It's a fabulous day today because Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps is joining forces with My Sweet Petunia for an awesome blog hop and giveaway! There's a chance to win a $50 gift code to each shop, so we hope you'll join the fun and hop along with us! To be eligible for the drawing, leave a little shout out in the comments at each stop along the hop.
I own both the original Misti and the Creative Corners--you guys!!!!! Fabulous! As soon as I got my Creative Corners, I just had to play! I grabbed a piece of cardstock with an interesting gelli plate pattern, an alphabet (In Stitches Alphabet), a sentiment (Faith Wordfetti) some cute bird stamps (SOTM, Singing Praises--all from Sweet N Sassy Stamps!) and my Creative Corners. Yikes!! This is just the beginning of a whole new world of stamping potential.
I cannot even begin to tell you how much paper I have messed up and wasted over the years! My Misti allows me to line things up and practice before adding ink. It also allows me multiple inkings for the perfect additions to cards, bible journaling and scrapbook pages.
A year ago, at this exact time, I was meeting my oncologist for the first time and hearing the plan that would remove cancer from my body. There were tests after tests and, what felt like, endless appointments. I started chemotherapy on the day my mother-in-law passed away. To say it was a hard year for my family is the biggest understatement. But God.
He carried me in a way I have never allowed myself to be carried before. I understand surrender in a different way; a life giving way. I purposed to be obedient, to be held, and, if it were His will, to be healed. Shortly after my first chemo treatment, I shaved my head. Losing my hair was truly the least of my worries, but when it started coming out in handfuls, it was overwhelming. Shaving my head--it was empowering.
The new Faith Wordfetti set from Sweet N Sassy Stamps, contains almost every thought I had at that time. "Not today Satan"--I would literally speak it out loud--"get behind me in the name of Jesus" every time my mind was threatened with despair. I remember sobbing and saying those words in my car on the way to work. My mantra became "be still and know." "God is bigger!" I "live for Him" and "choose joy."
My 8x8 scrap page started with a picture and bible page from a vintage bible I keep on hand for such a purpose. Behind my big ol' bald head is the scriptures found in Psalm 62:
"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken."
Book ends, Friends!! My second scrap page features me just weeks ago, July 11th, and my final dose of chemotherapy. My hair started growing back after December 6th which was when the BIG chemo ended. After that, it was what they refer to as adjunct treatment--6 months of Herceptin; now, over also! My med bag came with a little cocktail umbrella which made me laugh. My younger son came with me that day--I was so glad to have him there. It was a surprise to me how emotional I became when that last med went in and I realized it was finally over--that part any way. I now live in a different kind of reality.
It's changed me. Today, reflecting on the last year, I can honestly say it has been more blessing than curse. What is meant for evil, GOD does transform for His good and perfect purposes. Glory be to the Great Physician! May each of my days be given to honor Him. I adore Sweet N Sassy Stamps for so many reasons, but mostly because of the God honoring product that allows me a platform to share His good news and kindness with others.
I created all of my projects using the MISTI, Creative Corners and Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps. Alphabets featured are: Sunshine Girl Alpha, Typewriter Block Alpha, Sweet N Simple Alpha and Bitty Mini Alpha. It's the time to load up on alphabet stamps with the Sweet Sale happening now.
It is my hope that you enjoy our collaborative hop and are inspired by the projects and the hearts that share them. Be sure to share YOUR heart with the teams and you'll have a chance to win a great prize!!
For your convenience, here is the hop line up!
