Make it Matter!

Like I mentioned before... this has been a challenging month for me. My husband is the head coach of the HS Varsity Baseball team -- and if any of you know much about baseball... it is a HUGE time commitment! Basically, from about mid February until June... I am a single parent. It's been a struggle to try to be both mom & dad to my kids, go to my real job, and still keep up with my 'creative assignments'. Lately, everything you've seen on this blog has been for a pub call or for a new release, etc. And to be honest... my mojo has been lacking steam.

But, the other day - I was reminded of why it is that we do this craft.

I was at work the other day and noticed that one of my coworkers seemed to be changing. I noticed how she stayed calm during situations that normally would spark an argument -- and how her whole countenance just seemed kinder. And then... to top it off --- I noticed something written on our assignment board. She had written a scripture in big letters for everyone to see. Oh my gosh! Believe me -- nothing like this has ever been done in the decade that I've been working at the hospital! It really got me thinking... and inspired me to want to do better.

So, the next day - I really felt like I needed to make a card for this coworker -- just to tell her how I've noticed the change in her... and how much I was inspired by what she had done. The next day, I left the card for her and didn't think much more about it until I rounded the corner and saw her in tears -- holding the card I had made for her.

That is how real our God is. Seriously! Being a Christian has nothing to do with rules and religion. I have NO doubt that the Jesus I serve is alive and working... and wants to have a close relationship with us. With all of the billions of people on Earth, He cared enough about my coworker to start planting things in her life --- and speaking to her heart with scriptures. And... I believe he wanted me to make a card for her. I know... that sounds goofy. God wants me to make a card?!? But I think he takes our 'gifts' and can use them to touch other people -- no matter what those gifts might be. Sometimes we just need to be quiet enough to hear his voice.

So - through all of this I feel like I'm getting my priorities back in line. It's not all about how many stamp companies I work for - or how many of my designs can be found in magazines - or how many people know my name. In reality, we as designers are all just inspiring others to do one thing. --- To create something that has meaning. (to make a card for a friend... or to create something that brings beauty to our homes... or to preserve a memory with a scrapbook page, etc.) And... that gives all of this so much more meaning! And... I think it's good to inspire ourselves to use this 'gift' for the greater good -- and not only for personal gain. I guess that's what I've learned this week. :)

So... now I challenge YOU! Take a little time and listen with your heart. Make a card for someone this week who could really use it. :) I'd love to hear about it if you'd like to share!



Stamps: (all by Cornish Heritage Farms)
- Grid Paper Backgrounder
- Supah Star (the Kim Hughes Collection)

Ink:
- Colorbox chalk inks (Warm Red/Blueberries & Chocolate)

Paper:
- Razzleberry Dark & Black Prismatic CS
- Kraft CS by Prism
- Georgia Pacific White CS

Printed Paper:
- Twinkle by Piggy Tales

Accessories:
- Chipboard letter by American Crafts (covered with chalk ink to match)
- Star brad by Creative Imaginations (Marah Johnson line)
- Small Corner Rounder Punch & Photo Corner punch by EK Success
- White gel pen by Ranger
- Stickles glitter

Technique:
- masking