Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

Welcome! We are delighted to have you with us as we celebrate the Good News of our Savior's birth! If you've come from Kelly's blog, you are right on track! If you'd like to start at the beginning so you don't miss out, you'll want to head over to Heather's blog. We are a small band of blogging crafters who love God, and in the midst of all the seasonal festivities, we wanted to take some time to focus on the real meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ. Of course there's nothing wrong with hustling and bustling about to find the "perfect gifts" for our loved ones. But when you stop to think about it, there will never be a gift more perfect than the gift God gave us in Jesus.

Gifts for You!!!
Thank you sooooo much to our very generous sponsors who have made gift giving possible!
3 winners will be chosen (one for each store gift above) from comments on select blogs, but it is a secret as to which blogs the winning comments will be chosen from! Be sure to comment on all blogs so you don't miss out!!!

There also might be a little something for you hidden in this post, so keep reading : )

Happy Birthday Kaycee!
This is the card I made for a dear friend who lost her daughter last year. We celebrated Kaycee's 1st Birthday with Jesus on November 24, 2010. Kaycee loved birthday parties, so I had to include the embossed cupcake background as well as the cupcake charm! The dove, of course, is symbolic of the Holy Spirit -- Who lived within Kaycee -- and Who brought her safely into the arms of Jesus, where she celebrates in Glorious Style everyday! I love you, Deborah ♥♥♥

Miracles...
The last Hop I participated in was for Breast Cancer Awareness. I shared my own Breast Cancer story and journey of healing with many visitors. You can read more about it Here. This time, I'd love for you to sit back and relax while I tell you another story! If you love to hear about miracles, you won't want to miss this lol!

If you know me at least a little bit, you know that I can tell a pretty long story at times... but don't worry, I'll try to give you the condensed version hee hee!!!

The Voice of the LORD

As I woke up one morning, I heard the voice of the LORD. On most any other day, I would love to hear what He had to say, but not this time. He was direct and to the point: "You have cancer." I questioned Him, "LORD?" (hoping to hear a word of healing). He was faithful and DID tell me... "I AM healing you." Now what was I supposed to do with that? I was left to the silence of my bedroom.

Jesus Appears
*Fast forward A LOT* Jesus came to me while I slept one night. I was lying down with Jesus on my right side at my head. I felt something wet on my chest, wondering why I would be covered with water... As I looked, I saw that it was blood - not just any blood, but the BLOOD OF THE LAMB! I was so excited!!! These were the Words God spoke to me three years earlier, "Healed by the Blood of the Lamb." Then Jesus reached down into my abdomen and took something out. I was moaning due to the pain, but it didn't last very long. I saw Him leave as He moved to my left side past my feet.

You'd Think I'd Believe...
*More Fast Forwarding* One day a friend went with me to my doctor to find out the results of the biopsy. The doctor said that if it was cancer, I'd have to be referred to a Specialist, so this appointment would reveal the next steps. As we walked to the front door of the building, my friend reminded me that Jesus already healed me. I wasn't totally sure. Yes, God said He would heal me. He appeared to me in a dream where He removed something. But I could not be 100% positive that He had ALREADY healed me. I had gone through 'hell' with Breast Cancer and knew that sometimes God allows us to go through trials instead of delivering us from trials.

A Sigh of Relief
Oh blessed be the Name of the LORD!!! NO cancer!!! Praise You, Jesus!!!

*Even more fast forwarding* A complete hysterectomy was performed on me November 6, 2009. No uterus, no fallopian tubes, no ovaries... nothing - totally gutted! And now with no breasts, I've changed my name to Lawrence HA HA HA HA! Just kidding : ) Everything was checked for signs of cancer - not one single cell was found. Did Jesus heal me? OH YEA... Does He still perform miracles today? You betcha!!! Just ask me - I've got LOTS more stories...

I am eternally grateful that God has spared my life and for the witness He is allowing me to be for Him. Will I ever stop telling my story? Not as long as I have breath!!!

More Gifts
...and now... if you've read this far (I know, you started with coffee and a donut, and now it's time for dinner lol!) I have a little surprise for someone : ) Do you need a CRICUT cutting mat? I have a 2 pack (for use with paper sizes up to 6" x 12"). One mat has been used slightly, but is almost in new condition. I will also throw in some other goodies which might be paper, ribbon... If you'd like to receive this gift, enter by InLinkz below.

You, my friends, bring me such JOY! I am grateful for your friendship! Please accept this token of my love ♥


In case you get lost...

Heather
Catherine - Be sure to HOP to the very end... Catherine has a SPECIAL SURPRISE for those of you wishing to join us in celebrating Christ's birth by posting your own CHRISTmas creations!

Your next stop is Lorie ♥


May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul

30 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing your faith and the power of our healing God. He still does miracles today. Sometimes he just wants to see what we will do with it.

Angela
Simple Creations
simplecreations @live.com

Tami B. said...

What a beautiful & touching thing to do for your friend. Bless her & you too, and yes, I BELIEVE in miracles.

Simply AJ said...

