Memorial Day Weekend - 2012

…teach their children, so the next generation would know them,

even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. 

Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds,

but would keep his commandments. 

Psalm 78: 6,7

As my thoughts turned to the writing of this post, I have thought long and hard about the brave men and women who we remember each year, specifically on Memorial Day, for their military service to our country.  My own son, a Marine Captain, is currently serving – nearing the end of his third deployment – 2 previous ones to Iraq and now this one to Afghanistan.  This is all something I NEVER envisioned as I cradled him as a babe and watched him grow into the amazing man that he is.  Even though it’s been hard for me to ‘wait at home,’ I am beyond proud of him  - and ALL those who serve in our military branches to keep US safe!

I had posted the sample cards I had made for the Military Spouse Appreciation Night that was held 2 weeks ago.  Those who came to our Make-and-Take-a Card table that night seemed to enjoy and appreciate the experience!  We actually made many variations on this theme, using many combinations of red, white and blue papers.   Here again are the 2 Patriotic sample cards I’d made –

I also made these cards with just a few changes of papers and techniques.  I find it a fun challenge to take  a simple idea  and make many versions of it.

I had also made this American Flag-inspired wreath for decoration the MSAN event and now for my home.  I’d seen a similar one posted on Pinterest and this is my version.

Dear Friends of mine lost their young Great-nephew last week to the war in Afghanistan and my heart is very heavy for all of the immediate and extended family – of him – and of ALL who are lost to us and who I re-post on my FB each day…It is so hard to hear this.  I’ve made 2 of this card - one for my friends - and another for them to send to their nephew's wife and family.  Several years ago, I purchased a used paperback book and inside the front cover I found a handwritten poem which I have used often in Sympathy Cards since then.  I feel it is quite appropriate and gives modern verbiage and understanding to I Corinthians 13:12.

I happened to watch 3 incredible programs on (Christian) TV last night, while working on projects, and which I highly recommend!  The first was ‘To End All Wars,” about a POW camp in the Pacific.  The second was “The League of Grateful Sons,” with interview of the current families of WW II Veterans.  (My opening verse was taken from the several that were part of this presentation.)  The third was “Saints and Sinners,” about a small group of WW II soldiers and their incredible experiences.  Should you ever have the opportunity, do watch them.

Whatever your plans are for this weekend, do take some moments to remember the reason for this holiday – Remember those who have made and continue to make sacrifices to make and keep our country FREE and the BEST! 

High Tea Thankfulness -

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.

For in him you have been enriched in every way—

with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—

God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you.

I Corinthians 1:4-6

I recently posted the ‘sample cards’ I had made to use at the Make-and-Take-a-Card at our Church Women’s retreat – OASIS – last week.  I used the color-scheme of the day and made ‘Tea Bag Folding’ roses of two different types for the front of the cards.  It turned out to be a Lovely event – a day of relaxing, refreshing and rejoicing in God’s blessings.  Here is a bit of an update and some additional projects.

There were 13, of the many in total attendance, who attended my ‘free hour session’ to learn to make cards – most of whom had never crafted before…  Needless to say, we had a good time and much laughter ensued!

Dahlia-fold

Tea Bag-fold

OASIS Ladies making cards -

I was also asked to make a Thank You card for the Chairwoman of the event to be presented to her at the afternoon High Tea.  I decided to make a Mini-Album Card in which she could put photos and remembrances of the day’s activities.  Here it is:

Wrapped for presentation -

Mini Album Card

Inside cover element -

Because the Committee had done such a lovely job of making it a Beautiful, Classy, Delicious and Meaningful day, I then made a personal Thank You card from me for her to share with all of them.  I made an Easel Card that can be displayed for others to see.  I also made a 1/2" deep cardstock envelope so as not to crush the flowers and butterfly on the card.

Thank You Easel Card - front

Thank You Easel Card - opened

Thank You Easel Card - side view

Cardstock envelope - open

Cardstock envelope -closed

We, as attendees, had been encouraged to bring a ‘favorite tea cup set’ to use at the High Tea served at the conclusion of the afternoon.  Unfortunately, all of my ‘precious things’ are packed and in storage at this time, so – I thought to check at a resale shop and see if I might pick up an inexpensive set to take…  I even ventured to hope to find a set with the color-scheme of the day – and my cards - knowing that was quite a far-fetched hope… Crazy, huh??!!  Newsflash!!  At our local Goodwill Store, I found the perfect lovely teacup on one shelf – and its matching saucer on another – and unbelievably, in Pink Roses with Aqua trim – and for only $ .99!!  I was actually on a walk with a Friend that day and since I didn’t have money with me – not planning to go shopping at the time - she bought it for me! A small thing, perhaps, but a definite answer to prayer and a gift from God (and her) to me!  ;-}

MY Tea cup set - Verses gift to each of us -

 

How has God totally color-coordinated YOUR world lately??

Jonah Study...Farewell...

 

2“In my distress I called to the Lord,  and he answered me.
From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.
³ You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breaker swept over me.
⁴ I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’
⁵ The engulfing waters threatened me,  the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.
⁶ To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit.

⁷ “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.

⁸ “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.
⁹ But I, with shouts of grateful praise, I will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.  I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”

                                                                  Jonah 2:2-9

I’ve been attending a weekly Bible Study on the book of Jonah the past several months at my church.  Last week was the last session of it and I wanted to give a ‘little something’ to the women who have welcomed me to their table and have been new friends to me.  I have made them each one of these cards as a remembrance of our time together.

I decided to make an Easel Card.  In thinking about what to include on them, I remembered that I had a cute Whale svg file - Yes, I know that although we commonly say that Jonah was swallowed by a Whale, it wasn’t actually a Whale, but a Big Fish…  This seemed a cute file to use - and I knew I’d change the spelling of the sentiment to go along with it - for a tad of humor.   “I WHALE-Y…enjoyed this study with you!”   I had some Wave .svg files and chose a simple one to include.

I inked some clouds in the sky.  I looked through my Many fonts for something ‘water-themed’ and then decided to use the Worms font in the sentiment, in keeping with the ‘worm that attacked the plant where Jonah found shelter and made it wither.’  The verse reference on the sentiment pad is Jonah’s prayer while in the Big Fish and one that could be applicable to my life and perhaps others who are in hard circumstances…  The ladies all loved the cards!  ;-}

Have you shared a creative ‘little something’ with friends who have encouraged You?