Tag: love

art, encouragement, hope, Uncategorized

Create Joy: Handmade Cards to Encourage Others

The Kedge Anchor

In the last blog post, I shared a little about what the Anchor Angel Project is and how you can be part of it. The idea came from a friend of mine who had been walking through a long, difficult season. I started sending her memes, Bible verses, articles, care packages, and cards—just little things to lift her up. One day she referred to me as her “anchor angel,” and that phrase stuck. After that, my imagination took off.

Since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved making cards for my family. I used to dream about working for Hallmark someday—LOL. I’ve always loved to design, draw, paint, hand-letter… just create. Making greeting cards became one of my favorite ways to express myself and brighten someone else’s day. I don’t always have the time to make them as often as I’d like, but I’m hoping that by making this project my mission, I can do it more consistently—and encourage others to do the same.

We’re reminded in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to “encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing” (NASB1995). A simple greeting card can be such a beautiful way to do that. It’s a tangible reminder of God’s love and your thoughtfulness. Tuck one into a care package. Send a photo card with a favorite old memory—like that beach trip you always laugh about or a random Tuesday that turned into a lifelong moment. The recipient might even frame it. It’s a little thing that can have a lasting impact.

A handmade card is personal. It’s heartfelt. It’s a surprise in a world of bills and junk mail. When was the last time youopened the mailbox and felt your heart smile from something totally unexpected?

That old saying, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive,” is so true. There’s a special kind of joy that comes from knowing you’ve encouraged someone else. It encourages me, too.

So—who will you bless this August? Who will be your three? I’d love to see your creations! Follow The Kedge Anchor on Facebook and Instagram and share your cards with #anchorangelproject.

And hey—there’s still more to come. I haven’t revealed everything yet… there’s a little twist on the horizon. Have you guessed it?

Happy Friday and Happy Weekend Eve!! I am so ready for the weekend—how about you? 🧡

Gratitude

Celebrating National No More Dirty Dishes Day: A New Perspective on Cleaning and Gratitude

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by Kelly on Pexels.com (btw, not my sink)

It National No More Dirty Dishes Day! So many of you want to celebrate this. Aaaahhh, to never wash another dish or load or unload the dishwasher. An empty sink, a clean kitchen photo shoot ready. Some households you will never see a sink with dirty dishes, others you may find one or two and some it’s never empty. I know that frustrates some to have anything in the sink. I get it.

I hope that I can give you a different perspective on dirty dishes. For me a sink full of dirty dishes means we ate. Our stomachs are full and satisfied. To me it’s a glorious thing. My mom used to have a poem taped to the side cabinet by the sink, you may have heard it;

Thank God for dirty dishes;
They have a tale to tell.
While others may go hungry,
We’re eating very well
With home, health, and happiness,
I shouldn’t want to fuss;
By the stack of evidence,
God’s been very good to us.

(side note here, I would like to credit whomever penned this poem. I searched and found two different authors and one unknown)

Growing up I remember some of my friend’s mom would just lose it if there were dirty dishes in the sink. Now I am not saying we let them sit, let the sink smell and ants start crawling around, that’s not what I am saying. And for me dishes in sink is a good thing. My husband and I lived in Seminole County Florida where there is a hunger issue. Many children go to school without breakfast or a packed lunch. No matter where we have lived there has been an area where families lack food. Google where you live and search for areas that have a food deficit. I am willing to bet those homes have empty sinks.

I just don’t get upset about dirty dishes in the sink. I do keep a clean house. Many times the sink is full of dishes the next morning because we have been out living a life, or one of us was sick and in my house if one of is sick… I’m no thinking about the sink. I don’t freak out when I when wake up and dishes from the night before are there, it means we ate. I may be a little off beat here, but for me taking the time to clean the sink in the morning gives me time to clear my head and focus. I may put on some worship music or listen to a podcast or sermon whilst I clean. Sometimes it just before I make dinner I get to it. It’s ok to have a sink full of dirty dishes. It’s ok to have an empty sink. It’s just where on the priority list is it? I am very thankful for those dirty dishes. It means we ate. It means God has been good to us.
So the next time you see your sink overflowing take a moment to breathe and thank God for dirty dishes.

Uncategorized

Free Coloring Page – Good Friday 2024

The Kedge Anchor

Happy Friday and Good Friday. Although it wasn’t so happy or good for Jesus. So why is it called Good Friday? Jesus was innocent, yet He was crucified for the sins of the world. He endured pain for us. We are the ones who deserve what Jesus went through. But the cross gives us Hope. Sunday is coming!!

If you haven’t seen today’s blog post please take a few minutes to watch.

Here is another free coloring page to help remind and reflect why today is called Good Friday.

Good Friday 3/29/24Download
Love Languages

What Does Valentine’s Day Mean to You?

