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Have you heard of Craft Hope?
This is what they are all about:
Craft Hope is a love inspired project designed to share handmade crafts with those who need them. It is our hope to combine our love for crafting and desire to help others into a project to make a difference around the world.
Isn’t that such an awesome idea!??
I started looking through the Craft Hope blog a few weeks ago. When I found out their latest project was joining with ConKerr Cancer to make pillowcases for Pediatric Cancer Awareness month, I knew I wanted to help.
I e-mailed all my sewing friends and invited them over for a pillowcase party.
It was a very last minute party because the pillowcases needed
to be mailed by the end of the week to get there in time.
I dug through my fabric supply and prayed
that a few friends would be able to join me.
And of course they did!
Four of my friends showed up that morning and we got busy cutting out our fabric.
I have never had a “sewing party” before.
It was really fun and I learned a few things too.
We the girls worked really hard all morning.
I tried to.
Did I mention Levi was at the pillowcase party too?
He was supposed to take a nap,
but decided to scream instead.
I guess he doesn’t like to miss a party!
I am so thankful for these friends who helped me show love to others.
Thanks for helping me girls!
By the afternoon we had finished twelve pretty pillowcases.
I packaged them all up and sent them off to Kansas City.
I am praying that each one will be a huge blessing to a little boy or girl.
Did you know their is a Craft Hope book too?
I haven’t seen it yet,
but I think I am going to add it to my wish list.
Unfortunately the pillowcase project is complete…
 check out Craft Hope for more information on future projects.
Posted in: diy , Uncategorized
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  • Marla Taviano - I love this, Jess!! Those are beautiful!!ReplyCancel

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  • Melissa B. - Thanks for sharing! I have been wanting to get involved with something that allows me to do something for others with my skills.. or skills that are still developing. I don’t have a lot of money but time i do have.. I am looking forward to upcoming projects!ReplyCancel

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  • Jenae {I can teach my child} - What a great idea! And thank you for sharing about Craft Hope–that will be something I definitely look into!ReplyCancel

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  • Bethany - What a great group! I’m can’t wait to get involved.ReplyCancel

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  • Amber - What a great idea! I love that you grabbed a few crafty friends spontaneously and blessed others with your creativity.ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - It was SO fun to do this with you! Thanks for asking us!ReplyCancel

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  • Missy Locklear - The owl pillowcase is my favorite! Great work!ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - Jess, you look fabulous! Looks like you’ve been losing weight – good for you.
    The picture of Levi = adorable. I love that color on him.

    The pillow cases are SO cute! Loved them all. you’ve inspired me.ReplyCancel

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  • Micah - What a great idea!! I’m bummed that you didn’t post this sooner! i would have loved to have had my own little party!ReplyCancel

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  • Kristi REDISKE - What a great thing-I am so glad you shared this..Your pillowcases were so cute-such cute fabric for them, the kids will love them. I never find cute fabric like that-where do you get it? I am going to watch for the next project and hope to be a part of it next time.ReplyCancel

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  • Janel - I love the pillow cases! I think you should add them to Cora’s too!

    And Mr Levi, can he get any cuter?? he is delectable… 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Lauren - Such a SWEET idea!!!!!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Rach - What a great idea. You are so blessed with great friends! Love those patterns!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - This is Great Jess! But, can I just say that I Love your new hair, so chic so cute!ReplyCancel

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  • merlin - This is practical and thoughtful. I know the project is over, but can you post how to make the pillowcase. I couldn’t find instructions on the craft hope site. Our local hospital accepts quilts and prayer shawls, I’m thinking they’d take pillowcases as well but I’ve never made one and I’d need instructions.
    Thanks.ReplyCancel

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  • Beki - TheRustedChain - That is so sweet!

