The past week was a tough one for me. Out of nowhere, I felt extreme fatigue and weakness. It was off and on for a couple of days and then over the weekend, things got worse! The feelings I was experiencing brought back memories of the shape I was in, exactly one year ago, when my cancer battle was just beginning. My initial feeling was fear that something was seriously wrong with me.

I talked to my Oncologist, sent out prayer requests while doing my best to keep a positive mindset. When I focus on the fact that I trust God and know He is control of each day and each circumstance I face, it brings me to a place of peace. That’s the place I try and run to ASAP when unexpected circumstances arise. It’s not always easy to do that, but I’m working on it. I’ve had lots of training!!!

The good news is, that on Monday, things started to turn around. I really think the problem was severe dehydration. I forget that my body still needs time to completely heal after all I went through last year.

So thankfully, I am feeling MUCH better. I’m back in my studio again, working on projects that will hopefully uplift and inspire others. I know just HAVING the strength to work again is making me happy!

With all that is going on in the world today, I thought it was the perfect time for me to invest in the stamp set called Positive Thoughts.

So… let me take a big gulp of water (working on staying hydrated as I type) and share with you today’s inspired creation.

Today’s project is a punch art card featuring a girl wearing a flower crown or haku lei as we say, here in Hawaii.

Do you see the positive sentiment? This comes from the stamp set, Positive Thoughts! I just LOVE it. I am also in LOVE with the Best Dressed Designer Series Paper. I am currently working on a set of super fun projects to share next month that you will LOVE. They all use this gorgeous designer paper.

The inspiration for the haku lei came from two of the most beautiful lei’s I have ever been given in my life. I received both of them a couple months ago.

The first was from Zeny and Mary. I am wearing it in the photo below where they took me to Roy’s Koolina for my birthday lunch. You can see us pictured below with our friend Pam, who joined us too.

Zeny and Mary purchased it at the Punahou Carnival. It was so colorful and made with so much love and care. I wrapped it in newspaper and wore it a couple more times that week and it looked as good as it did the day I received it.

The second Haku I received was from Lynne who is to the left of me in the picture below.

This one was so full and so WHITE! I loved it. We were back at Roy’s Koolina but this time for dinner to celebrate my cancer being in remission. Receiving this gorgeous lei of aloha made an already wonderful celebration even more special.

As I thought about all those pretty white flowers, I changed the colors of the lei on the card to white. I also changed the sentiment to a friendship one. This sentiment is also a part of the Positive Thoughts stamp set.

I really enjoy making cards with punches. If you’d like to see what punches I used and find out how to create this card, you can watch a video tutorial by clicking the link below.

Someone recently asked me, “How do you always stay so positive about everything”? Well, the truth is, I don’t. When unexpected circumstances hit, my first instinct is usually worry or fear. However, I’ve learned so much through the struggles I’ve faced, especially this past year. So now, when challenges come, I work at not staying in a negative mindset but focusing on God. When I do this, I always feel better because I know God is with me and in His presence there is joy and peace.

All that I have gone through has also made me realize that life is a precious gift. We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we CAN know the one who holds tomorrow.

If you are facing any struggles today, I hope that you will be encouraged to talk to God and ask for His help and strength. He promises that when we call on Him, He will draw near to us. It is that nearness with Him that helps me change my negative thoughts into positive ones as I remember His goodness, faithfulness and love.

My thoughts and prayers are with you today. Let’s believe together for brighter days to come!

Sending Positive Thoughts and Lots of Love,

Cindy

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Positive Thoughts

Be Bold and Courageous

Sending Healing Hugs

Stamped With Aloha