Email Subscription to My Blog...Health Update...and a Card!

Hello, precious friends! First of all, as many stampers already know, Feedburner will no longer work as of July 1. Feedburner takes all the emails of those who have subscribed to my blog and sends out a copy of my blog post. We bloggers are all scrambling to find another way to continue to serve our wonderful subscribers. My techie husband reviewed some of the free options, and I am trying this one first. It's quite the learning curve and one I am struggling with, so please bear with me. You may receive two emails for my blog until the end of June. I have a new "subscribe" block at the top righthand corner of my blog for new subscribers. I have already exported the subscribers' emails from Feedburner and imported them to Mailchimp. We shall see how that goes. (Note: For some of my friends who are not familiar with blogs, please do not "reply" to the email. I do not receive it because it comes from a "service," not me. The only way you can "reply" or comment on my card is to visit my blog and leave a comment at the bottom of my blog post.)

In the meantime, it's been another long period of time since I've posted on my blog, and there's a big reason for my absence. In early-December I had my semi-annual CAT scan and bloodwork that revealed a localized recurrence on my cancer. Needless to say, this is not what we had expected or hoped for. However, it was not a surprise to God. Everything that happens is filtered through His hands, and He closely and tenderly holds us through it all. I can truly say that God has given me a peace these last two years that I cannot explain. I've had times of real discouragement, but only God can provide what no person or thing can give -- a closeness to Himself that is true comfort and assurance that He is always with me on this journey, even in the darkest of moments. 

I started a new regimen of chemotherapy the week after Christmas, and I finished my last treatment on Wednesday, June 2. Yay! My last bloodwork showed that the tumor markers continued to go down, so that is a praise and answer to many prayers. I will have another CAT scan and bloodwork on June 21, and then we will get the results on June 23 and find out whether I will have short-term or long-term radiation (as long as nothing else has changed). I already do not miss the chemo and look forward to regaining my energy. God has provided me with such wonderful medical care. The doctors and the nurses are amazing, and my infusion nurse Paige is such an amazing nurse who takes such good care of me. What a blessing she is! We continue to pray for all of our medical professionals, and we tell them we do. It's my desire that they will see Jesus in me and hopefully see how I respond as a believer to my cancer. My beloved husband has been so caring and loving through all of our journey together and has been Jesus to me.

We continue to feel so blessed to be lifted up in prayer by family and friends around the world. Thank you so much for making us feel so very loved!

I have found some wonderful songs that have encouraged me during my most tired and weary times. One is by Keith and Kristyn Getty, "He Will Hold Me Fast." Oh, what deep and real comfort that no matter what happens to me in my life, Christ my Savior will hold me fast. If you've not heard it, you can listen to it here. It originated from an old hymn by Charles M. Alexander in 1906 based on Psalm 139:10. Psalm 139 is such a rich and wonderful Psalm of David.

...even there Your hand shall lead me,

and Your right hand shall hold me.

Psalm 139:10

What confidence we can have knowing that God is always with those who love Him -- and He is available to anyone who will ask for His help -- no matter how unworthy you feel. Jesus paid the price to make us right with God the Father. This verse should encourage us all as we encounter difficult times that He will hold us in His mighty hand. Everyone has hard times eventually, and God is available to all for strength to endure, comfort in our grief, and assurance of His love. 

*   *   *   *  *   *   *   *  

I have begun to color again, and it's been so relaxing and a blessing. I love to think about and pray for someone as I make a card, and the card below is a 50th birthday card for a precious friend at church. She is beautiful inside and outside, and I love her dearly. She loves peonies, so I enjoyed using different colors for the bouquet of flowers. I decided to stencil "wallpaper" behind the flowers and added a bold sentiment. It's a large image, so I am thankful for a set of A7-size dies so I could mat it with Purely Pomegranate and place on a white card base. Inside on the left, I stamped Proverbs 31:30.

