Thanks to my online friends

These are a couple of greeting cards that I received from my online friends recently.  When I first receive cards (RAK's, swap thank you's, gifts)  I have them displayed on my dining room table.  When the kids in my neighborhood stop by that is the first thing they see.  They admire the cards and gifts just like I do.  They are always so amazed when I tell them what states the items came from and that I have never met these ladies or men in person.  The other day a little boy asked me "Miss Tina, why do people who don't know you give you stuff...it must be because you are a good citizen..."  How thoughtful was that!  ( I was just going to say because folks are kind and want to do nice things) I took that as a teaching moment...helping them to realize that their hearts and actions can go far beyond their front yards.  And that they, too were good citizens, friends, and neighbors.

I love how the generosity and thoughtfulness of my online friends has blessed me and brightened my days.  I am so grateful that your kindness reached beyond me to a wonderful bunch of kids.  What a wonderful gift, to be a vessel in the pay it forward journey.  My friend Angie instructs her blog viewers to 'craft it forward'...and that is what we are all doing.  Love it! 

I have not captured it in pictures, but I am sooooooooooo honored and thankful for my online buddies who send me e-mails and leave comments.  I look forward to those words of inspiration, encouragement and affirmation.  In my mind those are gifts too.  I truly appreciate all the various expressions of love. Warm fuzzy!

Low down saggy and soggy and blue...

Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh sang this song.  I may have gotten the words wrong, but that is what I remember and lately I have been feeling that way. Just a blue haze. 

Right now, I am overwhelmed with all that is on my plate (health, finances, relationships, work etc.)   Today I am escaping by doing things around the house.  I am borderline compulsive (lol) so my house is kinda neat, but lived in too.  But I can always ORGANIZE!!!!!  I am reorganizing my craft room. Yes, again!   I am constantly reorganizing.  I think it is a disease.  See, I am one of those strange people that likes to be surrounded by order.  However, there is this other side of me that lets things get messy sometimes.  Then when 'I've had all that I can stand and I can't stands no more' (Popeye)-I reorganize (LOL).  Messiness steals my motivation and organizing the mess takes time away from the creative process.  Having these two things in one body doesn't always work as I have not mastered having balance yet.  There are times when I just spin my wheels and very little gets done.  Then are times when I just breathe and go with the flow.  Thanks to God for not allowing me to stay in this blue funk.

So, no craft project today.  Just...uhhhh...life

In spite of what I feel I am going to praise God in the midst of my crazy circumstances.  After all this is only a light affliction.

II Corinthians 4:17 NIV
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.


This too shall pass...so my make melody in your heart song for today is "SMILE" by Kirk Franklin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_FZ-HIcygI

It is good to have support

Three years ago I was sort of afraid to move from the northern part of my state to the southern part. I had become used to my circle of friends. When I got real sick the nurses ministry at my church stepped right in to help me. Still, I knew that God had ordained for me to move.

I love my house, but I feel so isolated in this area. I recently learned that it is not simply my location, but also my stage in life. See, I am single with no children while most of my friends have children and are married. Coupled with that truth, I discovered that I do not always ask for help.

However, two things happened to me recently that helped me to grow out of this " I can do it by myself" box. I was caregiver to a 4 month old baby for a week and yesterday I had a back procdure done. While I didn't plan any appointments during my week of babysitting, it was still more than a notion to care for a young child. With my physical disability, I really needed help. With the back procedure, I have been a bit wobbly and almost fell a few times. It was great to have help with daily living activities and to not be by myself all day. I am so touched that a few folks have called to check on me, picked up perscriptions, heated up meals etc.

I really like giving to others, so who am I to think that others would not want to and enjoy pouring into me. I thank God for growth. In these two instances, I asked for assistance. Some folks came through; while others said they would, but did not. Normally, I would take the attitude "see when you ask for help you do not get it". This time I did not let that deter me-I reached out anyway. Although, I still refused offers to put away dishes and do laundy, I did accept help. I figured that I could take baby steps before I put away my wonder woman cape. lol Every process takes time huh?