From time to time, I’d like to share inspirations and insights I have learned throughout life—they’ve become the rules I live by. To start things off, I want to discuss the power of words. They can be uplifting or downright destructive. You don’t need to look far to see the outcome of what a few words can accomplish. Just look at the many countries around the world: do they speak words of kindness and love to one another or bitter words of anger? What is the end result?
I believe the words we speak will make or break lives and if we want to change the world, as many have powerfully proclaimed this past year, we need to start in our homes. It is about starting at the center of our hearts and proclaiming our love for one another.
In our home, the three magic words “I love you” flow as freely as water from the tap. It really makes a difference how we treat each other. From those three lovely words come more uplifting words and a feeling of genuine love and care. I believe saying I love you is as essential as breathing, because you never know what the day will bring-- the thought of those words will give power and strength.
Every morning, David takes Rachel to school and one morning they both forgot to say good-bye as they rushed out. I heard them pull out of our driveway and in “100-yard-dash” style I chased them down the street. He saw me and stopped. I was able to say, “Good-bye, I love you both!” David was stunned and asked “Why did you chase us? We know you love us!” I said, “You never know what today brings and I want you always to hear that I do.”
Every phone call ends with an I love you. And every get-together ends that way, too. I believe in those three magic words. My children now say it first. It is purely sweet to hear those words from them. Young moms: start now and never stop! Our babies grow up so fast and before you know it, they have moved on with their own lives and you will love that they call to just say, “I love you.” Remember it’s never too late to start. It’s true what they say, what you give…you will receive.
Here are a few cards of love to inspire you. May your lives be full of the love you give to others!
I love the "Precious" card, you do such great work! Thanks for the inspiration and your words are very true. The babies grow up so fast, tell them everyday!
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ReplyDeleteI love you blog Jeanette! It's so great to see CTMH products in use and your from the heart insights are wonderful. Please keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteSo true Jeanette!
ReplyDeleteI have 7 children of my own, and how fast they are growing. There is an expression when raising children, the days are long, but years are fast. Your cards are precious...such an inspiration. Thanks so much for sharing these kind words.
Hi - I really love the CTMH products and just the way the whole company seems to be run - with love and caring! IT's reflected in the artwork and happy pictures on every page! Thanks for being a role model! Another Mom/Grandma/Scrapbooker Donna W. Manhattan KS (The Little Apple)
ReplyDeleteAs I raised my children I too always made certain that those three little words that mean so much were said constantly. As they became teenagers and I would drop them off at school or whatever else they had on their agenda with their friends I would say, "You know what?" and they would reply, "I know what too." Their friends would ask, "what was that all about?" They would each look at their friends and say, "Just Mom, making sure I know she loves me." Their friends without fail always told them, "that's cool."
ReplyDeleteMy son sent me a picture not to long ago of an olive can and the juice being drained. I laughed until I cried, because he was telling me, "olive juice" or as when we would mouth the words to each other, "I Love You"
It isn't so much as how it is said, only that it is. Much love to you Jeanette! I am so glad I'm part of this amazing CTMH family!
amazing! Thank you!! Our favorite with my baby (who is 4) is "How much does mom love ya?" and he says "to the moon and back babe!" He learned that when he was learning to talk and it stuck...my favorite word...to the moon and back babe!
ReplyDelete"Why would I?" Those 3 words were what my boys and I said to each other when we really wanted to emphasize how much we loved each other. Like Why would I give you the last cookie on the plate? Because I love you! Why would I not let you go out past curfew with people I didn't know? Becaue I love you! Happy memories!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that, Jeanette. Those 3 words are the best! I always told my children many times a day that I loved them when they were growing up. Now that they are all grown, they beat me to it many times before I get a chance. I think that's awesome! And every last word to each other before bedtime, ending a phone call or walking out the door is "I love you." Love your cards and thank you for sharing them with us.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are stunning! I just keep coming back to them to look. Maybe my time would be better spent making some of my own :)
ReplyDeleteSO true about those three little words. My kiddos are still little, but those words are said all the time. My hubby and I never leave or end a phone conversation without them either.
With my mom, it's always followed by "watch out for black ice". When we first moved to Idaho, she would always say that in the winter and it stuck. That and we always have to call her to let us know we made it home safe.
The valentine cards are beautiful. I really enjoy your blog.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are just beautiful, and I love what you have to say about the significance of words. I have a special favor to ask: Is there any chance you would post a special valentine recipe for goodies I could send my college children? You have such wonderful recipes - I thought you might be just the one to ask.
ReplyDeleteOur family sounds very much like yours! My mom and dad instilled in us the importance of saying "I love you"... no matter how old we get we still say "I love you" after a conversation ends and after get togethers. It's refreshing to know that other families out there know just how important it really is. Now, our kids are the same way and it brings tears to my eyes sometimes... Thank you for that uplifting message and the beautiful artwork... Love really does make the world a better place!
ReplyDeleteHeidi
Oh, Jeanette, your cards are always so beautiful! Thank you for giving me so much inspiration for my own artwork!
ReplyDeleteGreat insights. I do the same thing. Over time, I notice that we all say I love you naturally. It is nice. The sad thing is sometimes when friend of the girls come over, it is foreign to them. They really notice it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your creations.
Have a happy day.
K
Oh so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLeslie
All these cards are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to hear others tell their story's and this is a story that never grows old. In my house when I was little I always gave my mom and dad a kiss good-night with an I love you and a see you in the morning. Now my kids do that to me. It is so sweet each and every time.
ReplyDeleteInspiring as usual. Beautiful cards, beautiful thoughts. My 16 YO son still says it to me spontaneously. What joy!
ReplyDeleteI love the two stamp sets you used. Have made several cards with them and not one looks like the other.
Oh, your cards are so beautiful and your story so precious. Thank you for sharing that. What a great reminder - always say "I love you."
ReplyDeleteI see clear buttons on one of these cards. Please bring them back. I miss them and my customers miss them. I resist using mine because I am afraid they will run out. I love clear buttons.
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