Dear friends, I have missed you so much and hope to share more cards and the update after next week's appointment with the oncologist. Thank you for your love and prayers for us. Prayer is such a precious and powerful gift! May God continue to give peace, comfort, and strength to us all. May God Almighty be praised and glorified always! 

Blessings and love, sweet friends,

Stamps: Peonies (Art Gone Wild/Catherine Scanlon), Amazing You (Altenew), Precious Poppies (SNSS)

Paper: Solar White (Neenah), Purely Pomegranate (SU!)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Onyx Black (Versafine), Speckled Egg Distress Ink
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, A7 Layers dies (Waffle Flower), Woodblock Prints stencil (PTI), Mini MISTI, Gemini Junior die-cutting machine, Tombow Mono Liquid Glue

Techniques: Copic coloring, stenciling
Card Size: A-7

Power Poppy's Quiet Christmas Continues with Forest Fellas

 Hello, dear friends! Well, I jumped the gun and tomorrow (November 12) is the start of the second half of the release for Power Poppy's "Quiet Christmas" clear and digital sets. This one is so adorable, and it is sure to delight many. (I apologize for the mistake.)

After seeing this sweet stamp set, I knew which "fella" I had to color. Anyone who knows me well, knows my love for teddy bears that I inherited from my dear mom. I started with this piece of designer paper and colored this adorable bear, but then I always get stuck with layouts and actually making cards. So this is what I ended up with. Not my favorite card or colors, but it was still fun to make. I always relax when coloring (so I guess I need to do more of that -- especially since I am still rusty and a bit shaky). 

For my stamping friends, you will find this new stamp (clear and digital) at Power Poppy. 

Check out the adorable and sweet creations my dear Bloom Brigade teammates have shared along with what Marcella has to share about the "Quiet Christmas" Release on the Power Poppy blog. You are in for a delight! (Back later for the Bloom Brigade list.)

Jenn Dove

Sathya Kala

Leslie Miller

Christine Okken

Gloria Stengel

Barbara Campbell

Julie Koerber

Lisa Johansen

Broni Holcombe

Allison Cope

Saskia van den Berk

Barbara Walker

Cheryl Scrivens <you are here>

Marcella Hawley on the Power Poppy Blog

I'm not sure about you, but I definitely miss hugging. My dear dad was a hugger, and I inherited that gift and truly miss giving and receiving hugs. Even greeting others with our hands is something we miss today. However, I am comforted by the constant love of God my Father. There are times at night when I cannot sleep that I imagine being held in the arms of my Father. This is a precious verse from Isaiah.

He will tend His flock like a shepherd;

He will gather the lambs in His arms....

Isaiah 40:11a

No matter what we are experiencing, our Father in Heaven is always available. Just call to Him. That's what prayer is -- speaking to God, Who is infinitely powerful and always wants to help us -- especially during these difficult times.

Your friendship, love, and prayers are cherished. May God continue to give great peace, comfort, and strength to you. And may God always be glorified and praised!

Blessings, love, and big hugs, sweet friends,

Stamps: Forest Fellas (Power Poppy)

Paper: X-Press It Blending Card, Harvest Gold (PTI), Twelve Days of Christmas (Graphic 45), Scenic Route Paper Co. designer sheet

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Onyx Black (Versafine), Mustard Seed Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger)
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Stitched Rectangle STAX dies (MFT), Mini MISTI tool, Mini Perfect Layers tool, Blueberry Sky button (PTI), Perle Cotton #725, X-Press It adhesive tape, Tombow Mono Glue, Gemini Junior die-cutting machine

Techniques: Copic coloring, sponging
Card Size: 5"

Copic Markers: Bear – E30, E31, E35; Coveralls – B91, B95; Scarf – R27, R29, G07, G19; Mug – Y15, Y19, B91; Watch Band – Y15; Shoes – N8, N9; Grounding – N4, N1; Shading – BV20

Brand New from Power Poppy - Mossy Pots with Paperwhites

Hello, dear friends! It's time for a new release from Power Poppy, and it's called "Quiet Christmas" offering clear and digital sets that will surely delight all for Christmas and winter. Marcella Hawley continues to amaze us all with her creative artistry, and this release will not disappoint you.

