Wouldn’t you agree that it’s very easy now to stay connected?   Between blogs, facebook, twitter, and email we can know a bunch of information in a short amount of time.   With this quick finger approach I feel we are losing an oldie and goodie…sending a card.  I love going to a card shop, seeing all the rows of cards.  Some funny, romantic, some with words of encouragement, there’s thinking of you, thank you and congratulations!   I enjoy reading through the words, pondering what they say, sometimes laughing my head off and praying over who needs to read and  hear them.  Who could could use some encouragement or just a smile through a card? I purchase the ones I feel led to get and take them home.  I always know of someone who could use the blessing of a card.  We all have something going on in our lives whether it’s a marvelous moment or a trial.  Words of love written in a card can speak volumes to someone’s heart and soul!

Once home I get a blue ink pen (that’s another post, I am addicted to blue ink pens and yellow highlighters), sit with my choice of warm drink and start writing.  I love to feel the joy in my heart thinking that I could brighten and bless someone’s day.  I have sent many, many cards and feel it is sorta a ministry.  I would rather send a card then an email.  It’s more personal.  There is a novelty in it.

I admit I enjoy sending a card because I really enjoy getting a card.  To know that someone took time out of their day to write me a note is so thoughtful.  To know you are thought of, brighten’s your day!

There have been many times in my life when a card is just what I needed.  In tough times when I was in despair…a card in the mailbox from a friend or family member telling me I will get through it.  Joyous times, our wedding, the birth of one of our girls…a card congratulating us on our treasure.   Birthdays…a card from someone celebrating with me  the day God delivered me to earth.  Then there are those cards that are the “just because” cards.  LOVE them…no reason for one, but someone cared enough to send one.

Dayspring has beautiful cards.  Their cards come in many varieties and I love that they have  scripture inside of them.  To give someone God’s truth is such a gift.  I was recently asked to review the “SIMPLY MARVELOUS” card pack.  I want to disclose Dayspring gave them to me free to review and that all opinions stated are my own. Take a peek…can I just say that these are fun and pretty!

This assorted pack of cards features messages of encouragement, friendship, and birthday greetings.   I can’t wait to sit and go through each one of them, pondering over who I want to send one too.  So friends, be looking in your mailbox, your day could be brightened!

I have the privilege to review these delightful, beautiful cards.  DaySpring sent  me the cards to review and all the opinions I am writing are my own.   Take a look at these pretty’s.

These cards are the creative expression of  Holley Gerth.  You can find them at Blessings Unlimited.  Blessings Unlimited is DaySpring’s home party business (think Pampered Chef of inspirational home décor). All products are sold through independent Consultants. You can visit Blessings site to view the full Catalog, learn how to host a Gathering, or even start your own business.  These cards are perfect for sending a girlfriend encouragement, love, or support.  The “theme” of the cards is to share who we are in God’s heart.  So how would you answer this question, IN GOD’S HEART I AM…  I know for me I answered with the word captivating.  We are his creative masterpiece, no two alike.  Don’t you just love that.  There is only one you!  The bonus is God knows you to the core.  He see’s all and loves us so graciously.  That is amazing.  So, I hope you get on Blessings Unlimited website and view their new fall catalog.  They have tons of pretty things to make your house a home filled with encouragement.

I am doing the Beth Moore Esther study again and having a blast.  I didn’t get a new workbook because I only got to Ch. 6 in the other study group.  It is neat to see how much my answers are different and how many remained the same.  I am doing the answers in red ink for this study so I will know the difference.  I love my small group.  Very feisty bunch of gals.  We are enjoying getting to know one another. 

Natalie’s health is great.  Praise Jesus!!  By this time in years past she has had pneumonia and missed tons of school.  By God’s grace she has been healthy and safe from flu.  We have had some good friends children come down with the H1N1 virus.  Pray that God would bind this virus and wipe it out!!  We know he has the power to do this. 

Let me tell you how much I am enjoying stampin.  I received my supplies from Stampin Up.  I got some paper and ink spots.  The ink spots are the cutest things.  They allow you to have a variety of colors.  I have learned from my stampin mentor to make these adorable boxes.  Okay, stampin has evolved into so much more than from what it was when I was introduced to it back in 2001.  We have found a delightful stampin up demonstrator that is new to the area and going to host workshops.  Can’t wait for the first one.  I just love seeing every one’s creativity.  Plus playing with all the gadgets. 

