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Monday, September 5, 2011

TAC news, Winner and Thanks!

While I was on vacation (which was great, by the way, and I will share photos in a future post), I received an email that The Angel Company was closing its doors. It came as a surprise and was greatly saddened by the news. However, I decided not to let it affect my vacation and use my time away to pray and think.

Here are some things I've learned, not just with TAC's closing in mind, but life, in general, with all its disappointments:
  • Knowing God's sovereign in all things is a source of comfort. I always knew that He is in control, but when life brings unexpected turns, this truth becomes more real and that brings peace of mind.
  • When I seek God's wisdom, pursue excellence and work with integrity as I embark on opportunities set before me, I can live without regrets with the decisions I make.
  • I'm reminded again to have compassion for others as we are all affected by the economic hardships all over the world. I need to pray more often for the many friends affected by unemployment, foreclosures, etc.
  • Everything happens for a reason. The Bible says, "All things work together for good to those who love God" (Romans 8:28). And it's exciting if and when I finally know what the reason is.
  • Every bump in the road is an opportunity to shine for Christ. Every sorrow/suffering/difficulty we face changes us. It's up to us if we will become bitter or better people because of it. I have to keep in mind that it's the better people who make real impact in the world and that's what I want to be.
  • I am so blessed to have Kris by my side. Disappointments/challenges are hard, but having someone committed to you to go through with the hardships is a blessing. Troubles become adventures and, hand in hand, we both look forward to what lies ahead. Problems make our bond stronger and I learn to appreciate more the wonderful gift that I have in him. I believe God expands our capacity to love as we grow in Him and I know our love for each other grows with each difficulty we go through together. For that alone it is worth facing the challenges!
  • Finally, the troubles of this world make me long more for heaven, where there are no tears or sorrows. My faith will become sight and I will enjoy a perfect communion with my Savior for eternity.
I have received so many sweet comments and encouraging emails from you. Thank you! Many have also inquired about the future of my TAC designs. Some have shared their touching stories about how certain stamps remind them of their loved ones. I am overwhelmed and humbled by your support and love for my designs. I am weighing my options and do not have a definite answer at the moment. I will announce any decision I make regarding my designs through this blog or my Facebook page, hopefully soon! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued interest.

And now, the winner of my Vacation giveaway is...Linda Carson! Please email me, via tab above, to claim your prize. Check my Facebook page for the winner of the Spellbinder dies. I appreciate all your sweet comments and daily visits, friends. It means so much that we can connect, even only through cyberspace.And thank you for letting me share my heart with you all.
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20 comments:

  1. Beautiful post Nina!! Life at times can be/seem uncertain but thankfully that which matters most (our relationship with Christ) is not. Praying for His will to be revealed in even these crafty matters :) Congrats to the winner: Linda Carson!!

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  2. Nina I love your designs and hope you find another outlet for them. I was an angel effected by the closing and I am just glad that I had picked up a few while I had the chance. Best of luck to you!

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  3. I was so lucky to get some of your wonderful designs - but thank you for keeping so positive about this all. It's a good reminder to me. Blessings and great luck on your future adventures!!

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  4. So sorry for your disappointment, Nina. But your head is in the right place, and who knows that even better things are in your future? Wishing you all the best!

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  5. such a truly beautiful post. thank you for the reminder to keep looking up. our hope really is in Him! :)

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  6. So beautifully said! I'm now an "ex" angel and I do have a few of your sets through TAC. I had a few more on my wish list.... Anyway, you are a real blessing and I pray that God will bless your socks off for the blessing you are to others!

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  8. Like others have said, so beautifully spoken. I am still in shock and mourning the company and family I fell deeply in love with. I too have a few of the sets from TAC, but like others still had more I wanted. You are an incredible person and such an amazing artist. I will follow you where ever your images go--I have found some through GinaK. Thank you for your beautiful post..Christine Angel #2603

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  9. Beautiful post Nina! It is hard to think positive and stay strong, but hubby and I have been doing it! We have had a rough couple of years, he had a serious heart condition and lost his job. He is on the road to recovery and is able to work again. Now he has a job, and I just lost mine. Thank you for the encouraging words. :)

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  10. Nina, thank you for sharing your uplifting and inspiring thoughts...so beautiful and a real blessing. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as I daily pray God's blessing on your ministry in Croatia. Stay strong!

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  11. I am so sorry to read about the closing of TAC. I love your designs and I hope you will find an other way to get those great designs out in the world.

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  12. So good to have your eyes fixed on Christ, and such a wise view on your circumstances. x

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  13. Nina~
    Thank you for your incouraging post, and reminding us of what is truly important!
    I was a with TAC for six yrs and will miss being part of this wonderful company... I still have customers wanting to purchase several of your sets, so I will be checking back to see what you decide. I love your designs and am so glad I purchased some of your new sets before TAC closed thier doors!!!

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  14. Thanks for sharing your heart. You have been faithful to Our Lord and He will be faithful to you. God bless you.

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  15. Such godly wisdom so truly and eloquently spoken. Amen and amen! May God bless you in this new turn of events. As Jennie said, life may be uncertain but our relationship with Him is not! And that makes all the difference!

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  16. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and Godly perspective here - and may God guide you to where He wants you in this wonderful world of craft - thank you for sharing your God given talents too.
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  17. Beautifully said Nina...So looking forward to following you and seeing what's next - great things have been prepared for you I'm sure of that.

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  18. Thank you for such an inspiring post. I was delighted to get your FairyWishes before the company closed. Your blog speaks clearly of your love for Our Lord Jesus and I have added it to my favorites. Blessings to you and your ministry.

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Thank you for your kind comments.