Saturday, August 20, 2011

Giving It to God

This week has been a rough week. We found out that a neighbor of ours was just diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer on Tuesday and yesterday found out that a dear friend died from a massive heart attack. I try to put myself in my friends’ shoes and think about what I would do if I were a single mom and then I have to stop myself. I am a firm believer that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle, but some days that is definitely an easier message than others. And

We’re also trying to talk openly and honestly with the boys about what is happening. On Tuesday night, Jonathon overheard us talking about our friend with cancer. He is extremely sensitive and thoughtful. He came in, “Mom what does mission 4 cancer mean?” His big brown eyes were about to flow over with tears. “Honey, it’s stage 4. It means that the cancer is in a lot of places.” I then asked, “Does that make sense?” His reply, “Yes, but it just makes me so sad.” We talked for a while about faith and praying for others, telling them in person that we love them, will help as best we can and send them cards letting them know we’re thinking of them.

About a half hour later, I went upstairs to kiss Jonathon good night. He was crying in bed. I asked him, “honey, can we control that our friend has cancer?” “No mom, I know we can’t but I’m still very sad.” “So, what do we need to do? I asked.” And he just looked at me. I tried to explain that “We need to give it to God. This is what faith is all about.” God has a plan for all of us.

Boy…faith is hard at times like this for me…let alone walking in my dear friends’ shoes. I will pray for them, stand faithfully by them, continue to make sure my family and friends know I love them and try my best to give both the good and tough times to God.

Here is a quick card appropriate for my thoughts today as well. The back panel is dry embossed with the PTI Linen Impression Plate.  Not sure if the picture will show it as well I would like it too.  I'll probably play along again with the CAS-ual Friday's Challenge as I am loving impression plates!
 Ingredients:  Verve New Mercies Stamps; SU Daffodil Delight and Pool Party Cardstock; Cosmo Crick DSP; SU Basic Black and Daffodil Delight Ink; Martha Stewart Glitter; Kaiser Kraft Gems

23 comments:

Jay Gee said...

So hard to explain all this to children, but it sounds like you are doing a wonderful job. Your card is lovely, that sentiment is so appropriate.

Els said...

So sorry to hear you are having a hard time!
Love your card! Very elegant!

Arlene said...

Sorry to hear about both situations...you are right, just give it to God. It's so hard to explain to kids about these types of situation but it sounds like you had it under control! This is such a beautiful card and perfect for these types of situation.

Aimes said...

Oh Lynn what sad news :( It's tough to keep faith when so much sadness surrounds us sometimes but it seems like your doing a fabulous job keeping it *and* educating your boy about it.
Your card is so uplifting with those colours. The glittered strip is perfect and your bling is positioned perfectly (I'm still learning how to do that trick!) Once you use that impression plate you know there's no turning back, right?!
Sending you lots of hugs and keeping your close ones in my thoughts!
Aimes
x

Karen B. said...

Beautiful card Lynn, thanks for playing along at CAS-ual Fridays. Seems like you were able to explain things well enough to your son for him to be able to know what a good thing to do is in times of difficulty.

Kim H. said...

I am so sorry Lynn. I wish your friends' families all the strength, love, hope, and prayers to help them through this. Your words to your son were beautiful, heartfelt and true. Your boys are so lucky to have you as a Mom. Prayers and hugs.

Judy said...

Lynn, so sorry for the sadness that is going on around you and your family. I always try to give the tough things that happen in my life up to God as well so He can carry the burden for me. Sometimes tho I find myself saying a few times ok God this is yours I can not bare this anymore please take it from me. But then I remember all things happen in His time as well. I will be praying for you all.
Your card is beautiful.
Hugs,
Judy

Barb said...

Life is so difficult and sad sometimes. It can be especially tough when we have to try and explain it to our kids. It's a very good thing that Jonathon is so sensitive. He will be a wonderful, caring, giving adult. The world needs more of that, for sure. My mom used to always say the same thing. If one of us 6 kids were hurt, feeling angry or sad, she would say, "Offer it up to God." I'll be thinking about you, Lynn and will add your neighbor and friend to my prayers. Your card is beautiful, by the way. . .big hugs to you. . .

