A little bit more... - Dazzled By Stamping

Before I move on, I wanted to share what I finally posted over the weekend a few days ago….

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them who are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also who sleep in Jesus will God bring with him….For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout….Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore, comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 16-18

Last Wednesday, 4/28/21, my mom Candy Gentit passed away into the presence of the Lord. When my siblings and I were discussing verses we wanted to share in her obituary (which will be published closer to the time we have her memorial), I jokingly said about these specific verses that I certainly couldn’t say these! Because anyone who knows me KNOWS I’m an emotional puddle!! (in good times and in sad) You’d all wonder who in the world was writing this! But truly, this is not sorrow, as we have the hope of seeing her again—with a perfected body. Not: “I hope I see her”, but rather an expectation KNOWING I WILL see her again in heaven. The Lord took her home, and I’ll be there someday, too, because I also have trusted the Lord as my Saviour.

This post may seem like a long time coming. We’ve been processing a lot. And as you may remember, we went through this just a few months ago with Todd’s dad. I had recently said to my sister that I’m still not back to myself from that. Then Mom ended up in the hospital again. This time with Mom was similar, but in the end went way faster. Still just draining.

I’m so very thankful for my mom’s love and example to us when we were young. She taught us to love the Lord, do our best, help others and be respectful. And I’m equally relieved that her complicated health is no longer an issue. She is perfect in Jesus.

Next I wanna share–in case you didn't already know or remember–Todd and I will be traveling to Maui next week!!!!

This is an incentive trip I earned through Stampin' Up!

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for helping me achieve this trip!!

We received our travel packet last month:

I'm really excited about this trip!

(And I thought it was gonna get canceled again with my mom "starting" hospice only a couple weeks ago! We cashed out on the first of 2 parts of the trip, because we didn't know what to expect with Todd's dad when we had to decide last year. We had actually decided before it was postponed because of covid. I was in tears, but we prayed about it and both knew was the right decision and were at peace about it.)

I tell you what–I'm SO looking forward to some relaxation!

And we even added 2 things.

We're flying first class, because I asked Todd if we could for the sake of my knees [remembering the 9 hr(?) flight to Greece by way of Rome a couple years ago.] SU! covers our airfare, but we paid the extra for first class. Thank you, honey!!

Also, we're staying a couple extra days at a VRBO condo right on the ocean!

I just can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to some down time.

Couple more things:

I have a TON to get done before we leave–unfortunately including taxes. Hate 'em. And it stresses me out. Not sure how much I'll be on here, but my desire is to share a few swaps I have. (And that's before I start jumping through all the covid/travel hoops to get there.)
That means I also don't know how much I may get scheduled to post while I'm gone. It may be another empty blog for awhile.
Todd has already asked about being my guest blogger when we return. 😀 Did he just post about Greece in the past? Or did he also post about our Alaskan Cruise? Anyway, I'm not holding him to it, but he sounded interested! I hope he's up to it. I love his perspective, and everyone else seemed to as well. I kinda like him.

So THANK YOU AGAIN for helping me earn this amazing trip!

And here's the one card I've designed so far in the past few weeks:

Here's everything I used:

(click any pic to order)

Color & Contour Bundle (English) [158356] $50.25	Scalloped Contours Dies [155560] $35.00
Fresh Freesia 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [155613] $8.75	Soft Succulent 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [155776] $8.75
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] $9.75	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00
Blackberry Bliss Classic Stampin' Pad [147092] $7.50	Fresh Freesia Classic Stampin' Pad [155611] $7.50
Pansy Petals 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [155807] $11.50	Fresh Freesia 3/8" (1 Cm) Open Weave Ribbon [155615] $7.00
Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $4.00	Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653] $120.00