After seeing this first new stamp set, I picked out some designer paper and used it as my color palette. I used this sweet little image and colored it (my favorite thing about making a card). After searching for some sketches, I adjusted one of Julee Tilman's Mojo Monday sketches into this one. I was delighted to use a sweet Twine with Bows die that Leslie Miller "enabled" me to purchase. This is the first time I've used it, and I think it worked perfectly. I even wrapped the "twine" around the layer so it really looks wrapped, don't you think? I'll definitely use it again. So here's is the second card I've made this year. (However, I have made some very simple cards for our SonShine Card Ministry at church, which has been great fun and fellowship!)

For my stamping friends, you will find this new stamp (clear and digital) at Power Poppy. 

Check out the fabulous creations my dear Bloom Brigade teammates have shared along with what Marcella has to share about the "Quiet Christmas" release. You are in for a delight! 

Jenny Colacicco

Leslie Miller

Broni Holcombe

Barbara Campbell

Nancy Sheads

Christine Okken

Gloria Stengel

Allison Cope

Cheryl Scrivens <you are here>

Stacy Morgan

Barbara Walker

Julie Koerber

Jenn Dove

Lisa Johansen

Catherine Anderson

Sathya Kala

Marcella Hawley on the Power Poppy Blog

If you have followed my journey this past year and a half, you know how thankful to God my husband and I are for all He has done for us. I continue to take a prescription iron pill to increase my iron level (and my energy level). I am scheduled for blood work and a CAT scan in early December. We continue to pray that any remaining cancer cells are gone. I had both cataract surgeries and look forward to getting a new prescription for eyeglasses soon.  

I love this passage from Philippians, which reminds me that the Lord is always with me. I don't need to be anxious about anything. It says to take all our requests to God, Who will give us peace through Christ. Given all that has happened this year, I'm sure each of us is looking for peace and calm. Only God can give us true and lasting peace and comfort, no matter what difficulties we face. 

The Lord is at hand;

do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

 let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God,

which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:5-7

I've memorized a lot of passages of Scripture this year, and Philippians 4:4-9 is one of them. So often I hear the passage above starting with "do not be anxious about anything." But the sentence doesn't start there. It starts with "The Lord is at hand." That's been a great comfort to me these past eighteen months knowing that the Lord is with me...therefore I don't need to be anxious. God promises that He will never leave us. May you be assured of His love and care as I have been...and take all your requests to Him, knowing that He is there for you.

Your friendship, love, and prayers are cherished. Prayer is powerful! May God continue to give peace, comfort, and strength to us all. May God Almighty be praised always! You are a great blessing to me and to those for whom you pray.

Blessings, love, and big hugs, sweet friends,

Stamps: Mossy Pots and Paperwhites (Power Poppy)

Paper: Solar White (Neenah), White (PTI), Riding Hood Red - retired (SU!), Sugar Plum paper pad (My Mind's Eye)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Stitched Shapes Framelits/Squares (SU!), Twine and Bows (Pretty Pink Posh), pearls (Martha Stewart), X-Press It adhesive tape, Tombow Mono Glue, Mini Perfect Layers tool, Gemini Junior die-cutting machine

Techniques: Copic coloring
Card Size: A-2

Copic Markers: Flower - BV20, YR31, YR30, Y000; Holly Leaves - G20, G43; Holly Berries - R35, R37; Blue Ornament - B0000, B000, BG53, BG72; Blue Ornament Top - Y28; Red Ornament - R00, R20, R21, R14, R32 (some R35); Shading - BG0000

Power Poppy's Healing Bouquet

Hello, sweet friends! Well, it was about time for me to try making a card again, and it felt like I forgot everything. Coloring was relaxing, but I am rusty and will have to keep practicing. Things have changed with my photo-editing program GIMP and the new Blogger, so even writing this post took extra time. Oh my! But after researching all the wonderful elements in Healing Bouquet, I did finish coloring this beautiful image and quickly found a die I had not used before. I finished it off by adding this sweet image from the clear set Always Here -- and breathed a sigh of relief but satisfaction in making a card again!