    You are adorable.ReplyCancel

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  • Jennifer - That is so cool! And I love all that fabric.
    I’m just learning how to sew and can’t wait to go check out the Craft Hope site.
    Levi is the cutest!ReplyCancel

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  • Sharon - What an awesome idea and all your pillowcases came out wonderfully!ReplyCancel

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  • Taking Heart - I bookmarked the site. You are such a sweet soul… and a woman after my own heart!ReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - let’s do it again so i can come this time.

    julie’s friend in CA was doing this at julie’s when i was sewing my quilt. it was so simple and cool. i wanted to make 100 right then and there!
    i didn’t make any….of course.
    🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Katy - Neat pillowcases for a great cause! Love all of the fun fabricReplyCancel

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  • The Schilling's from Cimarron - Hi JESS,

    How are you? It sounds like you are crazzzyyy busy like always! It has been so great to keep up with you on this blog! and I am so jealous you got to see Laura and the boys….. I just wanted to say HI….. we are good and busy too…. Kali is a freshman and playing volleyball…. and Blake is in Flag Football…. and yes Jaylee is talking and walking and bossing and on doing great!

    We miss you all soooo much and keep up the great ways of “giving”….. you are always so sweet!

    Tell everyone hello! And YES squeeze little Levi for me! and Kiss those chunkkkkyyyy cheeks! 🙂

    love to all!
    AMIEReplyCancel

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  • Claire - I’m also wondering – where do you get your amazing fabrics?? Fabric stores in my area don’t have such cute designs!ReplyCancel

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  • Rachel - That is such a neat idea! Thank you for blessing little ones with these super cute pillowcases! You are inspiring!ReplyCancel

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  • Vera - Those pillowcases are so precious! When my daughter was in the hospital, we always brought pillowcases and sheets for her bed with fun prints on them to try to cheer her up. My seven month old little boy has a magic radar – if I pull the sewing machine up (even way late at night when he normally sleeps) he decides it’s time to scream. Stinker!ReplyCancel

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  • marimekko pillows - I love what your doing. Really, Helping others or sharing what you have by the way that you know best. You could earn money through those projects but you chose to give it to help children. You’re one of those modern day heroes.ReplyCancel

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  • Nan - Love this idea. And what cuteness!! You have the best taste in fabrics.ReplyCancel

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We made it.
We all finished the race.
The day of the run was a busy, crazy day…but so good.
I spent the morning at the craft fair with my sister and some friends,
came home for a quick nap for Levi,
and then barely made it in time for the race.
It was SO hot.
But we finished…and even ran the whole way.
I was so proud of Joel.
He HATES running and really didn’t have time to do much training.
I was a little worried about him.
I figured I was going to have to drag him along.
But, I couldn’t keep up with him.
He even beat me by three minutes.
(Why can guys always do that without even trying too hard??)
I’m trying to convince him to keep running now!
The day was so crazy that I totally forgot to take any pictures until we were leaving.
There were almost 200 participants in the race.
Many were running in honor or memory of a loved one affected by cancer.
We of course were running for Cora
along with many of our friends and family.
Even my sweet friend Laura came all the way from Colorado 
with her two boys to run for Cora.
(I didn’t get any pictures of her either…bummer.)

After the race we all ate together and then it was time for the concert.
Andrew Peterson was fantastic.
If you haven’t heard his music, you need to check him out.
As we sat and listened {completely exhausted},
these words really spoke to my heart:
More

This is not the end here at this grave
This is just a hole that someone made
Every hole was made to fill
And every heart can feel it still–
Our nature hates a vacuum

This is not the hardest part of all
This is just the seed that has to fall
All our lives we till the ground
Until we lay our sorrows down
And watch the sky for rain

There is more
More than all this pain
More than all the falling down
And the getting up again
There is more
More than we can see
From our tiny vantage point
In this vast eternity
There is more

A thing resounds when it rings true
Ringing all the bells inside of you
Like a golden sky on a summer eve
Your heart is tugging at your sleeve
And you cannot say why
There must be more

There is more
More than we can stand
Standing in the glory
Of a love that never ends
There is more
More than we can guess
More and more, forever more
And not a second less

There is more than what the naked eye can see
Clothing all our days with mystery
Watching over everything
Wilder than our wildest dreams
Could ever dream to be
There is more  


Today as I continue to miss my sweet little girl and 
try to recover from the busyness of the weekend,
I am so thankful there is MORE.
Be strong and let your heart take courage, 
all you who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:24
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
In case you are wondering, I did survive without drinking pop.
August 23 until race day = no pop for me.
My friend Lindsay was my “no pop” accountability partner.
She helped me stay strong.
After the race Joel took me to Sonic for a Dr. Pepper.
I was hoping I wouldn’t like it as much anymore.
Nope.
Still good. 
Soooooo good.
I am going to try to practice more self control from now on though.
Water is just as good, right!??
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  • Debbie S. - I’m so with you on the *soda* thing. I wish I could stop, but it’s just too good 🙂 Great job on the race!ReplyCancel

