"When You Care Enough..." {GIVEAWAY!!}

There is a lady at my church who blesses my socks off. Once upon a time, she was my teacher (unpaid!) in elementary school. But over the years she has shown me love as more than a teacher and a mentor, and she has become my friend. Even though I was in school with her children, she treats me as an equal partner in the cause of Christ. She gives me encouragement, praise, hugs, smiles, little gifts, compassion, prayer, challenges, and, perhaps most precious of all, she shares her struggles and need for prayer.

She now goes through her days working with cancer patients and the doctors and nurses and administrators who minister to them. She prays for and holds devotions with her co-workers. And in her spare time, she volunteers as a hospice care-giver. Oh my! Such strength (which of course she attributes to the Lord)! To me, she is the hands and feet of Christ.

Thank you.


There's another beautiful lady in my life whom I've known for a little over 10 years. In the time I've known her, her sons have had four graduations and three weddings, she's gained four grandchildren, she and her husband have added to their almost empty nest by adopting from China — not once, not twice, but THREE separate times.

When most people are settling in for those last few years before retirement and grandparenthood, they took on the missionary mind-set to rescue these children and love them to Jesus. Her sacrifice has been tremendous; but for those of us married to her three grown sons, we know that God is blessing so many through her. It is an amazing heritage that I am proud to carry on as her daughter-in-law.

Happy Birthday.


I have a newer friend that is a growing blessing. As a single mother, she is raising one of my daughter's best friends. We grew up together, yet separately. But lately, she's let down her guard (as I have mine) and allowed our friendship to begin to blossom.

She gets to see my struggles as a wife, mother and homemaker, and I get to be humbled by her efforts as a young single mom managing her own home and praying for Mr. Right. We share prayer requests and encouragement; we have different strengths and weaknesses, and we are striving to keep each other afloat.

Praying for you.




I don't bring these ladies to your attention to embarrass them or put them up on a pedestal. I just happen to know that you probably have people in your life with whom you can relate these examples. 

Remember ages ago when I talked about friendship? I talked about how important friends can be, especially during tough times. I discussed ways that you can find new friends and nurture the friendships that you do have. And I asked for your suggestions and tips on nurturing friendships.

Here's a simple and special idea: Greeting Cards

Giving cards suits me. I like to put thoughts on paper; I'm just not as good at expressing my feelings verbally. I like to randomly give a card to my husband, and I look forward to opportunities to give cards to family and friends. (Audrey may never tell you this, but card-giving is one of her specialties. She is so inspiring!) I'm working on defrumping my relationships this year and especially trying to make others feel as special as I already think that they are. 


Whether you purchase elaborate and expensive special edition cards that play music and dance on the table, buy the simple one-liner from the dollar store, or create your own from materials you have on hand, what makes a card really special is the personal message. A message from your heart that says, "You are special to me. You are loved. I am thinking about you." It may be hard to imagine, but a message like that can influence a person's whole day, week, month...life! And really, who doesn't like getting a unique card and note from a friend?

Recently, DaySpring offered the opportunity to review one of their assorted card packs through the blog (in)courage. I gotta say, the artwork and thoughtfulness that went into designing the collection I received is very beautiful. It seems a bit easier sometimes to write a heartfelt message when you've got the foundation of a pretty card. :-) One thing that I really like about DaySpring's cards is the inclusion of Scripture and blessings for the soul of the receiver.

Did you know that card giving can actually be a full-on ministry? I love what DaySpring has to say about the ministry of card giving here.



And if you sometimes struggle to remember special event like I do, or you like to be super prepared, DaySpring has this fun card organizer!

EXCITING NEWS!!

 Do you want $20 to spend in the DaySpring online store? (I do!! And P.S. It's a whole lot more than just cards!) Well, I have got a special code just for one of our fabulous readers!! All you gotta do is leave a comment on this post — easy peasy! You can tell us what card giving (or receiving) means to you or who you'd give a card to.

Want more chances to win? Leave an additional comment for each of the following actions that you do: (Each comment is one entry.)

- "Like" us on Facebook
- Subscribe to our RSS feed or emails (Find all these tools in the right hand column.)
- Follow us on Twitter @defrumpme
- Blog, tweet, or post on your Facebook wall about our giveaway (if you do more than one, leave a comment for each!)
- Visit DaySpring Home Page and come back and tell us what you love. (For me, it's the Mr. & Mrs. Love Collection from DaySpring!!)

Next Thursday, January 26th, we'll randomly pick one comment and its poster to be the winner of the $20 coupon!
NOTE: This Giveaway has been extended through January 30. The winner will be announced Tuesday, January 31.

Good luck!!!

Please be sure that we have a way to contact you! Leaving an "Anonymous" comment will not give us a way to make sure you know you are a winner!! This is important!

I received free product for my use and review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Linking up here: Mom On Timeout, Hip Homeschool Moms, and Raising Homemakers.