Before starting, I would like to thank those that dropped by and left a comment and prayer wishes. It is greatly appreciated. You have made the days lighter and brighter.
Our walk through life is not guaranteed to be without trials and risks. The unexpected is the rule and not the exception. How we handle what happens is what shapes our direction in life. Everything has a purpose. Those things can be seen as positive or negative. The choice is yours. For those that have faced a decision at a crossroad there can be many choices to be made. Mine was to tell the Lord, "I am yours. I give myself to you and whatever must be I will accept." The choice truly is ours. Make the right one and even a simple walk down the street will turn into something new and wonderful. Everything around you is new and special. Being alive takes on a different meaning. In a very real sense you are born again. The wonder around us is as a child would see it, fresh, untouched, as if never before seen. As much as we can, it is like experiencing God's love in a very real way. It brings to mind my favorite verse of all that describes God and His son Jesus. "Whoever fails to love does not know God, because God is love." (The New Jerusalem Bible. (1985). (1 Jn 4:8). New York: Doubleday.)
There are two things I would like to share with you today. The first is an anniversary card, our 53rd, from Jill. Yep! 53 wonderful years as of the end of August. Each and every one a treasure.
The next card is a birthday card from a very special friend, Em from Creative EM. She knows I love all things from nature. Thank you Em. It means a great deal to me. You are a special friend indeed.
There is a special story to go along with this card. Jill found a Bed and Breakfast called the Hurst House B&B. It sits on a hill in the Amish country near Ephrata, PA. We drove down to see what it was like and to find out what the availability would be like. Turns out we both loved the place. The views are spectacular and it is as the on-line images show. When we inquired what rooms would be available we got a major surprise. There was only one room available in the near future. and was on the 15th of September. MY BIRTHDAY. We booked the night as my present. It was wonderful and would have tried for another night or two if they were available. God is good.
Thank you for visiting and thank you for any comments. Remember to Love The Details. Until next time, Hugs and Blessings. Jim
Beautiful cards all. Congratulations to you and Jill on 53 years together. WOW, that is a milestone you don't see a lot of these days. We will be 50 this year, so hard to believe. A lot to look back on and great memories, some good, some not so good. Happy Birthday also, so nice that you got away for a night to a special place. Take care and don't overdue, Jill is right, baby steps. I have a nephew by marriage that says the day you get married you only need to know two words "yes dear"! Happy Anniversary.
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Sue
Glad you were able to celebrate your birthday at that special place. The cards are all gorgeous. Take care of yourself, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteWonderful to see you here in blogland again Jim - love the cards - both of Jill's are beautiful, especially the farm scene one - love how she has offset the layers. Your card from EM is another beauty.
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Maxine
Thank you, Maxine xxx
DeleteThank YOU, my amazing friend. Your post is, as always, perfectly timed, because I'll be sharing your card on my own tomorrow (Friday).
ReplyDeleteLove you both so much.
Hugs and blessings,
Em
Jim, good to see you back. 53 years is no small feat. People just don't do that anymore. If you are going to buck the trend, *this* is the way to do that. Very lovely cards and thank you for sharing them with us. Your bed and breakfast vacation sounded wonderful. I'm sure it was good for your soul.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! Happy Birthday! The cards are beautiful. Thank you for sharing your spiritual wisdom, it is always very inspiring! Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're continuing to improve & that you were able to enjoy a wonderful BD outing! Congrats to both of you on 53 years--very special, indeed! I know you enjoyed getting these cards--such a perfectly sweet anniversary card! Take care, Greta
ReplyDeleteGoodness, Jim! So sad to hear what you've been through, but so glad to hear things are on the mend. I'm sure these celebrations were much more special this year given the circumstances. I absolutely love the farm in the sunset card. Please tell Jill. Happy belated birthday and anniversary! Take good care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteStunning creations Jim. And wow 53 years of your dedication to each other's love is just such an inspirational life moment. This will also be perfect for one entry as an anything goes creation for our challenge below.
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DesÃre
{ATG with a CREATE WITH TLC Element}
{Doing Life – my personal blog}
Hello Jim, great cards and congrats on your anniversary. The end of August? That's my birthday too, wonderful time together of 53 years. Love it. Thanks so much for commenting on my scheduled cards while I was on vacation...appreciate this so much. Have a lovely weekend.xx
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You and Jill are an inspiration for what it is to be in love and happily married for many years! Your cards from Jill are clearly meaningful and gorgeous and I love the beautiful card from Em, too! She is just as lovely in person as you might imagine her to be! Keep on getting better and marvel at each day anew!! Hugs, Darnell
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated 53rd! You guys are keeping up with DH & me. Glad things worked out so splendidly in the Amish B&B. Enjoyed seeing your beautiful cards, and thanks for reminding me - I need to pay EM a visit. Glad you are both keeping well and can enjoy some trips. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful fall colors both in the lovely cards and the nature photos Don't see that here in Florida TFS Blessings.......Lis
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