Friday, July 22, 2011

Marriage Mayday

This project is not only close to my heart, but close to my marriage.  Like many marriages, ours has great times, but we have also some big scars from battles over the years & challenges that have been brought our way.  

There were times we both asked, "Are we going to make it?"  but pushed through - the resentment, hurt, and anger.  And God without fail...MAKES ALL THINGS NEW. 

How do you re-claim that deep friendship with your spouse when you are consumed with the busy-ness of life, kids and/or are working through any fracture within the relationship?


Partnered with some amazing wisdom totaling over 90 years of marriage, we've all concluded that no matter where you are in your marriage, stopping life, being open, and having a good 'ol conversation can begin to heal anything.


This kit contains: 
  • 2 journals (His & Hers) with thought  provoking conversation starters, date ideas, & journal paper.  
  • Kernel Seasons popcorn & seasoning (choices are - White cheddar, Jalapeno, and Kettle corn) for your date.
  • 2 white "surrender" flags.




Sample Page:

There are many aspects within a marriage that need to be viewed as a business.  No business will be successful without unity among the management team.  The key to harmony and success within the marriage is being on the same page in terms of direction of operations within the home:
-          Money management
-          Raising & disciplining kids
-          Stress management/communication
-          Life direction/goals & dreams (etc)
Because the marriage dynamics are always changing as our lives evolve, there needs to be regularly scheduled business meetings. 

Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 
Matthew 12:25 (NIV)

Write the area(s) there is dis-unity within the operations of your marriage (financial direction, children, stresses…) then set a date (at the bottom of the page) when you will have a meeting to get on the same page in terms of managing the marriage:

Thank you to all our family & friends who have been amazing support to our lives, & marriage. There are soo many of you who have laughed with us, and cried with us over many years. We would not be where we are today without your support & prayers.                                                  
Nothing is un-fixable if 
both parties are willing
The link to our store for this product is:
Marriage Mayday                       

Sincerely, 
Christy
                                                                                               

Saturday, May 7, 2011

A Tribute to Healing

I've been asked many times about the card collection  - and being that it's Mother's Day, 
I wanted to share this story in honor of my mom, the artist. 





Growing up with 2 parents who struggled with terminal illness was most challenging.  My dad worked on the railroad, hunted & fished all we ate until he was too sick to do all the things he loved.  He slowly was losing his mobility, and his life - and as a result he became a very angry, controlling hostile person.  I remember when he first lost his ability to drive, he'd sit in the living room chair and stare at his hunting truck for 18 hours a day...for many months.  I can't imagine his anguish knowing he would never be able to do the things he loved again.  His deep pain and fear resulted in him lashing out at us, his family.


My mom too had her own set of challenges with her illness (not to mention trying to help my dad), and almost died several times over the years.  Where she was an inspiration through chaotic and stressful circumstances was that she always saw the glass as half full, and found ways to find peace through difficult circumstances.  She'd find a stress outlet to pour herself into - something that would bring healing and joy in the midst of storm.

Her last and greatest passion before suddenly passing away - was watercolor painting.  It brought her such joy over her last years.


After my mom passed away - then my dad, it was difficult to find my new normal life and sift through all the feelings and pain.  Through my journey I found that the grief is not an easy road - and is fairly lonely.  Most don't know what to say, and forget it can be a long journey.  So I originally created this card collection as MY outlet of healing.  This has become a tool of support to others on the journey of loosing someone loved.  There are 12 cards in total - one for every month for a year of support.

Thank you - my friends and family for the support on my journey.  I'm excited to see my mom's continual legacy of joy, and peace carry on to be a support to others in difficult life circumstances.

Here is the link to our store where the card collection can be purchased.   http://www.shop.isaverb.com/Collection-of-12-cards-designed-for-grief-support-cm0001.htm