The Kedge Anchor

Thank you to all who have followed me here and on YouTube the past week where I showed ways to wrap up the Five Languages of Love as actual tangible gifts.

Over the years growing up Valentine’s Day has had different meanings. As a kid, It was those cheap boxed die cut cards that every kid in school passed out to almost everyone. I would make cards for my mom and dad. I guess I have been making greeting cards for sometime now, lol, and my mom would always say “Roses are red violets are blue aren’t you glad God loves you.” When I moved away, even after I was married she’d cut out a read heart and write that little poem on it.

As I became an adult and being single I began to dread Valentine’s Day. I thought it was because I was unattached, no steady boyfriend at times that I would dread it. But even if I happened to have a boyfriend at the time, it was still looking back, uh, unfulfilling. I thought once I was married, it would be different, I would look forward to it. Well, I have been married 30 years this coming spring and I’ll admit it’s not as dreadful but there is always that pressure to get the perfect gift, the grand gesture, the wow factor. Even if you’re single there’s still pressure, right? The traditional, expected dozen roses that are waaaay over priced this time every year, the box of chocolates. Diamond sales go up, nothing wrong with getting engaged on Valentine’s Day. But can we be a little more imaginative, unexpected, more original?

Honestly, I don’t need a calendar to tell me when to express or celebrate my love for anyone. So with that off the table, less pressure more room for originality and creativity. Singles, no matter how old you are, you don’t need a boyfriend or a girlfriend to celebrate Valentine’s Day. You have family, friends? Gather!!!! High schoolers go to proms in groups. Gather your family, invite them to dinner, do the same with your friends. Take photos and make memories.

Husband’s, wive’s can we be more imaginative? Can we think outside the chocolates and roses? Does it have to cost an arm and a leg to express your love? Does it have to be February 14th? Why not all year long? Download the coupon book, make twelve coupons for an adventure every month. Try a new recipe and cook dinner together once a month. Consider your loved one’s love language this Valentine’s Day. Get creative, be imaginative, create memories and experiences.

The greatest gift of love was given to us by God Himself and it wasn’t on February 14th. We celebrate His birth, death and resurrection. God expressed His love for us by giving us His Son. He sacrificed His only Son for us. Jesus gave His life, His blood and rose from the dead three days later for us so that we could live in eternity forever with Him. God’s gift of salvation cost Him everything so it could cost us nothing. It’s free, all we have to do is accept it. The greatest gesture of love, the greatest example of love, His sacrifice. What an expression of love!!

Love Languages

Love Language – Quality Time Day 4

The Kedge Anchor
image_123650291Download

Relationships are important in our lives, both with other people and with God. We were not designed to live in isolation, but to rely on and support one another. Having a relationship with God, is the most important connection we can have. God has made a way for this relationship to be possible through the sacrifice of Jesus’s blood.

Creating a personalized calendar is a great way to commemorate moments and plan for future adventures. With the abundance of photos that we have on our phones or stored away, selecting just twelve may be a tough task. To make it easier, you can opt for themed collages, focusing on different aspects or events of your life.

In the case of a milestone anniversary, it would be fitting to include some wedding photos that hold special meaning. Alternatively, if you’re looking to spend more time with your kids, use photos of their growth and achievements over the years. To plan ahead, you could even include images that represent your monthly activities or goals.

If you’re aiming to prioritize spending time with friends, utilize candid photos of them having fun or doing silly things. The image provided above can be downloaded and used as the cover page for your calendar.

Personalizing a calendar can be fun when looking for photos to personalize it. Just type in calendars in the search to create your own. If you like you can use the image I provided for the cover or use one of your own.

To get started, visit Zazzle and upload your favorite images of your spouse, family, or friends. With this personalized calendar, you’ll not only have a wonderful memento but also a visual reminder to cherish and prioritize the important people in your life.

Perhaps you just want to be reminded to schedule some quality time. I have designed two images for clocks, one square and one round that you can purchase through my store on Zazzle, Square Clock Round Clock

Valentine’s Day or any other occasion, it is valuable to make a commitment to spend quality time with loved ones who have this love language. Extending this commitment to not only to spouses but also to family members, children, and friends. By prioritizing and dedicating time to spend together, we can build stronger bonds and deeper connections. Express your love and appreciation by investing time and attention in the relationships that matter most.

Love Languages

Love Languages – Physical Touch Day 3

The Kedge Anchor

It is important to recognize that human touch plays a significant role in our overall well-being. While some individuals may not enjoy or seek out physical touch, it is essential to understand that the lack of touch can have adverse effects on our mental health. Trauma resulting in anxiety or panic triggered by touch should not be dismissed but rather addressed with professional help to find hope and healing. Counseling can be a valuable resource in overcoming these challenges and finding a balanced approach to human touch based on individual preferences and comfort levels.

Research suggests that a blanket can provide a comforting and soothing experience, especially in situations where human touch may not be readily available. It’s thoughtful of you to have a gift that can potentially offer that sense of comfort to someone.

