12 Days of Home for the Holidays Welcomes Cheryl Waters

 Cheryl Waters

Messengers of Hope
Christmas is a season of family time, thankfulness, gifts (both tangible and otherwise) and a season of Good News!  Most often, messages of good news are brought from angels above.  So many Christmas Carols share of angels.  Especially approaching this Christmas, I’ve been doing a lot of pondering about angels myself.  The tune “Angels We Have Heard On High” rings dear to my heart!

On November 2nd of last year (2012), I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  This last year has been one of physical challenge and some emotional, but it has also been one of discovering what I call ‘gifts in the journey.’  It has been a year of making each day count, appreciating life, family, my faith, and friends even more so!  While I was undergoing treatment I still created.  Art was a friend and an outlet.  Art journaling was a way to simply convey my experiences.  I’ve shared a bit of my journey on my blog, experiences of hope and blessing I’ve met along my journey.  

While I am not thankful for cancer, I am thankful for the blessings I’ve experienced in my journey so far.  Isn’t Christmas about the gifts we’ve been given and desire to give.  I’ve been given so many gifts . . . too many to list but gifts are treasures we find while traveling the road of life (some seasons of challenge and other seasons of victory). 

A couple of gifts in my journey have included the opportunity to be able to help another as they begin their own fight with cancer.  We only have to be one step ahead to help someone and we all need each other!  It’s a blessing to be able to use the experiences and bits of wisdom we gain.   Another is appreciating the life we are given with an even greater gratitude and making every day count!   Yet others include personal growth, camaraderie, the sweet and skilled nurses, doctors and staff that are caring for me, learning to trust with fewer boundaries, and the peace and rest I’ve experienced in the midst of challenge.  

Another gift through challenge and the journey is focus.  When walking through a time such as this it helps to define priorities, helps you not sweat the small stuff and allows you to move forward with a deeper strength.  But I don’t walk alone.  No, no.  It is because of the incredible and loving circle of support that has rallied around me that I’m able to walk through such a time.  My faith, family, friends, co-workers, new individuals brought into my life have lifted me up and touched my heart!

None of us know if there is a tomorrow.  When you are diagnosed, you are reminded of the importance to LIVE each day and do it with fervency, purpose and hope.  Making each day count is so important!  So I plan on having a purposeful Christmas with family and friends.  We will be practicing gratitude and remembering the ‘Angels We Have Heard on High.’  
Angels we have on heard high
Sweetly singing ore the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria in excelsis Deo

At Christmas time, we think of those angels singing in multitudes with great joy as the world welcomed hope in the form of baby Jesus.  This season offers hope and I’ll be joining with other voices to sing that message out loud!  I know that Christmas time can be a lonely holiday for some individuals or a time of challenge.  That saddens me.  That makes my heart want to shout even louder the message hope and peace Christmas has to offer!

I complete my last surgery (hopefully) on November 18th and plan on celebrating Christmas with my family and friends.  The hope and peace that this season represents will resonate in my heart!   I wish the same for you and yours.  Will you join me in singing Christmas carols that are so dear to our hearts and that offer a continuous message of hope?  Maybe you celebrate differently . . . this season no matter how celebrated offers light, love and hope.  Let’s sing it out together as we celebrate hope, peace and as we relish each moment given to us as a gift!

Please gift yourself a gift this year and get that exam maybe you've been putting off or give yourself one.  If you are of the male counter part (men can get breast cancer too), you have women in your life you love; friends, family, spouses . . . encourage them to do the same.  Life is a gift . . . it's what Christmas is all about . . . life, hope and light.  When you get your check ups or encourage others to do the same; you may be extending life.  You are worth it, you are precious, you are unique and there's only one of you in the world.  Gift yourself and remember to take care of you!

I’ve included a little video of a vintage inspired fabric necklace as a reminder of the sweet angels who sing of the season’s message.   I hope you enjoy this tutorial.  You can wear it on your person, hang it in your home or gift one to a friend who needs a reminder of sweet hope.  Enjoy!




Cheryl
Artsy Findings blog
Artsy Findings website
Artsy Findings shop

Cheryl has listed a couple of her mix media art creation originals:  two Angels, Hope and Joy . . . in the Artsy Findings shoppe.  Cheryl is offering a Cyber Monday sale as well with 15 percent off of all product including those angels. Artsy Findings Angels of Hope and Joy.

  
http://tabithasafdi.com/blog/
Photo Tip of the Day
Relax. Whether you are taking the photos or you’ve hired a professional…just relax. To get the most out of your photos with children involved make sure that they aren’t tired or hungry. It is important to let children be free. I’ve found that some of the best photos of children are those candid, non-forced smiles. I also find that when you try to direct them, ask them to smile or look here or there, typically that tends to make a child tense. So just have fun!

