Christmas Blessings

Hello, sweet friends! Well, it's hard to believe Christmas is upon us, and I hope you are all ready to take a deep breath in and a big sigh out. In all the hustle and bustle, may we all remember the true meaning of Christmas!

Here's a card I made last year that I never posted on my blog. I really enjoyed making it for the Color Challenge on Splitcoaststampers. The focal image is James with his snowman pal, and it was such fun coloring this adorable pair (how I love snowmen - just not in real life - haha!). I added a simple sentiment, as they are clearly wishing someone special a beautiful Christmas. After die cutting with a square, I matted it with red. I used a background for the red and white stripes and matted it as well. I wrapped some red jute around the striped background piece, popped the focal image, and adhered it all to a white card base. A simple but sweet card with this cute little pair of snow buddies!

It's been such a joy to share with you this year, and I look forward to sharing more in 2016. I truly thank you, dear friends, for your prayers and thoughts as I have struggled through my health issues this year. God always has reasons for everything that He allows in our lives, and I can tell you that I have been so blessed by how God has worked both in my body but also in my heart. I believe God is answering our prayers, and I can definitely say that I am starting to feel a little better - praise God. Thank you for your continued prayers, as I pray for you as well!

How many of us have enjoyed watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" over the years? I am always touched by the part where in desperation Charlie Brown asks whether anybody knows what Christmas is all about. Then Linus stands all alone on the stage and says:

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them;
and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not,
for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you:
You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel
a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.'

"...That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

Linus read the Scripture passage from Luke 2:8-14. And that's what Christmas is all about - even today! 

Blessings and loving wishes for a beautiful and joyous Christmas,

Stamps:  James - Snowman (Lili of the Valley), Cover-A-Card Thin Stripes (Impression Obsession), Beautiful Christmas (A Muse)

Paper: Solar White (Neenah), White and Poppy Red (PTI)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Black (Versafine), Lipstick Red (Colorbox Chalk)
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Squares dies (Spellbinders), Perfect Layers tool, red jute (May Arts), dimensionals

Card Size:  4¾”

Christmas is drawing near...

Hello, sweet friends! I think everyone is super busy getting ready for Christmas, and I just wanted to share some news about Power Poppy's Christmas sale and the new digital image for the 5th. Power Poppy has a special "Holiday Sale" going on right now. Just click on the Power Poppy store banner to see the Christmas sets for sale, and be sure to enter HOLIDAY10 in the discount code box at checkout - sweet!

And today is the 5th, so here's the new and adorable Snowglobe Greetings that features Santa Claus trying to squeeeeeze down into the chimney, and maybe we can help him out if we give that snowglobe a few shakes? Hehe! Marcy has created a decorative base wth extra spaces for your personal touches. A simple seasonal greeting rounds out this globular set! Is this not a beautiful snowglobe? I just love the base with the holly and berries. Allison Cope posted a most adorable card using this new digi, and she's even included a great video here. Be sure to stop by and leave her some "blog love."

So you may wondering where my card is with this snowglobe, right? Well, I just could not get myself going this week. It's been a struggle, and I would surely appreciate your prayers. I am being treated for small-fiber peripheral neuropathy and slowing increasing the medication, and this week has been a bit hard - hence no card. But I will be making a card soon, for sure. God is so gracious in His daily strength, encouragement, and peace through it all.

I am always so encouraged by God's Word, and here are just two Scripture passages that I trust will encourage you this day.

...do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

Our soul waits for the LORD;
He is our help and shield.
For our heart is glad in Him,
because we trust in His holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.
Psalm 33:20-22

May we never lose hope or faith in the Lord. He is always with us...praise God! And that's what's so precious about Christmas, as we celebrate Immanuel, God with us in His Son Jesus.

Thanks so much for visiting and sharing a comment, thought, or question. I love hearing from you and am always happy to answer questions, so don't hesitate to email me. It brings great joy to connect with my precious friends.

Blessings,