A new month...some new opportunities.

March 1st and I am ready for a new month to start. The last two have had lots of challenges and stress for my family and I am ready to take on something new. What I have been feeling the past few weeks is that although life has thrown us some curve balls at times, I still have much to be thankful for. We are blessed in many ways.
March is a special month for me as it brings lots of memories of Teagan. Her birthday is March 18th and so it just seems to trigger memories and we always celebrate her birthday and remember her in a special way. In years past we have found ways to give to others in honor of her memory and it just makes me feel good to know that her life still can touch others in a positive way.
So that is part of the thought behind the new challenges I am wanting to embrace. I just have had different encounters and things pop up in my life which seem to be speaking to me to step up and do more. I know that there are many of you who read this blog who would love to join me in some or all of the challenges I plan to post here over the course of the month. Some ask very little of you. Others are going to stretch us- or at least give us pause to think and decided how we will respond. I hope that you will find inspiration and encouragement and blessing as you read along and hopefully get involved too.
The first challenge is one that is being brought to us by my dear friend, Wilna. She has a friend, Lois, who is in the middle of a battle with cancer and Wilna has invited us to send handmade cards to show Lois support and love and encouragment from all over the world. It is a small gesture but when hundreds of people take action it becomes a major statement and hopefully will touch Lois' heart in a way she never thought possible. Wilna has even gotten several people to offer a variety of 'prizes' which one person will receive later on this month. Just as her way to say thanks to everyone who gets involved and reaches out to her friend. All of the information you need is here at Wilna's blog. The artwork you see here is by Wilna too. She is a wonderful artist and has such a big heart. The card is one I just made today for Lois. I wrote a note with this verse inside,

Deut. 31:8 "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Sometimes truth can be so comforting.
I think this is an 'easy' way to start this month of challenges and I hope that you find as you do things for others that the blessing you receive only fuels your fire to do even more! I think it will be great to think of this 'month of green' as a month of giving; and there will be much growth in all our lives as a result. Happy March 1st! {If you do make and send a card, I'd love for you to just leave me a comment of your name and where you're sending posting your card from. Thanks!}