I talked to a sweet friend yesterday and it was just a reminder that we all go through tough times. I’m heartened by how easy it is to pick up the phone, to dash off an email and yes, to send a card. I’m indulgently proud these days of living in the moment, because I’ve discovered that the essence of who we are is often captured in that moment. In the past I didn’t always get it right. These days, I’ve expanded my reality, my compassion and my empathy enough to know that when someone needs you, they need you right now – not when you get a break, not in between big jobs and not when you’re in the car and have nothing else to do. All this to say, I think I’m living in a sweet place. When my kids call, I stop what I’m doing to listen without distraction. When dear friends call, busy work shuts down. My mom has taken to talking on Skype and I video chat with her often. I am teaching her computer skills and computer confidence across the miles – and really, being impatient is not in the equation. To sum it all up, I might not always have the most productive day, but I have a most productive heart :-)
My card today reflects my heart. I took my time to craft this for a friend that I sincerely want to know that better days are ahead. I pulled bits and pieces of my very favorite things, the crafting tidbits I lean on and she will know it when she opens the envelope. You have these things too – the things that feel right when you hold them in your hands and lay them out. My style has evolved to many flavors of romantic and beside the words of hope I’ll write inside, I pray it says, I care.
Because you always ask . . . The card base is make using a script printed paper from Carta Bella from their Amour Paper Pack. I printed vellum using a digital paper from a sweet friend with an Etsy Shop – Iralamija, and trimmed with a scallop edged border die. To compliment, on top I added Spellbinders Fleur de Elegance and topped with Spellbinders Classic Ovals LG. Behind the vellum to give me base to glue and add foam dots behind, I used Spellbinders Pierced Rectangles. To finish off, I used Spellbinders Mary Border down the left side for a feminine touch.
I often come here with a purpose and silly me, don’t think anyone wants to know any of the background. Thank you for letting me be me, and thank you for letting me tell you what was on my heart today.
Rubber Stamps: Wordsworth – Comfort Collection
Craft Paper: Neenah Classic Crest – Solar White – Cover – 80lb smooth, Carta Bella – Amour, Iralamija
Ink: Amuse Studio – French Roast, Ranger – Victorian Velvet
Accessories: Spellbinders Fleur de Elegance, Spellbinders Classic Ovals LG, Spellbinders Pierced Rectangles, Spellbinders Mary Border, May Arts Ribbon, Recollection PearlsTouch the lives around you sweet friends. You touch mine; you make me a better person and I hope I inspire you to reach out to someone who needs you right now.
Beautiful card, Becca; feminine and heart warming. I had a problem with the supply links, however. They don’t seem to match the card. When I clicked on Spellbinder Deco Lux, I was taken to Quietfire.?? The blue was not apparent to me. I wouldn’t have mentioned it, but I often use them to find the beautiful things you’ve used.
Sorry about that Earlene, they should all be correct now. If not, refresh your screen and the new links should be there :-)
Thanks!
Becca, I just love this card and what it means. I too am going through a tough time at the moment with my Dad having just been diagnosed with liver ca., and to see this message on the front of your card, meant a lot, and also reminded me that yes, people are praying out there. So, Thank you!
Dear Becca,
Thank u for posting such a beautiful card. I am also doing the same thing and it is for a very sweet friend. I dont get many phone calls from my friends back home except her. This card is just what she needs. Good job. Everything on this card is so beautiful
Hugs
Kay
Becca, you have the biggest heart of anyone I know. Your friend is blessed to have you in their lives. I’m sure they’ll love the sentiment and fact that you put your heart into the card.
What a card – and what a sentiment!! I pray that your friend finds true comfort in knowing that she is in your prayers. Praying for someone is the most we can do at times, but I’m sure that a card with such a sentiment will be an ever present blessing – a reminder that the person is truly held in prayer :o)
Bless you, Becca.
Hugs
Anne(UK) x
Thank you for sharing your productive heart. You have inspired me to send a few cards today to some special people who have been on my heart and in my prayers. I was waiting for the right moment to write. Ha. If I keep waiting, the moment of their need will pass. So silly. Your productive heart is contagious.
Heart felt care is always welcome.
Prayer is our biggest weapon against discouragement, it is what sustains me everyday!
I loved the card Becca!
