficult the challenge, when we spread our wings of faith and allow the winds of God's spirit to lift us, no obstacle is too great to overcome.
"Roy Lessin"
Megan, I've been visiting with your mom via e-mail about what is going on in your life right now. Believe me when I say that you have been and will continue to be in my prayers. We've never met, but I know you are extra special from the way your mom talks about you! She loves you so-o-o much! You will overcome these difficult times, my dear. Although we don't see it now, God has a purpose and a reason.
btw ... I can't WAIT until you get another break from college and can stamp with your mom again! I LOVE your stamping creations .. you are incredibly talented!
{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}
Nancy Riley
Thanks Nancy for the offer of super sweet candy!
I love your chick card...esp. with those color choices! I gotta pull out my Bold Brights more often.
I send you and your daughter the best of thoughts right now...since I am not the best talker when it comes to difficulty (I am more of a doer...I could come and clean your house!), I will tell you a joke with a couple of links from my blog!
http://stampinwhenican.blogspot.com/2008/03/friday-funny.html
http://stampinwhenican.blogspot.com/2007/10/halloween-story.html
There is a family in CT who sends you well wishes!
Megan, here is a verse of scripture that my husband and I often like to remember...Jer. 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." (I may not have it exactly right, as I'm shooting from memory, but it's close!)
I love seeing your blog, Nancy. Love your creations!
Not sure how I really navigate times like these, I have had several in the past few years, but I really like this quote "Don't be discouraged. It's often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock. " Often it is the very next test or day that can provide answers so keep trying you keys! Good luck!
As a friend recently reminded me, Trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he wil keep your path straight. Best wishes to both of you!
I love the card with the chick. I have that stamp, but haven't used it yet.
So sorry to hear that you're going through a difficult time. Here's a verse of encouragement:
GOD IS our Refuge and Strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46: 1
I love looking at all of your wonderful creations..I don't know if I've ever left a comment before, but I visit your blog everyday. Your creations are amazing. I have a Megan, too.
Here's my kinds words for Megan.
We serve a mighty God of refuge and strength, who is ever present in times like this. Take comfort in that He is already there in the midst of this situation. I'm saying a special prayer for you guys..
I'm sorry to hear of your daughters poor health. As I know from reading your blog you are a prayerful person, as am I. I know that with prayer all things are possible. I will include you, your daughter and your family in my prayers. Have faith, God is with you.
I live in College Station TX just an hour or so up the road from Houston. I hope your trip is a safe one.
The spring colors you have choosen are lovely. The are perfect for summer too!
Megan, I will keep you in my prayers! God is the Great Physician!
Megan, I've been in your shoes with one health challenge after another and many uncomfortable tests, what has gotten me through so much of it is to imagine that you can feel God's hand holding yours. I can really feel it there! Hugs to you,
Claudia
scfranson@charter.net
Megan, what a difficult time you are going through. I can only offer up what helps me in difficult times; the belief that God has a plan and that each step in every day brings me closer to knowing what that plan is. I send up prayers for strength for you to endure what you must and for guideance for your doctors to lead them to the answers you seek. Blessings. jmniffer
I love coming to your blog. So sorry to hear that Megan is going through such a difficult time. I will be lifting you both up in prayer as you look to the Lord and physicians for help. I love these verses, Phil 4:4-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I will be praying that you will feel the peace that only He can bring.
I'm so sorry to hear of Megan's health issues. I have been through a frightening bout of diagnosis, too. My thoughts are with you and your family and I hope this trip brings you some answers and peace. Safe travels!
Humor is definitely great medicine. I don't know what your sense of humor is, but just in case...the first two seasons of the Muppet Show have been released on DVD :-)
http://www.amazon.com/Muppet-Show-Season-One-Special/dp/B0009ULBGS/
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers...
Wow, what a hard thing to have to deal with...just know that it will all work out...when life gives you lemons...make lemonade right?!?!
Seriously though, best of luck with everything...I hope you will find the answers and peace of mind you need.
So sorry to hear about your daughter's difficult time. Sometimes it is hard to see anything but one's troubles. I hope Megan will soon come to feel better and be able to look outward and feel good and happy again.
Swedie
I understand what Megan is going through. For the past 10 years, I have struggled with one health problem after another. I do have some pretty bad days, but I always try to see the brighter side and try never to give up. One of my favorite quotes is, "Go confidently in the direction of your dream. Live the life you have imagined" I face many physical obstacles everyday but I have faith that I can overcome anything and know the Lord will not give me anything I cannot handle. Good luck,Megan. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,
MaryBeth
Megan: When I was in the hospital 11 years ago recovering from a bad case of bacterial pneumonia (the same kind that killed Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets), I had a dream that God was holding me in his hands. From that moment on, I began to get better and stronger each day. My prayer for you is that God will hold you up and strengthen you every day.
