Wednesday, September 03, 2008

How About A Carameled Apple?

I luuuuuuuv carameled apples! There is nary a better sweet in the fall than one of these ooey-gooey treats!

Impression Obsession is the creator behind this uber-adorable clear stamp set called An Apple A Day which I got from Stamper's Dream...I love it! Not only is it fun to color (I colored mine with Copic Markers), it's fun to embellish too. I didn't have any fun beads to embellish my apples with, but I did add a few gingham checked ribbons to the apple sticks to punch it up a bit.


Can't you just imagine the adorable Halloween cards you can make with this set? I like the idea of a sweet Halloween message instead of a spoooooky message. This is a perfect set for those of you who like the sweets associated with Halloween but not the scary stuff like ghosts and witches, LOL. Carameled covered apples works for me!!!

Speaking of Stamper's Dream, Michelle is getting all the fun holiday stamps in! You really have to check out all the amazing news stamps from The Artful Stamper...like this adorable Christmas pup......or this AMAZING bird of peace (I've got to have this bird!!) stamp. Also new into the store are the newest Basic Grey 6x6 pads like Ambrosia (this is a must for me too) and Eva. Utterly delish. If you've been looking for these, head over to Stamper's Dream today to buy yours today.

Well, I'm happy to report the first day of school went off without a hitch. Youngest Son thought high school was so awesome! Eldest Son seemed somewhat disappointed that he didn't feel any different as a senior. I think it was sort of anti-climactic for him, to be honest. Of course, I was stuck signing a zillion pieces of paper last night stating that I understood the rules and regulations of the classroom and would accept full responsibility should my cherubs misbehave. I signed them, but if they misbehave, they're on their own to deal with the consequences, LOL. Just kidding.

I feel the need to update you all on a few things around here that I'm sure you are wondering about....

1. No, I have not heard anything back from the hospital. I do know through my girlfriend (who works there) that they have not hired anyone yet. The gentleman I had interviewed with took a few weeks off while he brother was dying. Apparently the brother did pass away last week, so the job has been relegated to the back burner.

2. Still no job for Doug. Things are very quiet...not a lot out there. We are both struggling to remain optimistic.

3. It has been nearly one year since Doug lost his job. I cannot honestly believe one year later we are still unemployed.

4. To all my BSF friends that read my blog.....I am sad to say that I have decided to resign as a Discussion Leader for BSF. To say I've struggled with my faith this past year is an understatement. After much reflection, I have come to the conclusion I am in no way able to shepherd other woman in their faith at this stage of my life. I need to focus on my own healing. So, my plan is to remain in BSF for my 7th year, but as a student, not a leader. I will focus on my own walk with God instead of shepherding others in theirs. We must all, at times, examine our spiritual walks, and this appears to be the time for me. I have peace about my decision. But I still feel guilty that I've struggled so much. I think as Christians, we feel that our faith shouldn't waver if we are firmly rooted in Christ. But I find comfort that Paul and many other disciples in the bible wavered at times in their faith as well, and they walked right beside his earthly flesh! But Christ knew their hearts were in the right place. And I know that my heart is absolutely in the right place, it's just a little battered right now. This is the best path for me. I have no desire to walk away from BSF or a Christ-centered life. It's just time to heal right now.

Bless you.

Hugs,
Amy

18 comments:

  1. This looks good enough to eat, Amy! Absolutely delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Darling card!! I love it and caramel apples too!! Yum, Yum!!

    Thanks for sharing...jackie

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am just a blog lurker and I rarely comment on all the stamping blogs I read, but I wanted to encourage you in your decision for BSF. I stepped down this year from being a Children's Leader to just attending. I'm looking forward to being fed without giving so much. Not that I didn't LOVE giving, but I am stepping into leadership in a different ministry and decided to focus my efforts there.

    I want to encourage you that even though this year has been such a hard year for you, you will look back and see such growth at the end of this trial. Some day, hopefully soon, your husband will be gainfully employed again and you will be able to chronicle God's working in your lives over the year.

    Thanks for being open about how difficult this time has been for you. That's not easy and I'm not always good at that, either. But, God is good and He's big enough to take your frustration, doubt, fear or even anger. You are growing. The growing pains are just hard.

    I'll be praying for your whole family, especially for a perfect job.

    Thanks for sharing your stamping, too!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love your honest heart, Amy. Good for you to take a break from leadership. Everyone needs to seek God for herself in issues like this, and you obviously have done that. However, when God leads us in a certain direction, we have NO REASON to feel guilt. If God does not condemn us, why then would we condemn ourselves? Be at peace in your decision.

    Many blessings,
    barb

    ReplyDelete
  5. Really cute card too!!

    Yum, yum. ;)

    barb

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hey Amy! Just thinking about you and your family. LOVE your delicious card today.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous12:24 PM

    Hi Amy, I rarely comment (mainly a lurker), but I wanted encourage you in your walk with the Lord. Just know that through our trials, our faith is strengthened, there are numerous examples of this throughout the bible, but Paul is a supreme example as he is in so many ways. Immerse yourself in the scriptures, and stay strong. God will bless you and your family for being faithful. Rest assured that God is in control. You and your family are in my prayers

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous12:48 PM

    Adorable card!

    Sending your hugs!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Fab colors. And I love the doodads on your caramel apples. Very nice.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I LOVE your card...the colors, the design, the details. Simply fabulous! Great post, too. Thanks Amy! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey girl! I wanted to let you know that your blog touched my heart today. I need to tell you that you have been such a huge inspiration to me not only with my stamping but also with my having the courage to talk about my faith in God. I know how hard it is when you are a supposed to be a leader but you are struggling with your own walk. I have been feeling that as a youth pastor's wife. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Thank you so much for taking the time to share what was on your heart. You have blessed mine in the process! You are truly amazing Amy and I value our "blogging" friendship! :D

    ((big hugs))

    P.S. Your card is fantastic! I am now seriously craving a caramel apple! :D

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous8:46 PM

    Your card looks so yummy that I could take a bight out of it!! :) You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers each day. God has big plans for you!!! Michelle :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Amy, I know God will honor your desire to get closer to Him by focusing on YOUR relationship instead of that of others with Him....take the time you need! Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh Amy, your family and my family have been going through so many of the same trials this past year.
    Not sure why, but through faith we know all will be ok.
    I will be praying for you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  15. First off, I really love your sweet caramel apple card!!! And secondly, I think you need to do what is best for you. You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers constantly. Hang in there......

    ReplyDelete
  16. Love the beautiful card.
    Remember that the Lord is with you with each step you take. Wishing a safe journey ahead for you.My prayers are with you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous12:16 PM

    It's funny how often I find myself praying for you and your family although we've never met! I don't comment much, but wanted you to know that there are people like "me" out there in the world walking with you in your life. This has been an incredibly difficult year for you and stepping down from leadership is not a failure on your part at all. I've done the same thing (stepped down from leadership to just be an "attendee") b/c I think that the Lord was asking me to take a year to figure out a direction so I plan to. Please don't feel "guilt" about it -- it's the whole "put the oxygen mask on yourself first" analogy. You inspire me creatively and you inspire me with your honesty. Only when we open ourselves up can others truly help and hold us up in prayer. Of course the opposite it true too (open up = pain) but we are only accountable to Christ in this life. Let us, your sisters in Christ, bless you with our specific prayers.

    On another note, I'm glad you have this creative outlet for yourself :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh...yum!! I am a caramel apple lover myself, and your apples look delish!!

    ReplyDelete

Blog Widget by LinkWithin