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Thursday, June 7, 2012

Stepping into the Stream

“It’s amazing what happens when we are willing to step into the stream!” Dawn told me this in an email about a week ago as I told her about sending cards to nursing homes for forgotten elderly people who never get any mail or visitors. I couldn’t stop. I stood at that stream and saw the flow slowly moving and I stepped in. I don’t often do that. And most often, I’m sorry I didn’t. But when I do, I get caught up in the currant and find out that God already had this stream prepared with others who were willing to step in, do their part, until we all spill into an ocean where we see an enormous job completed by the most unlikely people in the most unlikely places with unique gifts to bring and talents to use.

Here I am. Just little, old me with not much to offer. Just a ton of weary, old craft supplies that I’ve saved over the years. Just a week or two ago, I planned on throwing it all in the dumpster. Simplify. Clean up. Travel light. Streamline. All the words thrown at me when I complain about my . . . . . .junk. I’m looking for the right word here. My parents were Dutch and they always used a word for junk lying around that looked messy and random. I don’t know how to spell it, but the phonetics would be “RUM-a-lah!” We all just knew what it meant: Toys scattered across the floor, books and papers strewn on the bed, or clothing not hung up or put in drawers. And that’s what all my crafting stuff is beginning to look like because I’m out of room. Rum-a-lah!

But the card thing. . . . It grabs me and won’t let go. I have all I need to send out tons of cards --- cardstock, envelopes, paper, die cut machine with tons of dies, rubber stamps --- you name it - I’ve got it.

So I get on eBay to find some ideas -- fresh stuff that will help me out. I find this one seller with the most beautiful of cards I’ve ever seen. I place my bids on about 10 of them. I couldn’t stop! After winning most of them, I email her and tell her what I’m doing, and can I purchase about 25 cards? I figured after I drool over them for a while, I would attach my own poems on the inside and take them to the nearest nursing home. Then, I receive an email back.

Here is someone else that is willing to step into the stream! She loves the idea and is sending me 25 handmade cards --- get this --- for free!!!!

I tell some friends about this and how I used old cards and cut the pictures, etc., and recycle them into new cards, and they are collecting up cards for me. More people stepping in the stream!

So here I am, busy as an excited little beaver, cutting away. My cards are cut, I have piles of coordinating stuff, I’m stamping, gluing, feeling like a third grader with glue sticks, LOTS of glitter, punches, coloring pens, etc., etc.

The real thing is --- I’ve always wondered how I could use my poetry in an effective, more reaching way. Why didn’t I think of cards like this?

Several people have asked to see the cards, so I’m putting some pictures here. I can’t believe this gal makes these cards so beautifully. If you want to buy some, you can find her on eBay here:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/scrappygalore/m.html?item=290720649424&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&rt=nc&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649&_trksid=p4340.l2562

35 comments:

Dee said...

Cora...thank you for sharing how others are stepping into the stream with you...I had something similar happen to me years ago...and I got so excited. I can see the Lord smiling down upon you as he leads people to help support and encourage your card ministry. Like you said ...it grabs a hold of you and won't let go....Your poetry will be such a blessing to those in the nursing home...I am so happy for you. Have you ever thought of going to a nursing home and reading them some of your poetry....maybe showing some pictures with them?

Farida said...

The act of sending cards especially to those who badly need it will surely boost their morale and will be tremendously happy. I still have a stack of four boxes of DMC threads when I was engrossed with cross-stitching many years ago and created also small items with their initials on it and gave away to friends.

Continue spreading joy in other people's lives. :)

By the way, I chanced upon your site through Dee's and I hope to come back for more inspiring reads!

Take care, Farida :)

KathyB. said...

What a wonderful idea, what a generous Ebay seller, what lovely cards!

I am thinking about the stack of card crafting materials I have upstairs...

BTW, I think the Dutch word you used for too much stuff cluttering up the place certainly SOUNDS like what it is meant to imply.

Debbie said...

You are a talented card decorator and what a wonderful way to use them! I love that idea!
Debbie

Paula said...

This chain of happy events is amazing, Cora... who knew so many people would be so willing to jump in with you?
You are an inspiration, dear friend.

dsblanchard said...

Dear Cora,

Paula over at the Fraker farm said, "who knew so many people would be so willing to jump in with you?" We are beginning to know, aren't we? God promises to be with us when we step out of the boat of comfort in faith. We are living proof that His promises are true. The east coast of the US will never be the same.

I won a pumpkin from Paula last fall. I will never forget her generosity to me. My Mickey claimed the pumpkin and I didn't want to give it to him so I had to go to the pet store and buy him his own pumpkin. I smile everytime I see his pumpkin in his toy box.

Cora, I love you like a sister. I think Dee is really onto something with you reading your poetry to residents when you visit. Your poems reach to the depth of a person's soul. The elderly have depths that few can know because they have lived so long. Your poetry would be able to reach those deep places. I really believe Dee's comment is a word for you.

Wrapping my arms around your neck and giving you a big hug,
Dawn

Aritha V. said...

Such a great idea!

Patrinas Pencil said...

Cora,
This is definitely such a great idea. I know the flow. I used to have a card ministry too. What a blessing - to be able to bless other people like this - with an encouraging word.

If you meet those that you give the cards to, you will also be presented with the opportunity to pray with and for them.

I've worked with seniors for 14 years. Now I am one :) A little bit of encouragement goes a very long way with them.

