Monday, June 30, 2008

Wow: 7,000 visits!

I think it's time for my first blog give-away! Actually, I had planned to do one at 5,000 visits, but when it hit that number, I hadn't decided what I should do for it, and then too much time had passed.

I would like to do two random drawings.

The first drawing will be for anyone who responds to this post, telling us about a card that you received from someone that really encouraged you.

The second drawing will also be from those responding to this post, who have left a comment in the past on my blog. (At this point, you're not too huge a group for me to do this fairly easily, so don't worry about making sure I know you are a repeat visitor! I'll find you!)

Hmmm...what will the drawing be for?

I put together "collections" of misc stamp related items, but in the process of photographing it all, I knocked the camera to the floor and broke it. :-( Since a new camera is not in the budget just now, and the nearest place to get a decent one is 45 minutes away, I decided this morning to see what stamps I have photographed to offer you instead, and I will add a little something extra to the package as well. :-) So, here are the options:

My first full sheet of stamps. These are stamps with greetings that I would have bought from a stamp company if I could have found them, but since I could not, I made my own! My favorites are the humorous ones: "Remember, the Proverbs 31 woman had SERVANTS!" and one that my friends at college and I were fond of reminding each other, "Isn't it great that the Bible says you HAVE to love me?" If you have trouble reading any of the images, you can see them individually here.




I want those of you who do not share my faith to be part of this, so for you I have a set of adorable "atti-toads" from Biblical Impressions. I use these a lot, for apologies, romance, Christmas, etc. You can check my galleries out for samples, if you'd like. They are just too cute! The picture shows them mounted on EZ mount foam, but if you prefer them without, I have can cut another set out that does not have the EZ mount foam.


So, comment away! I will announce the winners next Monday, July 7th. You'll need to contact me by Friday, July 11th to claim your collection.

20 comments:

Diane Noble said...

Sarah,
First let me offer a huge thank you for leaving such a powerful comment on my blog regarding praying for our nation. You were right on target. I appreciate the thought you put into sharing your comments.

Secondly, to answer your first challenge on this post... One of the most recent and most encouraging cards I received was from my sister for my birthday. It is not only a beautiful card but the inside sentiment was so touching--all straight from her heart. It was a great reminder that inside sentiments don't have to be stamped...sometimes the most meaningful are handwritten or computer generated, but heartfelt messages.

It is always a delight to come to your blog. Congratulations on 7000 hits. You have wonderful ideas to share.

Jacki Marie said...

Congratulations on 7000 visits! Woo hoo!!

Unknown said...

I should thank Jacki for introducing me to your blog. I have added to my list of daily blogs I visit. Congradulations.

Jayne said...

Congrats on your hits! That's some serious blog candy there. You obviously have a generous spirit. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I found your blog through Jacki's (thanks Jacki!). I love your set of quotes, I would love to get them good and inky!

I received the most encouraging note from my husband while we were trying to get pregnant with our first child. He assured me that he knew the Lord would bless us with a baby someday and that he believed that I would be a wonderful mother. It took us 2-1/2 years to get pregnant and his encouragement meant so much. We now have 2 beautiful little boys and I feel blessed to have such a wonderful, loving, supporting hubby!

-Krissy

Sharon in NE said...

Sarah, sorry to hear about your camera.

I have learned from experience that a card sent to me during a grieving time as a result of miscarriages, death of my brother, etc. meant the most when they (the sender) brought up the issue I was dealing with; not sidestepped it as though 'if they don't mention why I'm grieving, maybe I'll forget'. So, I try to do that too. I am straightforward as to what the difficulty is in their life and then remind them of God's great healing power. Those kind of cards and special messages have meant so much to me. :D

Anonymous said...

congrats on your blog...and thanks for the offer of blog candy! When my brother passed away a few years back, i was touched by all the handstamped cards i received from friends. I still have several of them saved and look at them from time to time

Linda Carson said...