Love your blog!
Megan,
Remember, somewhere over the rainbow is a ray of sunshine that has your name on it and will constantly be with you. Keep your chin up.
Heidi McDonough
hhmcdonough@yahoo.com
Matthew 7:7 NLT
Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened.
Continue praying and asking for answers and healing.
:) Tamera
Kaizactan@triad.rr.com
Megan, trust the Lord! Remember, life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass! It's about learning to dance in the rain! Get that umbrella up and those dancing shoes on!
Remember that you are loved and that there are people who are praying for you. Lean on your faith during this trying time.
Lori
"Always remember that the future comes one day at a time."
I'm sending many positive thoughts your way, take care.
I found out about the Bible Challenge in Feb. Since then I have memorized all of Ps 34. It has been such a help to me as I have been going through some incredibly difficult times. If you have a Liivng Bible - read it in that para-phrase. I know it will be encouraging to you.
megan , hold you moms hand and remember shes always there for you oh and then both of you remember to hold on to your faith HE IS ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU BOTH.
cindi
Megan, God bless you and keep you in this difficult time, my prayers are with you, I think we all have difficult times, but if we trust in our Lord and Savior, he will give us the way to find a solution.
Have a safe trip.
God bless
Giovana
My prayers are with you
God bless you
Jean
I'm so sorry your daughter is going through a rough time. I would like to tell her to just lean on God through this time..and ask him to just give you peace. To have the peace of God..is such a wonderful place to be.
God Bless,
kim3timemom@yahoo.com
I'm not a very religiuos person, but I believe in god. When I had cancer many years ago. I did not pray, but I'm sure my family prayed for me. Keep those that care close. You may forget God is there for strength and comfort, but your family won't.
Dearest Megan, I have a daughter myself who is now 21. She suffered too for a few years with one health problem after another. As her mom , I was devastated watching her get sicker and sicker all the time. the Doctors, and there were several, just couldn't pinpoint the problem. I brought her back home with me (she had been living on her own) I did the only things I knew how, I prayed (#1) I made sure she ate properly, I bought her vitamins, I took her to see a counsellor. I am not sure when or how but slowly, she started to get better. She had a smile on her face, a bounce in her step and once again, she lights up a room with her humour. She is in a new Duplex now and seems to be doing much better. Sometimes we just can't see that light at the end of the tunnel but you can rest assured that the light will be there and God will safely lead you to that light! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Megan Continue to be strong and to have faith these are times in our lives that make us stronger better more appreciative people who understand what is truly important in life. God Bless Yvette
M is for your MOM who loves you to pieces.
E is for Eagle's Wings which will lift you up when you need it.
G is for "Gee wiz and golly shucks, sorry to hear you are feeling icky!"
A is for awesome and adorable and amazing -- that's how I hope you feel soon.
N is for never give up and never lose hope that tomorrow will be a better day.
Good luck, Megan! Hugs from Minnesota! chris
Megan,
Remember to PUSH every day (Pray Until Something Happens) that something might be one small thing or an amazingly large thing but each day there is something to be thankful for. Know that you aren't alone, there are many who care about you and God is always by your side.
Lovely cards today - I really like the bright colors used on the second one. Thans so much for sharing!
Hi Mean - I hope this little jokes makes you smile:
I was walking past the mental hospital the other day, and all the patients were shouting,
'13....13....13'
The fence was too high to see over, but I saw a little gap in the planks and looked through to see what was going on.
Somebosy poked me in the eye with a stick.
Then they all started shouting '14....14....14'...
Hope you're feeling better soon!
Dorothy
Megan;
I am so proud of your courage under these very difficult circumstances.
It is ok to be scared, discouraged and even fear the unknown. The bible teaches that we should lay it at the feet of Jesus.
Lay your burden upon him. I will pray for you and that the Lord will truly bless you and take away all the ugliness that is caused from illness and diress.
Hugs,
Loretta R.
www.msrhetta.blogspot.com
Nancy & Megan,
You are in my heart & Prayers!!!
The Joy of the Lord is my Strength!!
Wear Cute Shoes honey!!
Love,
Faith
Thanks for the chance to win some blog candy and congrats on your hits! Surf your blog regularly but life has been SO busy lately that I don't have time to leave comments -- my computer screen gets the benefit of my "oooh, I like that card" comments.
As for Megan, first of all a huge (((hug))) for both of you. Life just doesn't seem fair at times. However, the good thing is we know God is at our side at ALL times. Pour out your heart to him for HE is our refuge and our strength and His presence is with us in times of trouble.