Maureen said...

I'm wondering if dad and Tony can see me getting a little teary eyed...you have put all my thoughts and fears in your post today...well said...and how sweet is Jonathon...I remember Jake being like that too. What a beautiful card...I'm going to be making another one for Janelle...I cannot stop thinking about her :) That new mercies set is so lovely :) Maybe I'll win your blog candy!! LOL

Andrea M said...

Oh Lynn…your poor friends…a test of faith indeed. Your poor boys… hard lessons for those so young. Thinking of you and your friends…I can't even imagine…
What a lovely card to send some comfort!

Anonymous said...

I think of Jeremiah 29:11 in that God definitely has a plan and a hope for our future. The difficult thing is that the hard times are what cause us to grow and lean on the Lord. I am thankful for your transparency and faith and how you reveal that to your son. (I have a sensitive one too.) I hope your lovely card brings some comfort and encouragement. I will lift up those needs in prayer.

Virginia L. said...

My eyes got really wet quite a bit as I read your touching words from you and your boy Jonathan!! What a wonderful Godly family you have. You certainly set a great example for the boys. My heart goes out to your neighbor! Most of us have known or heard of someone that is stricken with cancer (whether early or late in stages). And yes, this is what faith is about. It's so easy to say but so hard to accept.

I'm glad that you play with us at CAS-sual Fridays! Always a treat to see your work, Lynn! Love the color combo and the three panels for the card! HUGS!

Jen W. said...

So sorry to hear about your friends, Lynn, and that Jonathon is struggling with the news. What a huge heart he has - a testament to you and Pat. Big love and hugs to you all.

Your card is gorgeous. I like that the colour combo offers some sunshine to the recipient. :)

Romaine said...

Lynn, I am so sorry to hear of such sad news about your friends...it is even more difficult to see your child feeling so deeply for it....( hugs)

~jan said...

So sorry to hear about your friends, Lynn. :( Teaching real life lessons to our children, especially about things that are hard to understand, is such a difficult thing to do, but it sounds like you've handled it beautifully with your son. Hugs.

Suzanne Russell said...

So sorry to hear of this hard time in the life of your family. Hang in there with those sweet boys! Gal. 6:9 Glad to see that you can express your grief through your card making. You did it beautifully!

Tiffany Ervin said...

So sorry to hear about all the sadness surrounding you right now! You're such a thoughtful person in explaining to your son, it is difficult for children to understand. The card is beautiful and that sentiment is perfect, I have such a hard time finding good sentiments such as this one!

Emily Leiphart said...

I'm so sorry to hear about the sad news, Lynn. How wonderful that Jonathon is so thoughtful and caring. You and Pat have raised him (and all your sons) so well! Your card will definitely mean a lot to whomever receives it.

{Colleen} said...

Sorry to hear of your news. Sending blessings your way as you grapple with the hard questions.

Ida said...

Lynn I am so sorry to hear that you've had such sad news lately. The wonderful part is that you are strong in your faith and able to teach your children those values through your example. God Bless and give you strength, peace & comfort.

Jinny Newlin said...

Oh, Lynn! I'm so, so sorry! So glad that you're "giving it to God". There truly is no other way. Life is full of disappointments and sadness, but even when we don't understand, we can always sit at His feet and bring our concerns to Him. My thoughts are with you!

Your card is beautiful and perfectly thoughtful!

Dana said...

Oh Lynn I'm so sorry for your friends and neighbors. You did the best you could in your explanations to your kids though so I applaud you.
Thank you for joining us this week at CAS-ual Fridays, your card is sad but truly comforting.

Laurie said...

Your post seriously brought tears to my eyes! It is so hard to explain those things to our kiddos! You are such a great mom!

I do love your card! It is so pretty! I love the color combo! Thanks for playing along at CAS-ual fridays! I can't wait for September!