Share Joy

I recently learned of the Share Joy campaign from my friend Sheri. This is the 3rd year for the campaign, which provides thinking of you cards for families who have recently lost loved ones.  Too many families become entrenched in anger and despair following their loss, which has a lasting negative impact on the entire family.

In search of ways to help grieving families the Spiritual Care team at a hospital in Iowa came up with the idea to communicate with the family regarding the impact their loved one had on someone.  The team started to send handwritten notes to families for an entire year following the loss of their family member.  The notes, which are sent by chaplains, nurses, and even other patients, describe how  their loved one made someone else's life better.

The design team at  Taylored Expressions is again organizing this year's Share Joy campaign in which they hope to have more 600 handmade cards donated.  This is one of the cards I am going to contribute.

For My Husband

Norman and I just returned from a Family Life, Weekend to Remember conference in Kansas City. We choose to leave town and really make it a special weekend to remember. We are both very thankful for the gift that made this long desired weekend a reality for us.  

We had a very special time together.  I am so fortunate to have such an amazing husband who loves me so unconditionally.  The Lord's hand of protection and blessing has been on our marriage of 30 years and this was made even more evident to us over the weekend.

As part of the weekend we were asked to write a love letter to our spouse.  This is the card I made for my love letter to Norman.

Joyfully...Stephanye

Happy Birthday

Today is my daughter in-law Christy's 27th birthday.  She lives in Ogallala, Nebraska so I don't get to see her as often as I would like but I am thankful that she is thriving in the place that God has her.  I thank Jesus that she's growing in her walk with Him and being used in others' lives in Ogallala. Love you and miss you, Christy!

Also thankful for the beautiful weather we've been having.  Such a nice change.

Joyfully...Stephanye  

Happy for You

It is hard to believe that it's been a week since my last post.  I've had a busy week - watching my precious grandson Eli, cooking, helping a friend, and crafting with another. I am thankful for the opportunity to spend my days doing what I love.

This card is for my daughter-in-law Mandy who recently received a promotion at work.  I am so proud of how well she's doing in her position.

I colored the clear cling stamped image with Spectrum Noir markers and then added ribbon and card stock.  Nothing fancy, but I am pleased with the pretty simplicity of this card.

Joyfully...Stephanye