Sponsored Giveaway 

 -Leave a comment for our guest, Cheryl Waters.
-Choose at least one of Cheryl's social media/blog outlets and follow (you can do more than one.)
-Bring a friend.
-"Like" and leave a comment on our sponsors Facebook page.  (LINKS)
Note:  May Arts Ribbons is for 3 rolls of your choice. 
Leave separate comments of each item you accomplish. There will be a random drawing on December 13 for the entire sponsored giveaway. For details CLICK here.
*All giveaways are open to USA residents only.

Happy Holidays!

Comments

  1. Is The 12 days of Christmas open to Canadian residents?

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  2. I am sorry but all giveaways are open to USA residents only.

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  3. Anonymous3:11 AM

    It's wonderful to hear you are doing so well Cheryl! I've sent you cards and rooted for you online. God Bless you! Your necklace is lovely. Angels We Have Heard On High is one of my all time favorite Christmas songs. I will be belting it out, too - and I will think of you as I do.

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  4. Another artist whose faith and courage always inspire me. I feel so blessed to know Cheryl-even if it is only in they cyber world.

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  5. I have followed Cheryl's journey and she is an inspiration! I am proof that you can get past this - going on 16 years now! I love her art - just gorgeous! Congrats Cheryl! Love seeing you here!

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    1. Congratulations Jean on your 16 years.

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  6. I follow Cheryl's blog!

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  7. Very cute! Love it. It is very inspiring to see how strong every one is, and how they get through their life's struggles with a smile on their face. You all are amazing people.

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  8. I follow on Facebook too

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  9. Such an inspiring story!

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  10. another fabulous choice for a guest Debby...wishing you and Cheryl all the joys and blessings of this season of Christmas.

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  11. Maxine Hodges8:56 AM

    Cheryl is such an inspiration to all. she has faced this journey with faith and grace.

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  12. Thank you Cheryl for always being a spirit of inspiration, may God continue to bless your life fully...love your necklace it also is inspiring...and love the photo tip of the day.

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  13. Thank you Cheryl for always being a spirit of inspiration, may God continue to bless your life fully...love your necklace it also is inspiring...and love the photo tip of the day.

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  14. Anonymous9:25 AM

    I left a comment on Cheryl's blog page. The rosette is beautiful.

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  15. I left a comment on Cheryl blog but already am friends with her...she is so inspiring and encouraging.

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  17. Cheryl your creations are beautiful! Wishing all the best for you.... healing to end that part of your journey, Merry Christmas

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  18. I left a comment on Cheryl's fb wall

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  19. followed Cheryl on twitter

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  20. followed cheryl on fb

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  21. Michelle Salazar10:39 AM

    I love Cheryl and I am blessed to call her a friend! Her journey has been amazing, her strength is one to be admired and her faith never ending! I already follow her.

    Debbie a great choice for day two love her little video!

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  22. Anonymous11:31 AM

    Thank you for your message. Hope heals! We have someone in our family battling cancer and it puts things into perspective. Trying to live a purposeful life.

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  23. Such an inspirational post and beautiful project :)

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  24. What a wonderful outlook on life and glad to hear you are near the end of what I am sure has been a difficult time for both you and your family. Loved the rosette, very beautiful and so delicate looking.

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  25. Gloria L.12:21 PM

    Cheryl, your story is so inspiring! Thank you for the lovely necklace tutorial!

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  26. What an inspiring story! I am a 3 time cancer survivor and I am thankful that I got cancer the first time because it made me realize who my friends really were and to value life. Each and every moment of life is precious. The good and the bad. They make you who you are and can strengthen you as a person, friend and family member! So glad you are doing well and I wish that you are over the hurdles and on your way to freedom from this horrible disease! God Bless you!

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  27. Cheryl, as usual your art is so inspirational!

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  28. I follow Cheryl's blog.

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  29. What a wonderful story of hope, and I love that Christmas hymn!

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  30. I just wanted to extend my sweet thanks to each of you for visiting, sharing, and encouraging me. What a sweet precious treat for me to share a bit of time with you on this journey of life! I see some familiar friends here and some new! Wishing each of you a beautiful season filled with hope!

