SNSS April Hop!

Bunnies hop and so do we!!  Today, the Sweet 'N Sassy Creative Team is hopping to share lots of inspiration, featuring our April release!  This release is very special to me, please keep reading!!

If you did not start at the beginning of the hop, please go to the very start so as not to miss any of the inspiration!  Hop along to the blogs linked below for all sorts of paper crafting inspiration with our April stamp sets. Leave a little comment love on each stop along the way for a chance to win a $10 gift voucher to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps shop. The winner will be announced on the SNSS blog, Tuesday, April 23.

Sweet 'n Sassy Blog
Julee Tilman
Ceal Pritchett
Diane Zechman
Jane Bosi
Lucinde van Ballegooijen
Lyn Tomlin
Monika Davis
Sheri Gilson
Stephanie Serrano

I'm super excited to share a stamp set that Korin and I designed together.  Surrounded in Prayer was born during my recent struggle with a breast cancer diagnosis.  While going through chemotherapy, I was embraced by communities of believers.  Friends from near and far reached out to my family truly showing us the hands and feet of Christ over and over.  During this time, a dear friend of mine sent me a video of Michael W Smith et. al. singing, "This is How I Fight My Battles."  It became the basis of my "fight" play list--a collection of scripture based music that I would pour over myself when I could literally do nothing else.  Each time, I would envision the multitudes of warriors who had drawn to my side in this storm.  Surrounding me; helping me to fight my battles with prayer and in communion with our Great Father.  I'm overwhelmed each time I hear it, even to this day.  I am not alone.  You aren't either!  We are surrounded by each other, but the best news is that He surrounds us in His loving care.  He is both in front and behind.  We are pressed in and battered, but never forsaken. Never left, never lost.  I've not known this more clearly than in the last 9 months.

For each procedure, test and treatment, I would engage with the lovely staff who cared for me.  I heard many stories about others who had to travel great distance to receive care.  I have been so blessed to have an amazing Cancer Center right in my town!!  So many others do not have this blessing which continues to add to the burden of fighting this nasty opponent.

When Korin and I spoke and decided to create a fundraising stamp set, I knew immediately that I wanted to support the Aspirus Cancer Center.  After reaching out to the Aspirus Health Foundation, we settled on using the raised funds to support a brand new project in the Wausau area.  The Aspirus Family House will break ground this summer with a January 2020 goal of serving families receiving care at Aspirus Hospital.  The Family House will be a place for patients and families to stay while receiving treatment and removes a significant barrier for those fighting cancer and other life threatening situations. 

Shortly after my diagnosis, I read a meme somewhere that said "figure out what you would die for and fight for that!"  Jesus did exactly that for us!  He didn't have to figure anything out.  He loves us enough to die for us and, He fights for each one of His children.  As a mom, this is a notion that, in my humanity, resonates with me.  The main image of five people was specifically inspired by my five children.  It is generalized to the many many people who surround us during the difficulties and joys of life.

My project for the hop is a paper bag album, I created to hold all of the notes, cards and letters I've received since my battle began.  As you can see, I have a lot of treasures to store!  Initially I had them all taped up on what is now my war room wall--a place where I can rest, study God's Word and create.

I started by stitching together four paper bags.  The front cover features Surrounded In Prayer and Shake It Off Lowercase Alphabet.

This page contains printed scripture and features the Delightful Daisies set.  I super love the Delightful Daisies set.  Daisies have always been my favorite flower, in general.  This set is versatile and so much fun to play with!

Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

The next page features some stenciling (just like on the front of the album) along with the stamp of the month, Happy Day.  Please remember that the Stamp of the Month is yours FREE with your purchase of $75 now to the end of the month.  I've also used Sunshine Girl Alphabet.

The last page, features Walk Humbly.  Another great set that is perfect for all kinds of projects!  The sentiments are from Surrounded in Prayer.

Everything fits nicely inside!

Thanks for stopping by--I hope you are enjoying our hop and finding lots of inspiration.  You support my efforts when you shop using my affiliate link:  Sweet N Sassy Shop.  I appreciate your support so much!

Have a blessed week and enjoy the rest of the hop!  Don't forget, leave a little comment love on each stop along the way for a chance to win a $10 gift voucher to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps shop. The winner will be announced on the SNSS blog, Tuesday, April 23.

Be Blessed, Jane