Hello friends! Welcome to the ODBD 8th Anniversary Special Release! This release is near and dear to my heart! You can read all about it on the ODBD Blog, but the bottom line is these sets came from a work of heart. For the past 19 weeks I have been going through chemo treatments for breast cancer, and I began saving a list of special Scriptures as I came across them, that meant a lot to me. I needed to focus my heart on the hope I have in my Lord and Savior, and the strength and peace that I needed that only He could give. As I read different books people had given me on fighting cancer and the ups and downs of the journey, I started thinking about some card sentiments I thought would be perfect for serious illnesses and other special card needs beyond just the typical "get well" card. One day, I sent this to list to Kelley. It turns out that the special anniversary release this year came from that list, as she selected the ones that she liked best. I'm so happy to have these Scriptures in stamps now to use for so many different needs! I have learned through card drives for MD Anderson through SCS, and other card needs I have had, that there are times (like when someone has a terminal illness, for example), that a traditional "Get Well" card is not always the appropriate sentiment for those needs. For me personally, God's Word is what brings me hope and encouragement, and I find nothing more uplifting to my soul than a Scripture that reminds me of my hope and assurance in my Savior and Lord, and His perfect plan for me. I also think some sentiments that remind us that someone is praying for us, or just sending love can be very uplifting. And so.... these sets were designed. I'm so thrilled to have them to use, and in beautiful classic ODBD style and beautiful font! Thank you Kelley for making them in to stamps! It brings tears to my eyes!
So today, in appreciation of ODBD customer support through the past 8 years, Kelley is offering a special 8th Anniversary prize package!!!
Eight randomly selected winners will each receive a $25 gift certificate to the ODBD Store just for commenting on the Design Team cards! You
have until March 19, 2016 at 9:00 p.m. EDT to leave your comments on
the Designers Blogs for a chance to win! The Winners will be posted on
the ODBD Blog on March 24th, so be sure to check back there to see if
you won!
These are the first cards I have made in quite a while as I've been too weak to do much but I did so enjoy working with these sets and dies!!! For the card above, I used Healing Prayers for my verse. I also used the beautiful new dies released today: Lavish Layers and Filagree Frames. Additionally I used Lovely Leaves and Shabby Rose Paper Collection, and some tiny pearls and Prima roses.
The card below uses the new Grace's Hope, and Lavish Layers dies. Additionally, I used BoHo Background dies, Double Stitched Rectangles, Birds and Nest Dies (flowers), Bugs and Butterfly clear stamps and Bugs and Butterfly dies, as well as the Shabby Rose Paper Collection.
Here are the new release products I used today:
I do want to thank ALL of you who have been faithfully praying for me!!! I have felt the power and presence of the Holy Spirit throughout the entire journey. It was not easy to go through this chemo regimen, and I did have to miss that last 2 weekly doses of one chemo due to neurapathy it caused in my hands and feet. However as of Mar 15, I finished the rest of the course!!! Now I get a few weeks to recover and then will have surgery. I do appreciate your continued prayers as I am very weak and need to get stronger before the surgery. I believe God has been answering all your prayers, and will continue to do so! In the mean time, His sweet presence has given such peace and strength! That is NOT of my own strength but of His!
Thank you so much for stopping by and viewing my samples of this awesome Anniversary Special Release, and I hope you love the release as much as I do! Please visit my DT sisters and leave a comment for your chance to win one of the 8 awesome prizes being given away!!!
Our God has truly blessed you with his peace. Hang in there,
ReplyDeleteGrace, I am wishing you strength and hoping you are finding comfort from the treatments. Thank you for your gifts to ODBD. :) Your cards are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWow Grace, you are so inspiring to all the rest of us my sweet friend!! Who wouldn't tear up reading your sweet words and thinking of you in your journey. Every time I try to read out loud to my husband anything you have written, I can't even get through it. He has to end up reading it himself!
ReplyDeleteYou will never know how many people you have touched with your strength and yes, grace, through this most terrible time. Thank you Grace for so showing Jesus love and the strength that only God can give!
Your cards are beautiful my sweet friend!! I love the little roses you added to the first one and your beautiful butterflies and butterfly embossing on the second one!
You are one amazing lady Grace!
Oh Grace, I hope and Pray that you recover quickly, and that your treatments are too wearing on you. You having faith, and leaving it in Gods hands im sure has brought you much comfort, as he has great plans for all of us! Blessings to you my friend!!