Congrats on your blog success & winning the smARTworks card contest!! What fantastic blog candy! A woman can never have too many scripture stamps. One of my best friends sent me a card of encouragement while dealing w/chronic pain. The encouragement was to not give up. It came just at the right time!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I am so sorry about your camera...but woo hoo..on the 7,000 hits! The most encouraging thing I ever received wasn't a card. It was a letter from a Pastor who didn't even know my husband and I. He was an elderly man and his letter was absolutely beautiful. He wrote this letter to us after the death of our 10 1/2 month old son Tommy. The Pastor compared Tommy's life to a rose that never had a chance to bloom. The contents of the letter was just so beautiful and encouraging. He made me want to get back up and begin running the race once again. I know this isn't a card but when I read the guidelines for the posts...this was the very first thing I thought of.
Keep up the good work....I come here daily and love looking at your work.
Sharon K

Kathleen (KJF) said...

I want to congratulate you on 7,000+ hits. What fun!

I would say that those cards that encourage me the most have been when we have lost a family member or pet (which sometimes is like a member of the family). These cards give a peace to the soul.

Creative Heart Designs said...

Hi Sarah.

Love your blog. Blogging is such fun, isn't it...a sharing of yourself. Most encouraging card was from a stamping friend who has since passed away. She encouraged me to 'think outside the box' and never give up.

Debra Dukes
My Blog: http://debscreativeheart.blogspot.com

seamom said...

My own most encouraging card was from my kids one Mother's Day. All 5 signed it adding little notes of love and appreciation for my mothering. But the best lesson in encouragement from cards sent came when my Dad passed and I sorted through all he left behind. There were literally hundreds of cards that had been sent to my Mom during her long illness, and to my Dad over the years. Their friends were so caring and faithful. Among the cards I found were many I had sent. My parents had saved them all! So I stamp and I send with a prayer of encouragement today.

Julie S. said...

I came here from Dina's blog... and so glad I did! I received a RAK from the SCS birthday group, and it made my birthday (the best ever) that much more special. The same day, I got a package of stamps I ordered, and a card in it that was sooooo lovely...
Inspiring AND encouraging. Now I just want to stamp!

Keep up the great work blogging!

Tiya-B said...

My sister sends em encouraging cards all the time. Mama Dini puts up encouraging cards all the time and sent me here. cant wait till you reach 14000. and frog stamps really are my favorites see Tiya-B.com

Shelly Schmidt said...

I am a daily lurker- Thanks to Dina for linking me here one day...... Love your blog- and congrats on 7000!!!

Unknown said...

Sarah! Congratulations on those 7000 hard-earned hits. I am far too lazy to create and maintain a blog so my hat's off to all you diligent bloggers and card posters. You are one of the sweetest bloggers and I'm happy for you!

Sue D said...

Congrats on the 7000 hits. I found your blog from Dina's blog. I received an encouraging note from my future daughter-in-law thanking us for being such a wonderful Christian example of marriage--that sure made my day!

sandyh50 said...

Hi there! Mama Dini sent me over from her blog! As a Christian I love your scriptural references stamps...esp. the Prov. 31 stamp!!! LOL! My fave card recently sent to me was from my daughter and granddaughter for Mother's Day. They are just getting into stamping and it was so fun to see them make one. It was especially nice tohave my daughter express her love for me grow greater each year. Isn't it amazing that parents get smarter and wiser as their children grow andhave children of their own. I will definitely put you in my Google Reader.

Tricia T said...

I just received a card from Mama Dini herself - it was such a blessing!! Perfect timing for entrance into your blog candy! :)

Congratulations on 7,000!

Maxene said...

A couple years ago I had a secret sister and was going through a very hard time. She sent me a card just about every 2 weeks and this went on for about one year - during which I was not supposed to contact her/try to figure out who she was. It was so encouraging to receive her cards in the mail even though she didn't know what I was going though at the time, it was so nice to know that someone was thinking of me and so encouraging to receive the wonderful cards.