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  31. I like your unique style cheryl!!! TTFS!

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  32. I loved the angel tutorial.

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  33. Beautiful angel...we have had breast cancer in our family, too...I am so hoping for a cure!~!
    Loved seeing your lovely projects!!

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  34. cheryl, you are in inspiration. Wonderful projects

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  36. Left a message on Cheryl's blog

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  37. posted on Cheryl's fb page

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  38. I hope you have a very merry christmas and find nothing but smooth sailing for the coming year.

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  39. I have enjoyed visiting here today...your work is very inspiring.

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  40. I am following Cheryl on FB.

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  41. I wrote on Cheryl's FB wall.

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  42. I am following Cheryl's blog by email.

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  46. I am following Buttons and Galore on Pinterest.

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  48. I visited Graphic 45 on Pinterest and started following them.

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  49. I visited Hydrangea Hippo on FB and liked them.

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  50. I told Hydrangea Hippo "12 Days of Home for the Holidays / D's Paper Studio sent me."

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  51. I am now following Hydrangea Hippo on Pinterest.

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  52. I visited Blue Fern on FB and liked them.

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  53. I visited Blue Fern on FB and told them "12 Days of Home for the Holidays / D's Paper Studio sent me."

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  54. I visited Blue Fern on Pinterest and started following them.

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  55. I visited May Arts on FB and liked them cause I really do! LOL

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  56. I visited May ARts on FB and told them "12 Days of Home for the Holidays / D's Paper Studio sent me."

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  57. I started following May Arts on Pinterest.

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  58. I visited DARK ROOM DOOR on FB and LiKED them.

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  59. I visited DARKROOM DOOR on FB and told them "12 Days of Home for the Holidays / D's Paper Studio sent me."

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  60. I visited Stampinton & Co. on FB and liked them. I really love them if there had been a love button, I would have pressed that too.

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  61. I visited Stampington & Co. on FB and told them "12 Days of Home for the Holidays / D's Paper Studio sent me."

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  62. I am now following STampinton & Co. on Pinterest.

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  63. I visited X-acto on FB and liked them.

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  64. I visited X-acto on FB and told them "12 Days of Home for the Holidays / D's Paper Studio sent me."

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  65. I invited friends to X-acto on FB.

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  66. I invited friends to Coredinations on FB.

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  67. I invited friends to Graphic 45 on FB.

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  68. I invited friends to hydrangea hippo on FB.

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  69. I invited friends to Buttons Galore on FB.

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  70. I invited friends to Blue Fern on FB.

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  71. I invited friends to May Arts on FB.

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  72. I invited friends to Dark Room Door on FB.

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  73. I invited friends to Dark Room Door on FB.

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  74. I invited friends to Stampington & Co. on FB.

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  75. I'm sorry...I think I put all these comments in the wrong place. I am trying to delete them....LOL!

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  76. I've been Cheryl's friend on FB for as long as I can remember.

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  77. I also follow Cheryl's blog-it inspires me on many levels.

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  78. Thank you for the inspiration and God bless you this next year

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  79. Like Cheryl's Facebook page

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  80. Thank you for your inspiring words Cheryl! I had a lumpectomy last year after a routine mammogram showed something suspicious but was relieved to find that it was not cancer. However, I have had a number of friends and family who are survivors of breast cancer and am ever so grateful for early detection and treatment. Blessings to you!

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  81. I subscribe to Cheryl's blog by email

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  82. Following Cheryl on FB and left a comment!

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  83. Following Cheryl on FB and left a comment!

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  84. Such a beautiful post, so full of hope and encouragement! Thank you for sharing - Blessings!!!

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  85. Loved reading about your journey. Hope all is well now!

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  86. oh my heart goes out to you....thanks for sharing your journey with us...love the video too.

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  87. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us...hugs and prayers for you. :)
    - April W

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  88. Your sweet visit, comments and encouraging words are such a gift. Thank you to all!

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  89. I already followed Buttons Galoe & More and I thanked them for helping to sponsor D's 12 Days of Christmas on FB.

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  90. awesome blog post~ Yeah, Cheryl!!!!

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  91. Anonymous9:49 AM

    Dear Cheryl...thank you for the beautiful post. Your work is lovely! May the Lord restore you fully! Merry Christmas! Becky J abcjones@comcast.net

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  92. Your post was very inspiring Cheryl. It is nice to hear that you are helping others through their cancer journey.

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  93. Best wishes in beating that cancer demon!

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