Beauty for Ashes

First off...I wanted to send out a BIG shout out to Michelle D.  a parcel full of stamping goodies for me was mistakenly mailed to her, and she called me to make sure it got to me.  I so appreciate her honesty and kindness.  And it was fun meeting her in person.  So thanks Michelle!  You were a total blessing today to me!

There are days when I just feel such joy in this craft.  It means a lot to me to being able to create something that is perfect for someone, with my own hands and have it demonstrate my love for them.  I couldn't wait to show you this card.

I have a friend at work that has had a difficult year.  Her sister whom she was very close to, had a stroke more than a year ago and languished, held on for over a year.  She passed away just a few weeks ago.  It was not easy to watch her die, and my friend at times questioned, "Why God?"  "Why does she need to suffer, why are you waiting so long to take her home?" The answers aren't always easy to see or understand, and that's where Faith really has to anchor you.   This side of eternity I don't know the why.

But I found a promise (and this stamp!) that I'd like to share with her that I think is such an encouragement.  Because I know God to be a healer ...and I know He'll bring hope and healing to her.

The verse from Isaiah reads "Give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness".  I just LOVE this verse.  We will mourn in life, it will be hard, and heavy sometimes, BUT the amazing power of God is that he CAN bring beauty, joy, praise and healing even in those situations.  And it's so powerful when He does that.  I've experienced it first hand.

I've stamped this beautiful frame from Verve, Framed Wishes in Mellow Moss, as well as the Plain Jane Isaiah 61:3 inside the frame in Memento Tuxedo Black, then I was able to accent the JOY word with a copic marker.

I've used the gorgeous Basic Grey Capella papers that I've barely put a dent into, but this was the perfect card for them.  I've sponged the bottom scallops, added some gathered silk ribbon and then the sponged bird and branches punch from SU fits so well with the card, especially with the black rhinestone accents.  You can see I've also added tiny strips of dp inside the frame with mitred corners to really show it off.

Have a wonderful Tuesday friends.  Thanks for visiting.


Recipe:  Stamps:  Verve - Framed Wishes, Plain Jane Isaiah 61:3;  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Mellow Moss, Blush Blossom;  Paper:  Mellow Moss, Basic Black, Basic Grey Capella dsp, Blush Blossom;  Accessories:  Copic Marker G21, Champagne Silk Ribbon, EK Success Scallop Punch, Bird and Branches Jumbo Punch (SU), Black Rhinestones, Dimensionals, Sponge.