I have taken some "listening prayer" classes over the past few years and they have been amazing. I highly recommend Brad Jersak's book "Children Can you Hear Me". He will walk you through the concept of listening prayer and his wife Eden has written a 40 day devotional called Rivers of Eden which is amazing to work through as well (each day focuses on a question to ask Jesus and gives Eden's conversation with Jesus around that question). It will bring your relationship with Christ to a whole new level. Close your eyes and ask Jesus where He wants to meet with you and then have a conversation with Him. When you are in a doctor's office or an appt. or a medical test, as Jesus to show you where he is in the room. He has SO much he wants to share with you. Blessings to you and may the peace of God that surpasses ALL understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Love the blog candy. One suggestion, watch GODTV on cable, there is a revival going on in Florida, where God is really showing up and healing so many people of diseases and various illnesses. You can also submit a prayer request online to www.god.tv
The Lord, in addition to loving us and saving us, HE heals all of our infirmities according to Isaiah 53:4-5, Jeremiah 17:14, Jeremiah 30:17, Psalms 30:2, Psalms 41:3 It is impossible for God to lie according to Heb 6:18-29 Believe for a healing touch. Hope this helps.
Desi
congratulations on your hits! i hope that you are encouraged and uplifted by all these comments as you go through life's storms.
SMILE! God loves you!
thank you for sharing and for the chance to win. :)
Dear Megan,
"Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass" Psalm 37:5.
Your trial will not end on your timetable because God's ways are not our ways. But...He will hold you close as you walk through this valley, and if you let Him, He will be more real and more close to you than in the good times. You WILL pass through it to the other side...so when you pray...do not be afraid...only believe.
With love in Jesus ~~
Nancy and Megan, please remember: "For with God nothing will be impossible." (Luke 1:37)
God bless and keep you through this difficult time. God waits to bring sunshine and comfort into your life again.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you,
Nancy (nlsnyder@snydernet.net)
Dear Nancy and Megan, Please know I have been thinking and praying for an answer and solution to your health issues. So glad you are going back to the specialists that helped you so much before. I just know they will be able to find "The right key" .
This quote so reminds me of both of my smiling and positive friends :-)
"A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles."
-Washington Irving-
Take care and love you both, Nancy
Megan,
In tough times I think often of this Bible verse..
Cast your cares on the Lord
and He will sustain you.
Psalm 55:22
We are lifting you up in prayer. Here's hoping your tough time passes swiftly and that you are returned to full health soon.
Michelle
This is my 9 yr old's favorite joke.
How do you get a tissue to dance?
You put a little boogie in it!!!
Prayers from the Morris family in Roswell, GA. We hope you feel better soon.
Pam
You've got some wonderful blog bling! When I am down and out, I try to 'go to my happy place', which is sitting next to the ocean and listening to the serenity of the waves slap up against the beach. I've only been to the beach a few times, but I feel that I can hear the waves crashing like they are right under my feet during my most frustrated times in life. I wish and pray for better health and pain free days. Keep leaning on God's wisdom and guidance....he'll come through for you.
i am so sorry to hear megan isn't doing so great now...i will keep her in my thoughts and prayers. i will share a joke...it is one that my 2 year old loves to tell.
"why is the piano on the porch?"
"because he lost his keys!!!!!!"
and then she would squeel with delight and laugh at herself and ask..."did you get it????" "did you get it???"
makes me smile just thinking about her and her jokoes! megan...i hope you can find a bright spot in your day from my little girls; joke. keep your chin up...."they" say God won't give you what you can't handle....grab life by the horns and show it who is boss!
"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you." Isaiah 41:10
Megan, I will keep you in my prayers.
Megan, you are in our prayers!! Remember that HE is always with you!
"If God brought you to it, HE can bring you through it!" This is one of my favorite quotes. It is definately true. Trust GOD to do HIS will and everything will work out according to HIS plan.
I hope all went accorindingly. May your future be brighter~
JAneen
Hello Megan,
You are a strong, beautiful young woman with the ability to overcome anything! You have what it takes and the ability to pray when you need some extra support! I'm confident you will make it through and share your positive experience with others later in your life! HUGS to you.
Elaine :)
Dear Megan,
From what your Mother writes about you, you sound like the kind of daughter we'd all like to have. Lean on those who love you and let them be there for you to help you in your time of need and know that God is there for you too. We are all praying for you and sending happy thoughts your way. God bless you.
Megan, do not be downcast,for the Lord loves you beyond your imagination and knowledge, we can only learn to trust Him.
When Jesus came to the "hard time" he came to the Mount of Olives, and he prayed.
We may not change the cup, but we change our focus on Jesus and on how God's purpose on you.
May the Lord be your strength and peace within.
Edna
It's hard to know what to say to someone going through a difficult time. I will send some prayers your way - all the way from Saskatchewan, Canada. Blogs are so wonderful. They can bring people together from all over to focus on one thing. There is a lot of positive energy coming your way. I hope it makes you smile!
