Inspiration, peace, and feeling whole

Hey folks, no challenge today, just a little something I made that I wanted to share, as maybe you are needing some inspiration too. I haven't shared lots about my personal life on my blog, just because it's not really that kind of outlet for me. Normally, you won't see this kind of post, just my crafty creations;) 

I have to say this last few months has been rough for me. I have two wonderful, sweet friends fighting cancer and it's hard to see them get weaker, thinner, and sicker with each round of chemo. Also, my sweet Gramma is in a nursing home and really going downhill fast. I don't know how much longer she will be with us & I hate the fact that she seems to be in so much pain & she is so confused. Additionally, stress & conflict in a personal relationship is making me realize I need some major change and distance. To top it off, many groups, etc. I've been involved in for the last 3 years are disintegrating. I have been sad and confused, spending a lot of time praying, because as Abe Lincoln once so eloquently put it, "I have nowhere else to go."

Yesterday I got a chain email from my aunt, one of these "I love this woman, Lord, hold her in your arms" kind of things that you are supposed to pass on. Normally, I would read something like that, smile & if I liked it, go ahead and pass it on to some like-minded friends. For some reason this one affected me more. Somewhere in the middle it said something like "let this woman shine in the darkest places where it is impossible to love." and then at the bottom it had the sentence that is on my sign above "Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you are unwilling to move your feet." I did pass that email on with tears in my eyes & I realized that God is here, He hears me, He is listening and He hates to see me hurting. The other thing I realized is, no matter what happens with any of it, I will be ok. I need to keep moving my feet & I need to follow the path that is laid before me. That does not mean there will be no hurt or fear, it means that I will get through it and hopefully be able to inspire others to also keep "moving their feet." Sometimes we walk with other people & sometimes we feel walk alone, but no matter what, we always walk with God. 

So I made my little sign today since I was needing some craft therapy and some faith therapy too. I'm going to hang it by my kitchen sink since I spend WAY too much time doing the dishes with 3 boys, lol;) If you are reading this, no matter your personal struggles, I wish you peace today, I found some & I'm hoping to share. 

Much love, Noelle

supply list: Kraft printed paper: K&Company; Pacific Point patterned paper, Old Olive solid cardstock, Pacific Point and Old Olive ribbons, upholstered brad:SU!; patterned flower: Hero Arts; solid flowers: Prima; sparkle brads: The Paper Studio.