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Simple Card Ideas: Playful Borders
So, I’m a bit of a perfectionist. (And that’ a bit of an underestimate…) What does this have to do with me sharing simple card ideas?
My perfectionism can make it hard for me to start making a craft or card knowing I am not going to have the energy to make it elaborate. I have the tendency to think that if I’m going to craft, I have to CRAFT. As in, all-caps, all-out, something new and creative that uses all the crafting skills I’ve acquired over my life.
Not super realistic right now due to my health.
I’ve been trying to embrace more simplistic forms of creativity. Something doesn’t have to be intricate in order to turn out beautiful.
After all, some of the best cards I’ve ever received are simple handmade ones from friends with heartfelt messages inside.
It really is the message and the thought that counts. And a card that’s made simply and received is better than a card that is never sent.
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Words of Encouragement for Each Day and FREE Printables
I’ve been collecting words that I want to focus on during the day. They’re words that encourage me in my faith and help me to rise above my present circumstances.
I want to share these words with you, along with what they mean to me.
You can download the free printable subway signs
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The Courage of Jesus
Easter may be behind us, but I can’t stop thinking about something that struck me in the days prior to it: the amazing amount of courage Jesus displayed leading up to his death.
The fact that God keeps bringing this aspect of Easter to mind has been a good reminder for me to pause when God is teaching me something. Just because Easter is over doesn’t mean
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My Favorite NONFICTION Books From 2017
As you probably figured out from my earlier post about my favorite fiction books from last year, fantasy is my favorite genre. I’ve been trying to read more nonfiction books recently, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed them.
For me, it’s vital that nonfiction books let me get caught up in the story or provide information that is applicable to my life. Here are the nonfiction books that captured my attention last year.
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Why I Started A Thankfulness Journal
I’ve been wanting to challenge myself to keep a thankfulness journal, partly because I keep coming across studies about the benefits of practicing gratitude (and gratitude journaling). This study concludes that the positive effects of gratitude on people with chronic illness warrant more research. I also read a great blog post on Adventures of a Sick Chick that makes the observation that no matter our circumstances, “Gratitude is a choice.” I want to take more time to choose gratitude in my life.
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My Favorite FICTION Books From 2017
I can’t believe it was way back in 2007 that I started keeping my journal of the books I’ve read. There is something so satisfying about noting when I finish reading a book. Sometimes I jot a few notes about what I liked best, and sometimes, I go off and write a scathing paragraph outlining the book’s faults. I think I enjoy both equally!
At the end of each year, I look back and tally up how many books I read (58 last year—a new record for me!) and note which were my favorites. I wanted to share those favorites with you all.
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How to Set Writing Goals for the Year
I hope this list inspires you to set writing goals of your own for this year. I’m reviewing the writing goals I set in 2017 to help me choose my writing goals for 2018.
Last year was the first time I set concrete writing goals for myself. I divided the list into 7 yearly goals and 4 monthly goals. The monthly goals are the stepping stones that make the yearly goals achievable.
I chose goals that were clear and measurable (for instance, “edit two poems,” vs. the more vague “write more poetry”).
How did setting goals help me? Being able to keep track of what I accomplished encouraged me to keep going. Also, since I deal with daily exhaustion and brain fog, it helped to have a concise list to refer to. Instead of spending time and energy trying to decide where to start or what to work on next, I pulled out my list, picked a to-do, and did my best. I saw a lot of progress as I reviewed my goals each month, and I hope you do to.
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Once Upon a Time…
…is a wonderful beginning for a fairy tale, so it seems a fitting beginning for this new blog.
After all, there is something magical about putting words together to form stories and crafting something unique with your own hands.
Similarly, on our journeys of faith and through the mires of chronic illness, there are plenty of dragons to do battle with. And as we journey on, our hope and courage are bolstered by remembering that good wins in the end.
I hope you find encouragement here, no matter where you are in your journey.
Thank you for joining me on this new adventure!
Cassie