Oh my, Becca, I too had a similar situation, but your heart is able to express your caring and your talent to convey that caring. You are absolutely right about being in the moment with those you love. We never know when we won’t ever see them again. Just returned from a three week trip to see family and friends in Texas. That also included an unexpected funeral of my husband’s brother. Much too young he was. As soon as time allows I will send his wife a proper card. Just as you have done.
God bless you and please, please always let us know how you do what you do and what is always on your mind. You have a special gift, Becca, that conveys so much love and caring…in your words and in your creating! Hugs, Sara
This is exactly why I love your heart so much.
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I, too, can use Prayer today but even as much as I do need them too, I am asking for a dear neighbor Julie who is currently going through treatment for Colon Cancer, Hepatitis C Treatment and Cirrhosis of her liver. I am going to meet with her now.
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Will be praying for your Friend as well {{{hugz}}}
Your card today is lovely! I’m always drawn to pink but this card has an elegance that definitely draws the eye in. I think I have all these dies so I’m going to create my version (might have to substitute the Mary border die to something similar). I’m excited to get to it but appreciate your reminder that it only takes a little effort to reach out.
Nothing says “I care” more than a handmade card that you have poured your heart and soul into, topped off with “your” special embellishments that you cherish and hold onto for that special perfect card!!!
This card will certainly make your friend feel special, loved and cared for.
Becca you are “one of kind, kind hearted lady!”
???
Hi, Becca,
I love the way you wrapped the ribbon around the sentiment. It conveys a feeling of embracing the recipient in love and care. Beautiful for the eyes, the heart and soul.
Don’t ever change being you! Amazing Paper Grace so wonderfully captures those things that keep me connected to your blog – exquisite craft, and your generous, loving heart.
Love and blessings,
Sandy
Good morning Becca, another stunning
Don’t know what happened there?
Have a good one!!!
Loopy Lyndaxxx
Some of us really look forward to finding out all the details of your beautiful cards, Becca, including the backgrounds. Again, thank you for sharing with us.
Hi Becca,
WOW! Simply stunning, such a beautiful creation from such a beautiful person, and you really are, inside and out. Its a pleasure knowing you even though we have never met but you are such an inspiration to all who enter. Thank you my friend.
Love & hugs
Jacquie J xxx
I am fully convinced without any doubt that the best thing we can do for some one is to pray for them. Not as a last resort but as the first thing we do. God is awesome. Thank you Becca, you are such an inspiration . I don’t write often but I make sure to visit your site almost every day. May God bless my cyber friend and her family. Hugs…. Denice
Becca, This card is stunning and the sentiment I’m Praying For You is a beautiful testament of faith for someone regarding health issues, family issues or life in general issues. Maybe salvation issues? Thank you for sharing it. It is beautiful.
Love in Christ,
Ramona
Lovely card…and a good reminder to just get those cards out – a few minutes a day for a phone call or a note isn’t much on my end, but can mean so much to another. Thanks, Becca, and thanks for being you and sharing with us.
Hi Becca,
What a beautiful gift you have for expressing in words what so many of us need to hear. It is wonderful to read your words of wisdom. It has taken me so many years to learn that living in the moment is the best gift we can give not only to others but for ourselves as well.
Thank you!
Sweet Becca, how special you make me feel when you share your feelings and what you are doing in your life as well as sharing your ideas and beautiful designs. When you share those feeling, ideas and designs, you make me feel like we are dear friends. I thank God for your friendship and wish we were neighbors! Today you have shared wise words with us here on your blog. Praying for your friend peace and strength.
Becca, Thank you for sharing your beyond-a-doubt beautiful card. Anyone would feel instant comfort and love receiving this card. I especially appreciate your share on how you are now “living in the moment.” We all need a gentle reminder at times to cherish the things that really matter–the simple, ordinary, everyday things. Time flies past us way too fast, and we find ourselves missing special moments that could greatly enrich each and every day. Thank you for the reminder. God bless you always.
Becka, You really struck my heart when you made this one as I am having surgery in the morning. It is a beautiful card.
Becca this card is absolutely beautiful but what’s even more beautiful is that you created it for your friend. I know your friend will be so happy when she gets this card.
I love the message that you’ve posted. It is such a great reminder of what’s really important in life..the priority..not jobs not money but family and tried and true friendships. Thanks Becca for your wonderful spirit.