For my stamping friends, you will find this new digital image at Power Poppy. 

Check out these fabulous cards my beloved Bloom Brigade teammates have shared along with what Marcella has to share about the Fresh-Squeezed Scents Mini Release. You are in for a delight! 

Stacy Morgan

Christine Okken

Leslie Miller

Allison Cope

Broni Holcombe

Barbara Campbell

Jenny Colacicco

Gloria Stengel

Julie Koerber

Catherine Anderson

Lisa Johansen

Cheryl Scrivens <you are here>

Sathya Kala

Marcella Hawley on Power Poppy Blog

My husband and I are so thankful to God for all He has done for us this past year and a half. I am feeling much better but am on a prescription to increase my iron level (and my energy level). I am trusting that my next blood work will be fine and will see the oncologist in a couple of weeks. Then I hope to get a clear CAT scan after that. We continue to pray that any remaining cancer cells are gone. I had my cataract surgeries, and I will get a new prescription for eye glasses and am eager to see better. It's amazing how white everything is and how some colors have changed. 

I continue to love this precious verse from Philippians, which reminds me how we all can face each day no matter what God allows in each of our lives. I know there are many who are facing great loss, grief, sickness, along with dealing with the pandemic. The fires in California and the hurricane in the Gulf are heartbreaking, but God can give each of us strength to endure. May we each reach out to share the Hope we have in Christ and help in any other material way as well. 

I can do [endure] all things

through Christ Who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

I especially appreciated that my friend said "endure" in his text because it fit what I experienced. After my second surgery, I did not think I could go another minute feeling the pain. A very dear and precious friend came to the hospital and prayed for me asking Jesus to give me His strength to endure. I have learned this year that we can endure trials of any kind only through God's strength. Some are more difficult than others, but I assure you that God is always with us and will strengthen and encourage us -- and give us peace. God promises that He will never leave us. May you be assured of His love and care as I have been.   

Precious friends, thank you for stopping by. I have missed you and have continued to pray for you. I am thankful as God brings your names and situations to mind. Please feel free to email me with prayer requests and updates. I have found joy hearing about praise reports as well as updates. Your friendship, love, and prayers are cherished. Prayer is powerful! May God continue to give peace, comfort, and strength to us all. May God Almighty be praised always! You are a great blessing to me and to those for whom you pray.

Blessings, love, and big hugs, sweet friends,

Stamps: Healing Bouquet and Always Here (Power Poppy)

Paper: X-Press It Blending Card, Mellow Moss - retired (SU!)

Ink: Printer for digital image, Onyx Black (Versafine)
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Antique Frame die (Penny Black), Tombow Mono Glue, Gemini Junior die-cutting machine

Techniques: Digital images with GIMP and Microsoft Word, Copic coloring
Card Size: A-2

A long, hard journey, but slowly coming back!

Hello, sweet friends! It's been a long time since I have posted anything on my blog -- actually well over a year now. So much has happened in the last year, but through it all God has been faithful -- as He always is and will be.

Both my husband and I were in and out of the hospital and rehab last June and July. Walt had his second knee replacement surgery in mid-May and developed cellulitis and had antibiotic IV infusions. Then I ended up in the hospital in early-June and had Whipple surgery for pancreatic cancer (I was able to have Whipple surgery because of the location and the size of the tumor). After fifteen days, I came home to be with my husband who a few days later developed a staph infection in the knee that required more surgery. Several friends took turns staying overnight with me for five days, but I ended up back in the hospital for another five days unable to eat or drink. Walt had to have another round of IV antibiotic infusions three times daily and went to rehab to finish the treatment. Because I was so weak, I followed him to rehab, and we were there (just down the hall from each other) for more than two weeks before finally coming home and where he continued the remaining IV infusions. 

