The SUO challenge blog subject this week is MARKERS. I colored these posies with the cherry cobbler blendabilities. Those new markers are the BOMB. I have always loved to color – it’s my thing, but these markers make it so much easier!! Okay, this week I chose this stamp in honor of a dear friend of mine who is probably living out her last days. She is old enough to be my mom, but yet we had such a bond of friendship over the years that she felt at times more like a peer. She has been motherly to me, a sister in Christ, a spiritual mentor, an encourager, just a lifelong friend from my New York days. So now she is at AIM’s retirement center in Florida and this past week they thought she would be seeing her saviour face to face. The last report is that she had stabilized, and maybe she will be with us longer after all. If I think over my spiritual walk, I think no one else has had as much influence on me in my life then Lillian. She helped me over so many hurdles in life. She is one of those people that just helps you understand Jesus in a whole new way. She has not had an easy life, and whenever I face trials it goes thru my mind, maybe this will make me more like Lillian in her faith walk. She never let disappointment separate her from Jesus. I think over the years that is what I have done a little. Life is full of disappointments and Lillian has turned all of her disappointments into a reason to praise her God. It’s a genuine likeness of Christ that seems to ooze out of her every pore…..she is so real, so down to earth, so much an example of the beauty within that is born of the refiners fire. It’s been years since I lived close enough to Lillian to have her as a companion as I did for many years in NY, but I still hear from her every now and again and if I saw her tomorrow I know we could pick up right where we last left off, it’s that kind of a friendship. As I contemplated her going to be with Jesus, I have to say I don’t know anyone who would be as ready to walk into the arms of Jesus as Lillian would be. She is so in tune with God, I can just picture her stepping from earth to heaven’s gates, and it being a natural transition for her. Absence from her body will be instant presence with the Lord, she is already present with the Lord, in HIS kingdom on earth. Tears will flow from people she has influenced on this earth….I know I shed a few this weekend just thinking of losing her here on earth….but I know that when she does go from this world into the next, whether it be sooner or later, I think the voice of God will be almost audible to HIS believers as he takes her hand, and says, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant! Until next time, Karen
Mary Decker
November 20, 2014You created such a lovely and loving card. You used beautiful colors to example how strongly Lillian positively affected you.
Thank you for taking the time to make a sensitive tribute to your dear friend.
God bless your friend. God bless you.
Cindy Brumbaugh
November 20, 2014Karen, how blessed you have been to have Lillian in your life. I always think how Jesus will be so happy to have these faithful servants and mentors when they leave us. I pray for more days but as you take solace knowing when she goes, she goes to HIM. Thanks for sharing this post and the absolutely gorgeous card you created- stunning and attractive just like your friend Lillian:)
Patricia
November 20, 2014What a beautiful tribute to your friend,Karen. Your thoughts have brought tears to my eyes because I can feel how much you think of her. Your card reflects that sunny disposition you talk about! Thanks for sharing with us today.
ajyoyo
November 20, 2014What a beautiful testimony to your dear friend. She is preparing to go home…and Thank God she is ready. Bless you as you journey through this yourself. xo
Kate Stockman
November 20, 2014That was beautiful and so is your card.
Anonymous
November 20, 2014What a beautiful tribute to your friend. One can only hope to have left such a legacy when we step into eternity. I'm sure you are better for having known her. Jesus will be waiting to usher her into heaven, as He is for all His saints.
Carol Dee
November 20, 2014God Blesses you with Vivien. Thank You for sharing a bit of her with us. Your post made me tearful. (Which happens a lot lately.) My Father is not so long for this earthly world either. He is ready to go join Mom and family that went on before. We will struggle here with our grief yet rejoice in having had him for 88 years. We will cherish every remaining day with him. HUGS…
Vicki Dutcher
November 20, 2014WOW! This JUMPED off the Bloglovin page right at me! BEAUTIFUL, STUNNING coloring mf — just amazing what you do with those markers!!
veecee
January 13, 2015What a truely beautiful tribute to a friend who has put into practice her faith and used the examples of Christ. Your words brought such a feeling of the true spirit with them. Am sure your friend and sister will know the beautiful card reflects your love and appreciation of her Christ like walk with you here upon this temporal plain. Thank you for sharing such a great friendship and your appreciation of it with us.
veecee
January 13, 2015What a truely beautiful tribute to a friend who has put into practice her faith and used the examples of Christ. Your words brought such a feeling of the true spirit with them. Am sure your friend and sister will know the beautiful card reflects your love and appreciation of her Christ like walk with you here upon this temporal plain. Thank you for sharing such a great friendship and your appreciation of it with us.
Unknown
January 16, 2015Your tribute to your wonderful friend Lillian was as beautiful as your card!! I would love to have known Lillian. Anyone that can make me feel closer to our Lord is a dear friend indeed. God bless you for giving your testimony for anyone to read. Hugs and blessings to you.
Unknown
January 16, 2015Your tribute to your wonderful friend Lillian was as beautiful as your card!! I would love to have known Lillian. Anyone that can make me feel closer to our Lord is a dear friend indeed. God bless you for giving your testimony for anyone to read. Hugs and blessings to you.
Jen Timko
January 27, 2015This card is such a beautiful tribute, Karen. Praising Him for allowing this friend to bless your life. Sympathies to you my friend. Even as she walk with the Lord, those who love her here will miss her. Hugs!
Susie
January 27, 2015Words spoken from the heart, Karen. A beautiful card crafted with God given talent and skill for a friend who will be remembered for many years to come.
Gentle hugs,
Susie ~
Betty Jean Quackenbush
January 30, 2015Thank you, Karen, for your beautiful tribute to Lillian. She was a special woman of God and I loved her, too. Lillian was a dear friend when I needed one the most at a difficult time in my life. God in Christ brought healing through her to me as well as others. I am grateful Harry and I visited her in the AIM retirement place in Clermont when our son was in college in Lakeland, FL.