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  • Kristi REDISKE - So glad you were able to finish the race and glad for joel too. I was in town and wanted to do the race but couldn’t because I was sick-bummer! I do relate with you about the pop thing-I am a dr pepper addict and i love it even more if it is from Sonic. The girls at Sonic in our town know me and when I order a small they want to know why-pretty sad huh? Well when I leave they say see ya later today because they know the small is not enough-well anyway-I am trying to drink water too-getting use to it some but still have to have some of that sonic dp! Wish I could have seen Andrew Peterson-I have all his cd’s!ReplyCancel

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  • Rob and Corrie - “…if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins…If we have hope in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. BUT NOW CHRIST HAS BEEN RAISED FROM THE DEAD, THE FIRST FRUITS OF THOSE WHO ARE ASLEEP!” (I Cor. 15:17-20)
    Hope indeed!
    _A.P. is great…he came and sang at my Bible college several (!) years ago.
    _Great job finishing the race, y’all!
    _Levi is ADORABLE.ReplyCancel

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  • **** - Congrats, and thanks for being such an inspiration…again!

    RachelReplyCancel

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  • Jenae {I Can Teach My Child} - Sonic Dr. Pepper’s are the best!!! Good for you for giving it up. I need to do that.

    I still think of Cora (and you guys) often! Thank you for being such an inspiration. And I LOVE that song!ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - yay! I’m glad you finished! The bag with Cora’s name on it made me cry. I think actually seeing my girl’s name there would just cement the reality even more 🙁
    So proud of you guys!ReplyCancel

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  • purejoy - good for you… you did great!! and no coke for over a month?? i’d be in trouble!
    what a sweet way to remember cora… and so thankful there is MORE>ReplyCancel

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  • Kendall Smith - I was shocked that you didn’t cry during that song…at least not that I could see. 🙂 I was crying for you! But yeah, what an amazing concert.ReplyCancel

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  • Trish - So proud of you. That looked tough and to give up dr pepper on top of that! Bravo 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Shana - I never even saw you cross! How is that possible?
    Maybe because I was staring at everyone’s feet – but still!
    (I did see Joel – he did great – not fair!)
    Way to go.
    Water is the best. Hands down.ReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - way to go jess!!!
    i wish i could’ve been there.
    i really do.ReplyCancel

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  • Julie - I’m so proud of you! For so very many reasons. Keep doing what you do and blogging about it for the rest of us.ReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - Jess, I’m so glad that the day was such a success! What a blessing to have so many people that love and support your family and celebrate your sweet baby girl!

    xo*tricia

    p.s. good for you with the soda thing. i am afraid that i have a teenytiny, minor coke zero addiction brewing. just maybe. 😉ReplyCancel

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This week my parents came home from Canada. I am so proud of my dad for finishing the kidney walk.
This week I spent time decorating for a moms group that meets at our church. It will be fun to be a part of it again. I really haven’t been back except once since Cora died.

This week I started a new Bible study that I LOVE. I can’t wait to tell you more about what I am learning.

This week I deep cleaned my guest room because my bestest friend is here visiting.
This week I went to the biggest consignment sale I have ever seen. I scored a few cute outfits for Levi.
This week I have been staying up way to late laughing and reminiscing about college days. I am so thankful for dear friends.
This week is the craft fair. Can’t wait.
This week is also the Run for Hope. I hope I am in good enough shape. I have only run once this week. Can’t wait for it either.
This week I can have pop again. I hope that I don’t like it as much as I used too, but doubt that will happen.
This week has been busy. Really busy. Which is why I haven’t had time to write on this little blog. I have lots to share, but it will just have to wait.
I am excited to meet some of you at the Run for Hope…make sure you come and find me. They extended the early registration deadline until tomorrow, so there is still time to sign-up.
Have a good weekend!
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  • Anonymous - JESS, PLEASE POST PHOTOS OF YOUR FINDS AT THE CONSIGNMENT SHOP. HAVE A GREAT RUN!ReplyCancel