Megan, Where would we be without our blessed savior to call upon in troubled times. 1 Peter 5;7 tells us "Cast all your care upon him; for he careth for you" God is faithful to his children, and he has his hand upon you right now. It is in the valleys of life that we grow, and the mountaintop will be so much sweeter. Trust, Pray and have Faith. I promise to continue to pray for you.
Hope this makes you smile- my 10 year old came home from school and shared a joke -
she must have caught me at a great time because I laughed til I cried- not at the joke but what one of the kids in her class guessed the answer might be!
What do you call Santa with very long nails?
Ok- kinda obvious right. Well, she said one of the kids guessed " SANTA LONG NAILS "!! oh my sweetie- no that would be Santa Claws. Just made me laugh.
Take care and God Bless!
Good luck at the specialist! I hope you find the answers needed to get better!!! Always remember....that Our Father in Heaven will never give you more than you can handle!!! And the trials you are facing now will only make you a stronger, better person in the end!!! Chin up!
Goodness - Megan - I hope your trip to the specialists brought you some answers and hope for improvement! It's easy for us to say keep the faith and be strong - but it really has to come from inside yourself - and according to your mother's description - I can tell you have that strength in you. Try always to be positive and have faith - those two things will go a long way in seeing you through this - as well as the love of family and friends.
I am one who visits, but never comments, sorry, I do love your site, My prayers are with you and Megan. Pray for a Miracle, know that with prayer all things are possible (I know I've recently received one!)
Megan, I am your age and have been going through some health problems myself. I totally know what you must be going through. Stay strong, continue to pray and ask for help from anyone willing to help you out .Believe in miracles and the power of prayer. I know all things are possible with the Lord on your side. I love the bookmark your mom made you. That verse is so inspirational. Good luck, Megan! I'll be praying for you!
Caitlin H.
Megan,
God is there through everything, the easy times and the difficult times...through obstacles and triupmphs.
Good thoughts and prayers are sent your way as you travel to Houston.
"For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin-real life. But there was alwas some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one. Happiness is a journey, not a destination… -souza
Kathy S
Our family sends it's thoughts and prayers. We are also experiencing a test of faith with our daughter-in-law's recent illness(and they have three little ones). Take one day at a time and continue to pray. God Bless!!!
Ilene B.
Sending happy thoughts & smiles from NY.
Lisa
Hi Megan (and Mom), sorry to hear that you're not feeling too good at the moment. I'm sending you happy thoughts and best wishes from the UK. Here's a joke my 11 year son told me yesterday "a man walks into a bar .... ouch - it was an iron bar" Take care of yourself, lots of love, Denise in the UK
denisemorgans@aol.com
Hello to you both. Megan, I love this scripture "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." Isaiah 40:29. I will be praying for you both and you go through this difficult time in your lives.
carrie_egg@yahoo.com
Hi there!
I just wanted to say "hi" and that I was thinking of you and am praying for you. A scripture I was going to share is from Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me." I hope you have more sunny days ahead. Here's a joke for you.
Q: What did the zero say to the eight?
A: Nice belt!!
Hope you get better soon!
Love in Christ,
Crystal
Hi from Oregon. Sorry to hear about the health issues and I'm praying for you. God allows us to go through trials, but He knows we can handle them with His help...and He has trust in YOU...knowing that you will lean on Him and gain strength from Him and come out of this trial!!
Whenever I'm going through a rough patch (which has happened more lately) I always try to remember that God will NEVER give us more than we can handle. He knows what we are capable of, and since He has a purpose for everything, then I know the hard times I'm going through now will either help me later on in life or my hard times are to show someone else His love.
I don't have any infinite words of wisdom, but I wanted you to know you have been on my mind and I'm glad that you are both back safely!!
Hugs to you both!!
Megan,
"Everything turns out for the best and happens for a reason (that we don't know about)". Those are words I said to my children and now to my grandkids (I'm a young granny!!).
Those are my words of wisdom and although you are going through a rough time right now, it will all be okay and one year you will understand why it has happened -hopefully it won't be like my experience it was 25 years later!
Keep your chin up and know that a bunch of silly zany stampers are keeping you in their thoughts and prayers.
Hugs and prayers,
Ag
My prayers are with you Megan. Please remember that God is right there with you ALWAYS!!
Bless you and Megan, hope all went well with your specialist. We will send up some prayers for you.
I know your blog candy drawing is over, but I just came acrossed your blog and hope to offer some inspiration to you and your family. I had a baby son who had 3 major surgeries before 9 months old. The scripture that helped me through is Ps 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God". I have it engraved on a silver bracelet that I wear all the time as a reminder. I hope that you too can find comfort in this verse. He is ultimatley in control. I will be praying for you guys :)
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