The card is really beautiful, I’m sure your friend will LOVE it!! It’s great you can take the time to listen to the people who are in your life, I try to do this too when someone calls or texts to “talk”, as much as I can. Thankfully, usually I do have the time too. Thanks for sharing your beautiful card and what you used to make it!
This card is beautiful Becca.
Your friend will be blessed to receive your card.
You are doing exactly want God wants you to do.
Blessings to you.
Thank you Becca….I took your card personally as I truly have a need of prayer right now. It is definitely an encouragement and again, I thank you!
Paper Hugs,
Jan
Very wise words about being available when needed, Becca. Very pretty card too. I pray that your friend will be encouraged.
What a wonderful way to show you care! Lovely!
Morning Becca, This is a very beautiful card, straight from your heart.
Lots of love from Patricia xx
A very lovely touching card Becca, You always inspire and send love from the heart.
God Bless.
Elaine H X
Your post is moving today and true. A friend last her husband a month or so ago. She lives at the other end of the country so I’m not able to visit but I drop her a lin or a card whenever she is on my mind and she so appreciates it. Prayer is so important and as Denice said – make it the first resort not the last resort! Hugs Christine xx
What a lovely card for someone to be reminded how special they
are to you and how much you care !
You are special thank you for all you do for everyone .
I have been to see a lovely friend to day who is recovering from chemotherapy it was lovely to see her looking so much better she has been so brave.
Her hair is growing back and curly as well and a smile on her face and a sparkle
back in her eyes God has heard our prayers hugs pamxxxxxx
It´s because you are who you are, that we all love you and your work soooo much Becca. I´ve often found a lot of comfort in your entries, if I´ve felt down because of a crazy health, that don´t always follow the way, I wish it would, and it´s always a joy and bring peace to come here and see your lovely and amazing work and hear all you have to say. It makes me know, that even I feel down,and bad, there´s always some out there who´s doing far worser than me, and knowing what you´ve been through in life, have helped me get past my own challenges more than once, so please never stop being you, cause we love you just the way you are, and todays card is just as amazing as always, and I´m sure, your friend is just going to love it, and it´ll definitely put a little smile on her face too.
I love your work. I also appreciate the way you present your cards. Love the background you chose to showcase your cards. It gives me lots of inspiration. Thanks for all you do.
What a beautiful card. Great way to show you care about you someone.
Another beautiful card
Kathleen
Hi Becca. Beautiful card as always. TFS. I am sure it will be appreciated.
This card is so beautiful as is the sentiment…you are a great friend.
Because you have a beautiful heart ??
My comment should have read… Becca you have a beautiful heart ??
Oh Becca!!! I am so in love with this card!!! I really LOVE how you printed my paper on Vellum I love to do that too!!! the papers look so soft and beautiful! thank you so much for sharing!!!!
Another beautiful card wrapped around another beautiful sentiment! When I have a need, and someone says “I’m praying for you” – they are the most endearing words to my heart. My grand daughters beau was tragically killed yesterday in an accident at dawn while traveling to work – she is devastated! How does one know what to say at times like these? “I’m praying for you” says it all! Thank you for the reminder.
Hugs Dianne
Becca, your words really brought a tear to my eye today. Tears of joy, that is. It just sounds like a wonderful place to be when you live in the moment, follow the Spirit’s guidance and react to what is immediately that the Lord places before you. What a blessing you are!!!!!
Your card is gorgeous and once again, I love your creativity in using the dies and papers to meet your design specifications. Brilliant.
Hello Becca,
What a wonderful card with a heartfelt sentiment. Your friend will be so appreciative. This is a stamp that covers a lot of occasions.
Keep encouraging your mam, my daughter helps me – but I am a little slow at times!!!
Maureen xxx
Love the border on the left side!
Becca,
Both your card and your words are lovely. The wisdom of living in the moment reminds me so much of my sweet grandmother who always had time to talk and to play. She told me when my son -now twenty- was a baby that I should enjoy every moment because he would be little only for a little while. She was right and I was blessed by her wisdom.
A beautiful and elegant card!
Love the way you have used the border strip die along the left side :))
Thank you so much, Becca, for sharing both the card and your thoughts <3
Hi Becca
Beautiful card as usual and a heartwarming post too x X X