Christi's Creative Crew: Sentimental Sunday

Last week Monday, my sweet hubby, Dale, did a selfless act of donating a kidney to someone who desperately needed it.

It all started about 6 months ago when our friend was finally put on the list to receive a new kidney. He had been living without any kidneys for a couple years, taking dialysis every night while he slept.

After months of testing and appointments, Dale was a match, but before we got to the final step, our friend received a kidney from someone who passed away in a car accident.

Dale thought that he would just stop the process, but in his own words he said that his soul just wouldn't rest, and that he felt the Lord leading him to continue because there was someone out there that needed a kidney.

What we found out during our 10-12 hours of appointments (in one day) that there are 90,000+ people just waiting for a kidney (any many never get one). According to the kidney donor site 11 people die every day just waiting for a kidney.

By the sovereign grace and providence of God, Dale was a match for our friends, friend who also needed a kidney.

One week prior to the surgery, Dale was able to meet him and spend some time in prayer with him and his wife. What a blessing this whole process has been. We praise God for His Miraculous works!

Dale came through surgery with flying colors (I knew that he would) but there is still a long recovery. The hardest part will be the weight restriction for 8 full weeks, and no driving for three weeks. (not to speak of the pain he is having at the beginning stages of healing)

We are thankful for our sweet neighbor who is taking care of our lawn, and countless others who have surrounded us in prayer.

To say that I am proud of him, barely scratches the surface! This selfless act REALLY shows his character and his reliance on the Lord.

The morning after his surgery, a team made up of a nurse, social worker, financial coordinator and pharmacist came to talk with us.

He was gifted with several meaningful gifts, some kind and appreciative words, and information that he will need (for the rest of his life). Yes, he will have limitations because he will be living with only one kidney, but he also gave the gift of more years to this man who will be able to enjoy watching his grandchildren grow up,

This guys wife brought Dale some beautiful Irises to cheer him up,

and when I got home this picture was on my Facebook page

Isn't it just like God to coordinate simple things like this??!!

It was so good to bring him home less than 48 hours later

The little green "pillow" is kidney shaped, and on that kidney is the number that represents what number Dale is since they started live kidney donations. He is #1,215

The team signed it, and then all his visitors signed it, and his recipient wrote him an amazing tribute on it. This will be a keeper. (it also makes a nice neck pillow!!) LOL!!

Want in on a good deal from me?

I recently returned from North Carolina where I (plus 3 of my team members) attended the OnStage yearly Stampin' Up! event.

It was encouraging and challenging all at the same time

We learned about some changes that Stampin' Up! is making

The challenge that I came away with for myself is to reach my $300,000 in sales by the end of September.

If I do I will get to walk the stage and be recognized for this accomplishment at the 2026 OnStage event in Long Beach, CA (not that I really like walking the stage, but it really is an accomplishment)

What does this mean for you, and why am I telling you this?

I will need to increase my sales each month and that is where you come in

I am asking you to place your orders with me, and in return I will offer you the listed price of all products.

If you place your order (after April 15th) online you will start receiving a 10% reward on all orders $20 or more, that you can claim on your next order (this all starts April 15th) - therefore, I cannot offer the catalog price. BUT... if you order with me directly I am able to offer you this discount. (I have no control over the online orders)

BUT... I will reward your order according to the amount you order with a product that I will ship to you. (an embellishment, ribbon, etc.) I cannot list what it will be because of the fact that items go on the unorderable list, etc.

For example... If you place an online order of $75.00 I will send you a product valued at $7.50

If you order directly from me I can issue you the discount immediately.

ALL ORDERS will help me achieve this goal

This is how the new rewards program will work:

You can accumulate your rewards for a full 12 months and then you will have some extra "cash" to buy more product!!

Whatever rewards you earn on your purchase can also be redeemed on your next order, you do not need to accumulate!

I still ask that you will please choose me as your Stampin' Up! demonstrator as this will still help out my small business

Thank you so very much!

FOR EVERY ORDER PLACED IN MAY, I WILL PUT YOUR NAME INTO A DRAWING AND THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE THE LOVELIEST TREE BUNDLE