Blessed.

Wow. Am I ever blessed.

Regardless of what's been happening in my life lately, I am blessed to have this blog. It's hard work, it's time consuming, and technically, it's a pain sometimes. But the good things about it totally outweigh the bad, by like a zillion to one.

This blog has afforded me a platform on which to hone my writing skills. It's afforded me a platform in which to grow and improve my card making skills. And, most of all, it's afforded me a platform by which I am able to touch people's lives and maybe, just for a minute or two, make a difference in the life of someone who may have read my blog that day. I didn't start out trying to inspire anyone or make people think in different ways. But I am SO thankful, that for whatever reason, it seems I was able to inspire at least a few people who stop by each day. The idea that I was able to do that makes this all worth it. If I can help someone grow in any way, be it creatively, personally, spiritually, or emotionally, I am the one then who has been blessed! Me! You have blessed me!

You have blessed me with your kind words. You have blessed with encouraging words. You have blessed me with your beautiful artwork in the form of RAK's. If I can give just a little of that back to you, then I am happy. I don't think I'll ever be able to return to you everything you've given me. Thank you for cheering me on, thank you for lifting me in my grief. Thank you for coming back, day after day.

So why the emotional outpouring of words today? I've just got done reading a few of the wonderful RAKs I received this week from some of my very faithful readers and friends.

Like this one from Colleen Manning. Colleen won my Business Card Contest a month or so ago, and sent this card as a thank you. She included a really long, wonderful note of encouragement acknowleging my husband's job loss. And then she went on about how my blog is one of her "must reads" every day. She encouraged me to have faith, and that everything will be alright. Thank you Colleen. The card is beautiful, but your words more so.

This card is from Bethany Paull. Bethany and I go "way back" to when Bethany was first thinking about starting a blog. I think I pm'd her at SCS and told her she needed to start a blog because her work was so wonderful. Little did I know she was already toying with the idea of becoming a blogger girl. I'm so glad she decided to bite the bullet and jump in with both feet. Her blog, It's Not All Black & White is one of my favorites. You can tell by this card why that's the case. Check out this bucket of apples....Wow is all I can say. Her coloring is amazing, her shading spot on. Thank you Bethany, for lifting me up when I was down. Remember by reaching out, you not only help heal someone else, but a little bit of you gets healed in the process. I know you are fighting your own battles right now too, so thank you for stepping out of your own pain for a short minute to reach out to someone in need. Hugs.

Nary a day goes by that I don't get an upbeat comment from my blogging girlfriend "Jenn in GA"! Jenn Nahrstadt that is. She is one of my faithful followers, and I find myself looking forward to hearing from her each day. She is always encouraging. She sent me this amazing "card frame" for lack of a better word. It doesn't actually open, but stands upright because of the "stand" she attached to the back of the card. Genius, pure genius! The verse is one that is meant to lift me up during these sad days. I will have it right in front of me, next to my computer, to remind me of my true source of refuge each day. Thank you Jenn.

My new blogging friend and fellow Verve teammate Shannan sent me this amazing card. Everything about it screams "Be Cheerful!!!!" Shannan thinks I have inspired her these past few months with my "bravery, strength, and optimism toward the many hurdles" that have come my way lately. But the truth is, Shannan inspires me with her openness and eagerness to wrap her arms in comfort around a virtual "stranger" in need. That is inspiring. Shannan is a true SIC (sister in Christ)! Thanks Shannan!

Wow, I received the most beautiful card today from a sweet woman who lives so close to me! Gretchen Belknap wrote me the sweetest, kindest note in this beautiful card she sent after the death of my MIL. She has faithfully followed my story of Muriel's struggle over the past few months, and wanted to let me know she was saddened to hear of her passing. How kind of Gretchen to take time out of her busy day to write to me. Her words leave me speechless. It is so comforting to know I've had so many people praying for me and lifting my family up during these difficult months. Thank you, Gretchen.

And finally, my good and faithful friend Julee sent me a sympathy card to let me know she was thinking about me. Julee told me it's ok to grieve and be less than enthusiastic about the mundane things that keep moving on in life. Julee's heart is with me and that gives me such great comfort. Thank you Julee. You are a class act and another SIC. Hugs to you.

So friends, that's why I needed to write this post today. I needed to acknowlege my blessings. They are abundant, even in times of trouble. It just takes a little more of a concerted effort to look for them amidst the sadness. But I did it. It wasn't hard, but I only just scratched the surface. It feels good to know I'm not alone and that through this blog, I have somehow been able to inspire a few of you a fraction as much as you've inspired me.

Hugs,
Amy