I started chemotherapy in August but had to have another major surgery for a small bowel obstruction in late-October and was in the hospital for another two weeks. After healing for more than a month after surgery, I resumed chemo and finally finished the six months of chemotherapy on March 18 -- not without numerous side-effects, some of which still linger. A month after completing chemotherapy, we praised God for the good reports from my blood work and CAT scan. The oncologist will follow me for two years with blood work every three months and a CAT scan twice a year. We will see where we go from there and are praying for complete healing.

It has been quite the journey, and there were times I truly wanted to give up. But we know that God was and is with us through all our trials and uses them to make us more and more into the image of Christ and increase our trust in Him. I am slowly regaining strength and energy, and I look forward to feeling better and more motivated.

Through this entire journey, we were covered in prayer by family and friends around the world and are so blessed to have such wonderful prayer warriors that continue to pray for healing and good reports. Thank you does not begin to express our appreciation for the many prayers, cards, gifts, flowers, and encouragement. We have felt so loved!

One of my sisters shared her favorite Scripture verse with me, and it has been a great comfort to me. 

It is the LORD Who goes before you.

He will be with you;

He will not leave you or forsake you.

Do not fear or be dismayed.

Deuteronomy 31:8

This verse should encourage us all as we encounter hard times. Each of us will certainly deal with hardship sometime during our lifetime. While the entire world has been dealing with the COVID-19 virus and unrest, God is always available to comfort and give us strength and hope. 

Another wonderful verse that encouraged me is a long-time favorite.

I can do [endure] all things

through Christ Who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

I especially appreciated that my friend said "endure" in his text because it fit what I experienced. After my second surgery, I did not think I could go another minute feeling the pain. A very dear and precious friend came to the hospital and prayed for me asking Jesus to give me His strength to endure. I have learned this year that we can endure trials of any kind only through God's strength. Some are more difficult than others, but I assure you that God is always with us and will strengthen and encourage us -- and give us peace. May you be assured of His love and care as I have been.   

Well over a year ago, I made this card that was never sent. However, it's been on my table as a reminder that God is always with me to give me strength and hope. My true hope is that I shall one day be with the Lord in Heaven, my real home. It's because Jesus has paid the price to make me acceptable to the Father when Jesus died on the cross for all my sins. I yearn for you all to know that kind of peace. This world is a mess and so flawed, but Heaven is a place where there is no more pain, no more suffering, no more tears, no more hatred -- and where we shall be with the Lord forever -- happier than we could ever imagine here on earth!

I found this digital image in my UFO box that I had printed from Rose and Chamomile and decided to finish coloring it and then fussy cut it to put it on a card with a sentiment. I remembered the beautiful decorative die from my dear friend Tracy, and I thought it would be perfect for this card. Doesn't it remind you of Battenberg lace? I cut the die in white and then traced the die on Rose Red and "loosely" fussy cut it. I traced the inside of the decorative die onto Rose Red and used it as a mat for the white layer. I used my Mini MISTI to add the sentiment from the Bridge Set, leaving room for the rose. I shaped the rose with my Empressor to give it dimension and popped it up with thin adhesive squares. I cut a card base that hides behind this card front. Using the clear set Everything's Even Rosier, I stamped the single rose in Rose Red inside at the bottom left, adhered it to the card front...and it was done. This card has encouraged me this past year and will be sent to someone who needs encouragement now herself.

We all have trials, difficulties, and suffering, and we should trust in God alone to guide, comfort, and love us through all circumstances that pass through the Father's loving hands. He promises to never leave us or forsake us.

Sweet friends, I have missed you so much. You have continued to be in my prayers, and I praise God for His mercy and for bringing your names to mind as I have prayed this past year. Even in my darkest moments, God has brought so many of your prayer requests to mind, and I have found joy hearing about praise reports as well as updates. Thank you for your friendship, love, and especially your prayers for us. Prayer is powerful! May God continue to give peace, comfort, and strength to us all. May God Almighty be praised always! You are a great blessing to me and to those for whom you pray.

