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Friday, January 28, 2011

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.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Noelle! So sorry for everything you have been through. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your sign is a beautiful project. Big hugs.

Wendy said...

i believe whole heartedly in craft therapy and of course faith therapy. hang in there! let me know if you ever need talk therapy.

Ruthie said...

My heart goes out to you... and I have prayed for you! I love how you have allowed the Lord to nurture you at this time! He is with you ... and He will carry you thru all the things that are happening right now! Blessings on you. sweet one.

Joan Ervin said...

I'm sorry for all your struggles and sadness, Noelle....your sign is beautiful and what a wonderful reminder that God is with us but we have a job to do, too!!! I went to a funeral today for a friend and church member...I came away realizing how fragile and fleating life really is and to be thankful for all our blessings especially family, true friends, health, and the dawning of a new day!!!!
Be sure to focus on those blessings to find your center and you will experience joy in you life. Then you will have the strength to face adversity!!