A blanket can a thoughtful and considerate solution to help bridge the physical distance and still cater to your partner’s love language of physical touch. The option to personalize and customize one of the blankets adds an extra touch of sentimentality, making it a special gift for your loved one.

I have designed these two blankets and you can purchase either of them in my Zazzle store.

This one above is ready to purchase with a photo of a couple walking on the beach, that could be you. Or if you prefer, I also designed one for you to customize and make more personal by adding your photo and adding more text.

If you need more personalization and customization, please contact me. There’s no extra cost to customize on Zazzle, but if there’s something you need changed, let me know we can work something out.

Human touch is indeed essential for our well-being, as it provides comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging. While everyone may have different preferences and love languages, it is important to recognize the significance of touch in our lives. However, I want to be sensitive and acknowledge that some individuals may have experienced trauma related to touch, and seeking counseling can be a helpful step towards healing and finding healthy ways to engage with touch. God created us for community, community with Him and with others. We don’t have to navigate life alone.

Love Languages, Uncategorized

Love Language – Acts of Service Day 2

The Kedge Anchor

Acts of service can be a powerful way to express love and care in relationships. Taking note of the little things your loved one needs or dislikes and offering help or assistance demonstrates thoughtfulness and consideration. Paying attention to their schedule and offering support or taking on tasks they may find burdensome can also strengthen the bond. Creating a coupon book with personalized acts of service can be a creative and meaningful gesture to show your love and appreciation.

Offering to pick up their dry cleaning or assisting with repairs, cooking, or gardening can be thoughtful ways to help someone with a busy schedule. It shows that you are paying attention to their needs and are willing to lend a hand in areas where you have expertise or skills.

But how do wrap up acts of service and put a bow on it? I got that! A coupon book. You can download this printable, personalize and customize, make as many coupons as you want, bind it (binding can simply be staples) and pair it with chocolates or flowers or maybe cook a meal and present it as a complete package. This way, not only are you offering acts of service, but you are also presenting it in a visually appealing and thoughtful manner. Additionally, the inclusion of a small gift like chocolates, flowers, or a home-cooked meal adds an extra touch of appreciation and makes it a complete and well-rounded gesture of kindness.

Learn more about love languages and gain better insight about yourself through these quizzes.

Scroll down to download this free printable

Valentine’s Day Coupon BookDownload

If you aren’t familiar with the 5 Love Languages, pick up a copy of Gary Chapman’s book any where books are sold. Be sure to watch day one’s video on words of affirmation.

Please leave your comments, like and subscribe you’d be doing me a loving act of service : ) and I’d love to hear what you will do for your spouse or loved one and how you presented it.

Love Languages

Love Language – Words of Affirmation Day 1

The Kedge Anchor
Valentine’s Day Words of AffirmationDownload

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and what better why to celebrate than speaking your spouse’s or your loved one’s love language. If you aren’t familiar with the 5 love languages, pick up a copy of Gary Chapman’s book The 5 Love Languages

The 5 Love Languages® is a valuable resource that can help individuals strengthen their connections and experience greater joy and harmony in their relationships. By understanding and expressing love in the language most meaningful to their loved ones, individuals can overcome feelings of disconnection and loneliness, fostering deeper and more fulfilling connections with the people they care about.

Speaking words of affirmation is a powerful way to build confidence and strengthen the bond in relationships. By expressing appreciation, encouragement, and compliments, individuals can uplift their loved ones, boost their self-esteem, and create a positive and supportive environment. This practice fosters a deeper sense of connection and fosters a strong foundation built on love and mutual respect.

This video focuses on words of affirmation and how you can wrap up words as a tangible gift.

I hope these videos provide inspiration for creating personalized gifts. Please leave your ideas in the comments I’d love to hear to hear them. And please like, subscribe and follow on social media. A heart felt thanks! : )

Uncategorized

February 21, 2022 – Matthew 5:44

The Kedge Anchor

Love your enemies. I didn’t say it, Jesus says to love those who persecute us. He gives us the free will to do that. He never said it was easy. He never said the we would feel like it. So you can choose to love your enemies even though you don’t feel like it. It’s humbling to love someone who has hurt you. We are no better than anyone else. Think, if you have hurt someone, how would you want to be treated? If you are sorry for what you did, you’d want to be forgiven. Jesus forgives and loves unconditionally.

feb-21-22Download

Uncategorized

February 14, 2022 – Romans 5:8

The Kedge Anchor

Happy Valentine’s Day!!! The verse today reflects God’s love for us. He sacrificed His Son to die on the cross and Jesus willingly sacrificed His life for us while we were still sinners. He didn’t wait for us to get our act together, He didn’t wait for us to measure up, because He knows we never can. But through Him, through His sacrifice we can have forgiveness.

feb-14-22-2Download