Warning . . . I'm going to get a little sappy on you today but there's artwork involved, so stick with me!
One of my mottos in life has always been a famous line from one of my favorite movies . . . "Tomorrow is another day". I think what helps me shrug off the small stuff in life and think that tomorrow can only be better is knowing that I have faith in the Lord to take care of all my worries.
One of those big worries in life happened in January with my blood clot and that really made me take another look at life. It made me think of all things I had wished I had done or that I'd always meant to get around to but hadn't . . . 10 days laying around in bed recuperating will do that for you, LOL! I also had a lot of down time to talk with friends and to reflect upon their impact on my life.
Some of those sweet friends started a monthly venture this January to try and spread the Word of God through their artwork. You can check out their first blog posts on this venture here: Lori, Jami, Taylor, Angel. Basically, they've committed to sharing a year-long ongoing project that they will add Bible scripture to each month. It's neat to see all the project ideas they've had, so check out those links above.
I've decided to join them in this venture this year, so once a month on the 8th I'll be adding pages to a 6" photo album that I plan on giving my Mom for her birthday in November. It will include one of these scripture pages, along with a photo page of her favorite subjects -- her granddaughters! I'm starting a little late with March but hope to gradually catch up and eventually share the photo album cover I'll make. So here's my first page (if you've stuck with me this far!):
This scripture (1Peter 5:7) from Papertey Ink's new set, Everyday Blessings, really spoke to me so that's what I used for this month, along with this beautiful cross from the set. The scripture reads: "Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you".
Another sweet friend, Jody Morrow, had just sent me a beautiful birthday card with some wonderful assorted colors of Swarovski crystals in it and it was still laying on my desk. Since the dark pink crystals matched the lines on this Creative Imaginations paper (Antique Cream), I used those to embellish the cross. The beautiful swirl is from The Rummage Bin collection, Beautiful, by Cornish Heritage Farms.
More details: Black page base is Prismatic Black, Brilliance Graphite Black pigment ink, Tonic Edge Distresser, Dimensionals under Spellbinders Nestabilities Petite Classic Ovals, oval sticker frame under scripture is from the same Creative Imaginations paper pack, Stampin' Up black grosgrain ribbon, EK Success corner rounder, sewing machine & black thread.
There's a large gallery at SplitcoastStampers.com of all the participants in this monthly challenge -- If you'd like to check out all the fabulous ideas, click HERE or use keywords: BVC08 (Bible Verse Challenge '08). Please feel free to join in this venture and post your creations on Splitcoast and if you do, please leave me a comment and link to your work so I can check it out!
Have a happy weekend and I'll be back on Monday to share some new, fun projects with you!
Fabulous - gorgeous artwork and an amazing idea. Bravo!!!
Posted by: Beth P Schultz | March 08, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Sharon, I am so glad you are ok after your ordeal. I am glad you are taking time to reflect. In that sense it is a gift! I think we all could stand to put our lives in perspective once in a while! :)
I'm glad you got your birthday card! Sorry, it was late.
HUGS and smiles! :) Your post made me teary eyed FYI! :) HUGS HUGS HUGS!
Posted by: Jody Morrow | March 08, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Sharon, this is so lovely! I just know that your Mom will treasure the album!
Posted by: Debbie Olson | March 08, 2008 at 01:17 PM
I love this. I have eyed that scalloped paper for a long time now. Drool. I love this set. I was a little on the fence about getting it because so many people are offended by God these days (what is up with that?) but I decided, who cares. I love the set. I haven't gotten as much time to play with it as I would have liked....but...I will. Thanks again for sharing your beautiful work. Hugs!
Posted by: Alisa | March 08, 2008 at 04:48 PM
This is beautiful Sharon! I started playing along last month and am enjoying it immensely. I'll be catching up along with you! :)
Posted by: Julia Stainton | March 08, 2008 at 05:20 PM
This is one beautiful page! I've never bought any lined paper because I couldn't imagine what I'd do with it, LOL. Your page is wonderful, beautiful, and soooooooooooo creative! TFS.
Posted by: Juanita | March 08, 2008 at 06:25 PM
Sharon, your page is so beautiful!! I agree that we all need to take more time to reflect on the really important things in life. I am so glad you are feeling better!! I can't wait to see your pages in the months ahead!!
Smiles!
Heidi
Posted by: Heidi | March 08, 2008 at 06:45 PM
This is very lovely, Sharon. I've been thinking for a few weeks of joining this as well. I've been think of making a coaster album with mine for my best girlfriend. Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Sue B | March 09, 2008 at 06:30 AM
Thanks for sharing your heart with us! You are so dear...and I thank God for you and how you've shared your beautiful creations. I've been meaning to join the BVC08 challenge and will definitely try to join in soon. Continued prayers for you and your health. God is so good! Philemon 1:4
Posted by: CherylQuilts | March 09, 2008 at 07:59 AM
ABSOLUTELY GORG SHARON!
I love you and Taylor and Lori for doing these designs! I am going to play along too! It is *so* important to thank Him for all our gifts and reflect upon all the wonderful things in our lives.
I spent yesterday morning at a Women's retreat at church - recharging my spirit! I will keep you in my prayers - hope that your road to recovery is strong and you lean on HIM and his followers for support!
Posted by: Bethann Silaika | March 09, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Your page is beautiful, and I know you mom will treasure the end result! I'm so glad you are joining us, Sharon! You are a blessing to me.
Posted by: Lori Craig | March 09, 2008 at 01:52 PM
What a wonderful commitment! I really should do it too! Without Him, life means nothing!
Posted by: Misti | March 09, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Sharon I am so glad that you are ok...that really had me shook up...Your pages is beautiful...I bet your mom is going to just LOVE her bday gift...:)
Posted by: Keri Lee Sereika | March 09, 2008 at 07:53 PM
This will be such a wonderful gift for your mother! Love your first page.
Posted by: Susan (rainy) | March 10, 2008 at 03:05 AM
This is lovely idea as a gift for your mother. I like the crystal embellishments on the cross.
Posted by: Elaine | March 10, 2008 at 11:12 AM
A beautiful project, Sharon! With a beautiful story to go along with it! (((HUGS))) my friend!
Posted by: Taylor | March 10, 2008 at 05:44 PM
So, true in your inspiring post of reflection! I look forward to seeing more pages of your special gift!
Wishing you all the best. :)
Posted by: A. Sanborn | March 11, 2008 at 05:24 AM
I think that is great Sharon! Your project is beautiful!!!
Itsn't it amazing how something can impact our life? I had the same epiphany when Alexa got diagnoised. Now I go for what I want, dont put off till tomorrow and make the most of each day. Most importantly I thank God for ALL he has given me. Good and the bad. I would not be who I am today if it weren't for pitfalls and heartache.
TFS! And I wish you all the best-always!
Posted by: Lauren (mytime) | March 11, 2008 at 11:48 AM
What a great project and present for your mother! I look forward to seeing additional pages!!
Kim
Posted by: Kim | March 11, 2008 at 03:24 PM
This is soooo beautiful!! What a special gift for you mother!!
Posted by: Rose Ann | March 12, 2008 at 10:51 AM