I think God sent me to your post tonight because my daddy needs your encouraging words. I'm going to email you separately to see if you will send him one of your cards with a special word from God for him.

I so appreciated your encouragement at my place a month or so ago. Thank you for your words...Thank you for being you.

hugs, Patrina <")>><

Leaon Mary said...

Cora I just love how all of this has unfolded. I have a feelin it's just the beginning and maybe you'll never know this side of heaven how the ripples in the stream will keep affecting others....
;)
holykisses xoxo
Lea

Thistle Cove Farm said...

love the visual of stepping into the stream. God's blessings on you, yours and the work of your hands and heart.

Jerralea said...

I love it! You are using your talents and abilities to encourage others. I can just see Jesus being so proud of you! That's really all He asks, is for us to use whatever talents He gives us to bless others.

I also like the imagery of others stepping into "the stream."

Southern Gal said...

What a wonderful way to spread sunshine to those who need it most! Just lovely.

Vicky said...

Oh Cora- girl-this is awesome! I hope you begin to see yourself as more than "little ol you." God works mightily through you and you have a gift of connecting the dots for all of us to see! Thank you friend for inspiring us to use what may be at our very own fingertips!

WhiteStone said...

Oh, so lovely! And a wonderful use of your talents...to love those who may not have someone to love them.

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

She as with you has a giving heart and talented just like you. You gave me the idea where to contact to see if I can get de-clutter my art room. A gift that will keep on giving.

If you see I am re-following you, know that you somehow got kicked off my follow list while I was away on break. ??? have not idea how that happen.

my little cottage said...

nice ppost thanks for sharing blessings

Unknown said...

Clever ideas make friends happy!

Anonymous said...

nice post...thanks for sharing ...i found your blog thrue other followers...looking for to visit more..blessings

Anonymous said...

Dear Cora! I am so glad to see that you are stepping out on a new journey with God; what a beautiful idea! You may not remember me, we have been blogging friends in the past. Anyways I am back and starting fresh with God leading the way!

Debra said...

Just stoppin' in to say howdy~hope all is well with you. I love you.
~Debra

Craig said...

nothing new for so long – I get worried when you don't write for so long – we all know I've had my little battle – I hope yours is not about a battle – maybe you're just busy cutting and pasting and glittering all your pretty little cards – I think you can make awesome cards – I love your poetry – YOU are such a girl! :-) I'm not quite out of the rabbit hole yet – but I'm glad I was able to poke my head up long enough to come leave this note for you. God bless you and Cora!

Denise said...

Hello my friend.. What a blessing you are and have always been.. I have been absent for so long I almost feel like a stranger here..... What a wonderful idea the cards are....What wonderful blessings your are giving.. Love ..... it never fails....... I might have to round up some cards to send your way.. I have so many that were from Mom and Dad that I just cannot throw away...... maybe recycled it what the Lord would have me do.......... You inspire me...

Craig said...

Dear Cora,

hey you - stop being invisible!!!!!! :)

Love Craig

Denise said...

I am back and ready to blog and hear all about your life.. Have missed talking to you and now am ready. The Father God has brought me through a great darkness and HE has delivered my soul when I really did not want to be delivered. What a God we serve.. Thinking of you and hoping to get caught up on some of the things you have been doing in your life....

Patrinas Pencil said...

cora, been missing you too. i wanted to report that my sister says your card to my daddy was very sweet. I have not seen it. I do not live where they are. But what an encouragement you were... to know that someone they didn't even know..sent such a sweet blessing their way. Thank you for giving to the Lord! You are a LIGHT in the darkness.

hugs,
patrina <")>><

Anonymous said...

Cora, I am so looking forward to getting to know you through blogging. Thank you for your welcome to blogland. I am still learning and hopefully will pick up as I go along. Glad you liked my pics. Blessings to you.
Love
Jeaniexx

Farmhouse Blessings said...

Beautiful!

Debra said...

Dearest Cora~
Your comment at my blog left me in tears. I don't think you realise just how much YOU do touch peoples' lives. So many times I got a life line from what you wrote.
I don't know what else to say-but I love you so much, and thank you so very much for what you wrote.

ByLightOfMoon said...

Hi Cora,

I love what you are doing with your poetry! What a fabulous idea how to share them. I have boxes of cards also. What a great way to use them!

I have featured your blog on my Pinterest links of Favorite Blogs!
Smiles, Cyndi

Pinterest
http://pinterest.com/bylightofmoon/
http://pinterest.com/frstyfrolk/

Debra said...

Happy Thanksgiving dear friend. I miss your blog posts....Please give Buster a big hug for me.
I love you.
Debra

Anonymous said...

nice post and blog thanks for sharing found you thrue other bloggers..blessings

ByLightOfMoon said...

Your books are beautiful Cora and your poems have always been lovely!

Smiles, cyndi

Denise said...

Thinking of you today girl.... Wishing you well.

Wise Hearted said...

What a great idea, make and send those cards. My mother is in a nursing home and she would love a pretty card. God bless your ministry

Patty Sumner said...

I just dropped by to re-read your last post. You are always sooo encouraging. This just reminds me that God has a plan for all of us. I needed to be reminded of this today. Regardless of who we are or what we can do, our willingness to serve is all He wants...We just need to serve and allow Him to take care of the rest...thanks Cora! BLessings!