Your card deserves one word... Beautiful!!! We do serve an awesome God... you are a testament to what wonders he can do! God bless you and thank you for sharing! AJ aj_822@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

What a stunning card!!! It's absolutely beautiful!

Debbi said...

What a beautiful card, and so meaningful. I'm sure that your friend will love it!
I love the reason behind this hop!! YAY for all of you who take part.
*smiles and God bless!*
debbi

Maria Matter said...

oh Lori this is just so gorgeous!!! and what a lovely gift for your friend!
A beautiful post hun, thank you for sharing!
hugs & blessings

Trina said...

What a wonderful story! And the card for your friend's daughter's birthday with Jesus is beautiful. What a lovely way to commemorate her passing...

grandmalee said...

What a fabulous card, and I really love all of the touching reasons for everything on it! You are suach a wonderful friend! Praise God for all of the healings He bestowed on you!

Danni said...

What a beautiful card!

Meera said...

What a stunning card, thanks for the chance to win some cricut mats too x

April said...

That dove is soooo great...I love the glitter the light colors and everything...just fabulous!

Tabitha said...

Yes my God is the same yesterday, today and forever. The miracles he did then he still does today. My daughter was healed this past week. She had an allergic reaction to something and had really bad swelling in her face. Today she is fine. Praise the Lord for his mercy and grace. Thanks for sharing your testimony Lori!

Amanda said...

What an incredible story! I'm so happy for you that you were healed! My mom went through ovarian cancer and is still here to tell her story too! :D It's a wonderful feeling! :D

Thanks for sharing the good news about Jesus' birth! Bless you as you celebrate CHRISTmas!

Kelly Schelske said...

This is just gorgeous Lori!

Sammi said...

What a beautiful card! I'm sure it willean a lotto your friend! Thanks for sharing your story! (hugs)
Sammi

Kristine said...

forget the Cricut cutting mat... I need a CRICUT! LOL! (kidding) Jesus provides all I [NEED]. Your card my dear is so gorgoeus! LOVE the dove and all the sparkle. Very lovely. Thanks for sharing your miracles. I enjoyed reading that. I too have had a hysterectomy (on my 30th birthday no less.) God is so good and is the Great Healer indeed. Have a Merry CHRISTmas!

kadie said...

Lori, your card is Beautiful (a wonderful tribute) and your post is so Amazing. Thanks so much for sharing the Lord's triumphs in your life and beyond. PTL!! Hugs

*Susan* said...

Your card is breathtaking, and it will surely be cherished by your friend. Thanks for sharing your miracles with us!

Lorie said...

Hi Lori!
What a stunning card, and beautiful post! Your witness and faith are such a wonderful blessing!! Thank you so very much for sharing!!

Hugs,
Lorie

Gin Oak said...

Thank you for sharing your story and the beautiful card. Christmas is often a hard time as people remember their family that have departed and so I appreciate your reminder about believers being in Jesus' arms. Thank you for being part of this hop.

sammi said...

Wonderful story and your card is beautiful. Thanks you for reminding us of the Reason For The Season.

Catherine said...

Can I request a monthly "Storytime with Lori"? I love reading your stories, and learning of the miracles God is working! Thank you for your testimonies, Lori! I always feel full of hope and soul-refreshed after reading one.

Your card is GORGEOUS! I love the addition of cupcakes in rememberance/celebration of Kaycee, and can only imagine the comfort they bring her mom. That charm is just yummy! But more than anything I love the symbology of the dove carrying Kaycee into Jesus' arms. All the glitz on the dove & the ribbon is beautiful!

Thank you soooo much for being part of the hop and sharing with us. May your holiday season be abundantly blessed.
(((HUGS)))

Ms. Earlgrey said...

Your card speaks from your heart,and it shows. Thank you for sharing.

Joan

Angie said...

BEAUTIFUL elegant card!

BUZZY BEE DESIGNS and GRAPHICS said...

LOVE the dove and all the sparkle
Rebecca Minor
buzzybeedesigns(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

~Paola~ said...

ohh Loriiii...this is such a wonderful,special card!sooo glittery and most beautiful for what it represents....U are a true inspiration! I am so glad that this 'special REASON blog hop' allowed me to get to know a bit about you...wish I had such GREAT STRENGH as U do...
*God Bless!!*
Paola

Heather D. ~ Fresh Brewed Designs said...

Thank you... that is about all I can think of to say is Thank you. For sharing your testimony of what God has done for you. Sometimes just reading someone elses story brings to light things God has done for you that you did not realize at the time. So again, thank you.

Your card is beautiful and even more so for who it was created for.

I just wanted to let you know that I am so honored to have been a part of this hop with you and been able to spread the love of Christ to others.

Merry Christmas!

"Kirby" (KrB) said...

Love your card for the hop, Lori, and loved your story. TFS!

Jeanette (Forest Ranger) said...

Your card is beautifully elegant and oh so wonderful!

Thanks for sharing your story, too! AWESOME!!!

Vickie said...

TFS the card is beautiful. Merry Christmas and God Bless

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