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  • TheShackalow - Have a great time!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Rich and Carolyn Dewey - Jess, it’s WONDERFUL to have you back in M2M. You gals did a MAHHHHVELOUS job! Thanks!ReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

    xo*triciaReplyCancel

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  • Gail - Hey Jess–I wanted to email you but can’t find your address. Rob and I are going to be there for the dinner and concert, but not the run. Hope to see you TOMORROW!ReplyCancel

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  • All Doll(ed) Up - yeah for consignment sales! yeah for making through the run! you blessed me this week!ReplyCancel

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  • Four babies 4 us - Hi, I’m a lurker to your blog. I hope you don’t mind me posting. I’e read your blog since the beginning when you found out Cora was sick. I burst into tears the day you posted “Cora is with Jesus today.”

    Anyway, it sounds like you’ve had a great week with more to come! I can’t believe you gave up pop…My Coke bottle is almost an extension of my arm ;o)

    MichelleReplyCancel

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  • The Airharts - Hey Jess,I’m Melissa…just a blog stalker i guess…Is there any way that you would share with me your new bible study plan…I have been in desperate need for something new! Would love to here from you…if you have time, i know how crazy life gets! Much love, Melissa…missyairhart@hotmailReplyCancel

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I can’t tell you how many times God has used people just like you to encourage me. Sometimes friends, sometimes family, and sometimes complete strangers. It seemed like on some of my darkest days after Cora died I would walk down our driveway to check the mail and there sitting in the mailbox would be a card. Of course a card didn’t change my circumstances or make my heart hurt any less, but it was a reminder. A reminder that someone loved and cared for my family. A reminder that my family was continually being prayed for. A reminder of a God who was working mightily in the lives of those around me. And a reminder of a God who offers us HOPE in our darkest hours.
Not only have I been so encouraged by the countless cards sent to me and my husband, but I have been also challenged to encourage people around me in response. I am not very good at that. In fact, sometimes I really stink at sending cards and encouraging others. I think about what a good idea it would be to send a card, and then I get busy and time goes by. I put it off and the card never gets sent. So, I am working on that. I want to become a vessel that God can use to pour encouragement into the lives of those around me. I want to be an encourager.
So, when I clicked over to (in)courage the other day and saw the free pack of cards being offered from Day Spring’s Hope and Encouragement line I signed up. This was the perfect opportunity for me to start working on encouraging others.
My cards came in the mail this week. They are awesome. I would love to receive each and every one of them in the mail. I know you would too. I love the words. I love the verses. 
I sent my first card off this week. I can’t wait to send off my next one. And I am praying that this becomes a natural response for me. When I see people with needs and hurts around me I want to respond with encouragement. I want others to sense God’s deep love because I took the time to encourage.
Today is the National Day of Encouragement.
Thanks for encouraging me.
I know so many of you have.
Who would be encouraged to hear from you today?
Encourage one another and build each other up.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
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  • Wendy - Wow….what an amazing idea!!!

    Thanks for sharing.ReplyCancel

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  • Sue - They’re gorgeous!! And don’t you worry, even though we don’t get individual notes from you, you inspire and encourage so many people every day with your faith and strength!!

    Sue XReplyCancel

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  • Lindsay - I’m with Sue. I have been so inspired by your faith and your family’s journey. Thanks for sharing this awesome idea with us!ReplyCancel

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  • Beki - TheRustedChain - Those are beautiful, Jess.

    If there’s anyone who’s encouraging, it’s you.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - YOU encourage me, a total complete stranger, daily…after finding your blog when your Cora was first in the hospital..YOU made me take a look at my faith, my love of God, my life…I look forward to your post..can’t put into words how much. How creepy it must be for you to have a blog stalker like me, reading and responding to your family blog BUT oh how you inspired and still inspire me.

    Thank you
    KimReplyCancel

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  • Mindy M. Harris - I am a stationery-aholic! Love sending notes.ReplyCancel

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  • Kimberley - you have encouraged me to encourage others! thank you! have a blessed day!ReplyCancel

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  • MFuglseth - I love reading your blog! Reading your blog makes me feel inspired. Your words give people hope and encouragement.
    Keep it up!
    Molly 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Kim said it very well– by your example and faith, you and Joel have challenged my faith, and have been so hopeful and encouraging. A keep my Cora block next to my alarm clock to remind me that every single day is precious and a gift for me to use for His glory.