I am starting to think about Christmas.  I know, I know, it is only October.  I want this Christmas season to be different.  I say that every year but this year I am standing firm.  I truly believe we are in a crucial state on the kingdom calendar.  I want my kids to really understand what Christmas is all about.  I want them to understand what it means to “serve others.”  I want to be simple but powerful about teaching them the true meaning of Christmas.  So, I am calling all friends.  Tell me some of the things you do with your families to make Christmas memorable.  I know for us we put up our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving.  We attend all Christmas activities at our Church.  We are planning on going to the Bethlehem Blessings at the Creation Museum and the Festival of Lights at our local zoo.  We also started last year this fun tradition.  You cut strips of yellow and brown paper.  Find a basket.  Each day leading up to Christmas you allow each of your children to place a strip of “hay” in the crib for Jesus.  Than on Christmas morning the family awakes to a baby laying in the “crib.”  It is a fun way to countdown.  You could even write a memory or prayer on the strips of paper.   I am wanting to invest this year in an Advent wreath and really focus on that.  I think Phoebe is old enough that we can talk about it on her level and she will get it.  So come on, let’s share as we are getting our minds ready for the Christmas season.

I am active in a women’s bible study and attend a Moms in Touch group.  I also like to attend a local aerobics class.  Taking kids to school, picking them up, housework, cooking, laundry, errands, time…does anyone know where we can get more of it?   In the past, I would do my bible study and check it off the list, just like something else.  In my self evaluation and in my prayer time, I really felt God changing my heart in this area.  I had made quiet time just another thing to do.  I need to cherish my time with the Lord.  Really listen to what he has to say about my life and how I use my time.  So I have started getting up at 6am…yes..6am to have my quiet time and I LOVE it.  I have my coffee, the house is quiet and it’s  just me and Jesus. This has taken some discipline.  It”s so easy to hit that alarm and roll over in the nice warm bed.  But, what I would be missing out on…nothing compares.  It is my fuel for the day. ( To help my type A mind from wondering and worry I have started journaling my thoughts and prayers.)  

While adjusting my schedule to life with both girls in school and trying to get on a good routine I have discovered that I have no hobbies.  None.  I have great friends who have introduced me to fun little projects but I have nothing to claim as my hobby.  So after chatting with my hubby really pondering on what I like to do and what I enjoy receiving,  I have decided to start stamping. I really enjoy encouraging others and I think this is gonna be a fun way to do that.  If you are like me, I love getting fun mail.  What a fun thing to get, a homemade card, to make you smile.   I am really excited about it.  About 10 years ago I had a Stamping party and tried to get into it but life quickly changed and I got sucked into a whirlwind of doctors, therapy and craziness.  I felt totally overwhelmed with getting all the “stuff” out and than putting in back up because I did not have an area to craft in and leave it all out.  Than we moved, twice, and the stamps went into a box. 

Well, time goes on and God has introduced me to a delightful friend who is quite the crafty gal.  She is an avid stamper and an excellent one at that.  So I am gonna give it a whirl.  I have a spot in the basement set up so everything can stay out and have purchased some paper, ink, new stamps, ribbon etc.  I have made a few cards, having to dig deep to find my creativity that has been placed on a shelf for many years and discovered, it is fun.  When you sit and think about the design, put it together, finish it…ah…a finished token of encouragement, that I made…me..little old me!

So what do you do for ”playtime?”  Do you bake, sew, bead, scrapbook, woodwork, garden, read, photography?  Share what you do and who, how you got into it.  It is important that we let our creative sides come out. I suppressed mine for so many years, using busy to keep me from pursuing anything fun.  This led to a very boring hum-drum life. God created us to be creative.  He gave us personality and curiosity.  He himself is so creative.  I love the colors of the changing seasons. Creative. The new colors of fall. Creative.  Get up one morning and view the sunrise, or in the evening view the sunset, than the starry sky.  He is creative and He is beautiful.  We tend to take all that for granted in our busy lives,  but have you ever just paused and  looked at the views God paints for us?  Magnificently creative.  Do you ever praise him for the marvels?  I challenge you to find them daily.  It might just get your creative juices flowing!! 

footnote:  the card in this blog is not one that I made but I do love the design.