Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge #72



I am not a very good stamper. I keep trying different things thinking if I just keep playing with stamps and ink that I will eventually get better and/or find something that works for me. After following Rebekka's site A Diamond in the Rough, I saw a challenge I just had to enter. It is called Stampin Sisters In Christ. The site was very inspirational so I felt compelled to attempt a project.



I suffer from severe extensive nerve damage. Among other things I use a pain patch. The patch is covered with a plastic sheet (so the medicine does not touch the packaging) and is sealed in a foil lined pouch. One day when opening the pouch it dawned on me that I might be able to use these foil lined papers. I cut one open and embossed it.  
It turned out sooo cool!


With this stamping project in mind, I decided to color one of these sheets with alcohol inks and stamp on it.


Pretty! But it gets better...
By happy accident I smeared ink on the sheet, so I wiped the ink off with a baby wipe. The ink came off but the alcohol ink stayed. The silver showed through the areas where the ink had been.

Even prettier!

Here are the finished cards.


I was very happy with them.

The focus for the card challenge is "new". The scripture focus is
2 Cor.5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
I have lived with pain for several years now. I had to stop working, shopping, cooking, and going to church. It is just too painful to get out. While my life is different now, God has used my situation to show me so many things that I was too busy to listen to in the past. I have been saved for many years, but God has truly done a new work in me in the past few years. He has been so faithful and loving. He has brought me to a deeper understanding of His love and grace.

This morning when I got ready to put my pain patch on I did not focus on the pain. I focused on the new meaning God has allowed me to see. I am no longer able to do very many things physically, but it is ok because God has given me a new lease on life.

Out a tool used to treat my pain, I have found a new craft technique and a symbol of the beauty God can bring to a difficult situation.

7 comments:

Sherry Kushibab said...

Your cards turned out just beautiful - I praise God that you are using talents he has given you to do something so lovely.

Grace said...

Hi Jani! I have been trying all week to leave you a comment on this absolutely breathtaking card, but I could never get the post comment box to be active... it would not let me type anything. On a hunch I tried a different browser today and that did the trick! I was using Firefox but only Explorer let me in. I have a feeling that might be why others have not been able to leave you some love on this because it truly is amazing! I just love that you explained how this came about! Out of the pain patch came this beautiful creation... and what a beautiful example of what I was trying to say last week in the SSIC devo! As a fellow pain sufferer (though not to your extent) I know what you mean and I thank the Lord for any way He can use this vessel! I have found Him to be faithful to give me opportunities as long as I ask Him and am willing to use them! Your card is amazing and I am so glad I got to tell you!!!
hugs and blessings,
Grace

Miesje said...

I am so glad that Grace told me about the browser issue. I was also not able to let you know what an amazing card you made and your story touched me deeply! How I take so many things for granted. Thank you Jani! God Bless You.

Rushd Lady said...

Congrats! Beautiful card! I too live with pain. I herniated a disk in my back last spring. Until I had to live with pain, I didn't understand the blessing I had without! It says in Proverbs that we are to thank the Lord for the health we have! I can make cards . . .

Christy said...

This is gorgeous! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a nice comment. I've looked at several of your projects and absolutely love them. I'm a new follower.

Christy
http://christybladehandmade.blogspot.com

Judy said...

I love butterflys and was looking at your cards and techniques. I love them. Isn't it great that we can take our trials and learn new things in life to handle them. thanks and I hope each day will be better.

Bobbi said...

I am so glad I found your blog. We have a lot in common it seems.. I also have to use pain patches way more often than I like. Now I can't wait to try your new use for the packaging. Thank you so much and best wishes to you and I hope you find some relief.