Blessings and love, sweet friends,

Stamps: Rose and Chamomile and Everything's Even Rosier - retired (Power Poppy), Bridge Set by Dina Kowal (Impression Obsession)

Paper: X-Press It Blending Card, Solar White #110 (Neenah), Rose Red - retired (SU!)

Ink: Printer for digital image, Tuxedo Black (Memento), Onyx Black (Versafine), Rose Red - retired (SU!)
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Lacey Edge Rectangle die (Gina Marie Designs), Empressor tool, Mini MISTI, Thin 3D Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives), Tombow Mono Glue, white tape, red tape

Techniques: Digital images with Microsoft Word, Copic coloring, fussy cutting
Card Size: A-2

Bowl of Beauty

Hello, sweet friends! It's so good to post another card, and I enjoyed coloring it. I must say that I still feel a bit rusty. We continue to praise God for the healing in my hubby's knee and thank you all for your prayers. He is eager to get the other one done now.  

Today I am delighted to join my Power Poppy Instant Gardeners to introduce a new digital release that is truly beautiful! It's called Bowl of Beauty!

Here's what Marcella shares about this new digital image:

"The fourth installment of our café au lait bowl bouquets is filled with some of my favorite plants: hellebores, ferns, and a luscious tree peony with stems of Spanish bluebells. Of course, I had to call this Bowl of Beauty because I know that anyone coloring this one will bring forth beautiful results. A polka-dotted vintage bowl can be done in so many ways to compliment the flowers."

This new release comes with the bowl and without it, so I decided to use just this luscious bouquet, along with the digital sentiment from Rose and Chamomile. I started with the hellebores and then did the fern. The hardest part was deciding what colors to make each of the flowers and yet (hopefully) make the bouquet look cohesive. 

Once the coloring was done, I ended up finding a piece of card stock and used a Copic marker to coordinate with the Spanish bluebells. Here is clean and simple layout that allows this bouquet to take centerstage. 

This card is for a dear mom whose young daughter is on an MDS journey. The whole family is, and they continue to be upheld in prayer and other support by our church family and others. I trust that you will join us and pray for this family. 

We all have trials and difficulties, and we trust in God alone to guide, strengthen, comfort, and love us through all circumstances that pass through the Father's loving hands. He promises to never leave us or forsake us.

Is anyone among you sick?
Let him call for the elders of the church,
and let them pray over them,
anointing him [her] with oil in the name of the LORD.
James 5:14

Hop on over to the Power Poppy blog and see what delights Marcy is sharing about this stunning new digital release. You will also want to see what my teammates have to share (and our special guest Allison Cope of the Bloom Brigade). What gorgeous cards to inspire you!

Sweet friends, you have continued to be in my prayers, and I praise God for His mercy and for bringing your names and requests to mind as I pray. It's a joy to hear praise reports as well as updates. Thank you for your friendship and your prayers for us. May God continue to give peace, comfort, and strength to us all. You are a great blessing to me and to those for whom you pray.

Blessings, sweet friends,

Stamps: Bowl of Beauty, Rose and Chamomile (Power Poppy) 

Paper: X-Press It Blending Card, Almost Amethyst (SU!) colored with Copic marker B63, Textured White (Bazzill)

Ink: Printer
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, 6x6 Matting Basics B dies (Spellbinder), Mini Perfect Layers tool, red tape

Techniques: Digital images with Microsoft Word, Copic coloring
Card Size: 5 1/4"
Copic Markers Used: Hellebores - RV66, RV32, R30, YR20, YR000, YG03 (stamen); Ferns - G28, G24, G40; Leaves - G24, G24, G40, YG91, E31; Peony - R30, R32, YR20, YR21/RV32 (center); French bluebells - B63, BV17, RV00 (tips); Cast shadow - BV20