    Thank you for sharing your walk in such an open way with all of us. I consider each new post like getting a card in the mailbox.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Jess,

    I am Lauren Byrne’s friend. I would love to find a group who sends love notes to people who are hurting or who have lost someone. Let me know if you know of one!

    jennagudalis@hotmail.comReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Jess, your blog gives me hope and encouragement EVERY DAY! I can’t tell you how many times I have read and re-read your entries…..each time with a smile on my face. God Bless You!

    Melanie Martini
    Rochester, MNReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - I love being positive in a sometimes negative world! It lifts me up to send a card…what a great idea!
    Love your blog!ReplyCancel

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  • Lisa - This is a lovely idea. I don’t even know you personally and I think of you often, and find encouragement from you. I like the idea of cards, just a little note to say “I’m thinking of you” really can be a huge thing.ReplyCancel

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  • Mum2twopreciousgifts - I agree wholeheartedly with Kim. Jess, you encourage me in so many ways but particularly to be more patient with my daughter’s life challenges.

    When Levi arrived, I just had to send you something. You must have thought it odd getting clothes from a stranger in Australia!! But I just wanted to know how extraordinary excited our family was that Levi had arrived safely.

    Thank you for sharing your life with those who read your blog. I feel richer for ‘knowing’ you.ReplyCancel

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  • danielle - love these 🙂

    calebdanielle.blogspot.comReplyCancel

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  • Kathy - Along with so many others, you have inspired me because of your faith. I found a link to your blog when Cora was sick and was amazed at the praises you were still able to give. I have kept up with you, Joel and give thanks to God for your sweet blessing, Levi. I think sending someone a card is a wonderful way to send hope, courage and love.ReplyCancel

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  • Amy - I went to their site after I read this and ordered some. I asked in my email if it was too late to sign up. I never heard back, but got a box in the mail this week. Weird though, mine was 25 of the same card?? It is a great card, but not sure I needed 25 of them. 🙂 Were yours all different?ReplyCancel

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This weekend is the Kidney March that I told you about a few months ago.
My dad and uncle have been walking for the past two days.
Here are a few pictures that my mom has sent to keep us updated:
This was day one…before the walking began.
This was close to the end of day two (today).
My dad (right) and uncle (left) are doing great.
They have finished 5th and 6th both days.
Way to go guys!
Tomorrow is the final day…sixteen miles to go.
My dad was having some knee troubles before he left,
so we are praying that he can finish strong tomorrow.
He said he thinks he gave his “better” kidney to his brother. 🙂
We are proud of you Dad…
and you too Uncle David!
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  • Amanda - Way to go Don! We are praying for you and your knee and that you finish strong tomorrow and get back home safely!!ReplyCancel

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  • The Moffats - So proud of you Don and David! We will be praying your knee feels better today and allows you to finish strong!ReplyCancel

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  • Rich and Carolyn Dewey - Veeeerrry cool, guys! Finish strong!

    Thanks for the update, have been wondering how they were doing!ReplyCancel

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  • Tara Long - Hi, My name Tara Long. I found your blog through a friend about a year ago and I have been (blog)stalking you ever since. You are such an amazing and uplifting family, I couldn’t help but keep coming back!
    I hope you don’t think I am crazy but, I was reading in one of my favorite books the other day and came across a few verses that made me think of you and I just wanted to share them with you. I hope its OK.

    Mosiah 16:6-9
    6 And now if Christ had not come into the world, speaking of things to come as though they had already come, there could have been no redemption.
    7 And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection.
    8 But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.
    9 He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.

    I am not trying to preach to you or anything I just felt these were good and uplifting, and a lot like what you talk about. They are verses from The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ. You can read more here if you want. http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents

    Thank you for your example of faith and love.

    ps: You have the cutest family!!ReplyCancel

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  • Sue - WOW!! Excellent!! Hope they both survived the experience, how special!ReplyCancel

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  • Graeme - Congratulations to them both. I met them on the march, they’re great guys.ReplyCancel

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  • Sophia - I met them on the March too, they were pretty awesome. That is so special, one donating to the other!ReplyCancel

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