ReplyDeletePS- Your cards are absolutely Beautiful! soft and pretty, and I LOVE the dp, you used!! Gorgeous frames and verses/sayings! Thank you for your part in all of that :)
Sending hugs from Utah!
Cheryl
love the precious pink floral...so spring like! very nice cards! tfs
ReplyDeleteAlicia
Thank you for sharing your favorite Scripture in stamps. They brought back memories from loved ones who have been through this. Your cards are simply lovely. Prayers, Gina B.
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for you! You have already been an inspiration to so many! Please pray for my cousin who has just been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in his esophagus, shoulder, back & chest. These stamp sets are just what I need for his cards!
ReplyDeleteHi Grace, just wanted to say that you are an inspiration and that I'm still praying for you! Love the verses that you've chosen for this new set! Very pretty cards that you made. I specially love that first one! Great layering!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Amy
Beautiful Cards Grace. Love the stamp sets and I would love to have them. You are correct, sometimes a Get Well card is just not what we need to send and I won't send a card sometimes when I know I should but I don't have the right words that fit with the situation. Thank you for the inspiration, you always inspire me. Praying for you to get your strength so you can move forward with this journey, and we can make cards together. Love you my sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteOh, Grace....your cards are stunning, and your character and faith are so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your gifts. You will remain in my prayers. The new release is such a wonderful way to express your faith, and give us an opportunity to express ours. Very, very inspiring. May God's healing, comforting presence be with you.
ReplyDeleteGrace, you are AN INSPIRATION!!! I have been looking at everyone's designs & when I first saw the release, I was STRUCK by it! You don't realize just HOW BIG this release is! I think it is MUCH BIGGER than the ODB Release/Anniversary..... Our world NEEDS HOPE right now & the words you & Kelly have picked out & the words the world needs right now. For those with illness....I have recently discovered I have Scoliosis, which equals back pain, etc....! The release is ministering to me as I read the Scriptures you've given us! AND for those who just need HOPE right now in our world! This release is SO APPROPRIATE FOR OUR TIMES---pointing seekers to FIND CHRIST!!!! THANK YOU for ministering to us through your talent!!! ;) Praying for you! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ODB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)P.S. GORGEOUS WORK by the way!!! ;)
ReplyDeleteOh Grace what a Beautiful Card you have created, every card you have ever made is always breath taking.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you miss not being in all of the challenges, and trust me we all miss you too.
Praying for you to be well and return to ODBd soon
God Bless you always
Sending prayers to you .
Hugs My friend
Dottie
With all that you are going through, it is such a gracious witness that you are participating in this blog hop! Your card is so beautiful! These sentiment stamp sets are just amazing, especially knowing the background behind them! Blessings to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteNot exactly the way you want to have something dedicated to you is it Grace? Our Lord really does work in mysterious ways. You've inspired such loveliness with this new line of sentiments and dies. Your cards are spectacular and it's so right to say that "Get well" just doesn't always do it. Keep praying as we will for God's mercy and of course grace.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! I love all the texture and the shabby Chic!
ReplyDeleteWill be praying for you Grace. You are such a blessing
ReplyDeleteWill be praying for you Grace. You are such a blessing
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you were able to create these cards, Grace!! I know how difficult it was for you. I so love all the verses and sentiments you chose. I especially enjoyed stamping with them, thinking of you each and every moment. Praying for you, my friend!!!
ReplyDeleteYour cards are gorgeous!! I so love the soft colors and your combo of designer paper. They have a shabby chic feel. The scriptures are framed beautifully!!
This dedication is perfect...since your faith is first and foremost in your life and it is what is carrying you through. There is no greater legacy. May God grant you healing and may he continue to comfort and carry you through this journey. Praying all goes well this weekend!! Thinking of you!
hugs,
Chris
Sweet sweet Grace! You are such an inspiration to me personally and I am so thankful God brought you into my life! Your cards are so gorgeous and so YOU! Love you my friend!
ReplyDeletebeautiful cards!! and with you so weak! bless your heart. praying that God will touch your body and give you strength as you go thru this.He is our shield and buckler!! hang in there!!
ReplyDeleteMy dear Grace... Your card is so beautiful and so are you. These stamps are so fitting for so many things! I love em all. Your strength and faith are so encouraging to so many people. My prayers and thoughts continue to flow...
ReplyDeleteGrace, the new stamps are absolutely beautiful...what a thrill that they are your personal verses! Thank you for your faithful example in the midst of your recovery.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards Grace! Your love for the Lord has always shined through your blog and art! I'm thankful His strength carries you now. These scriptures and sentiments that uphold you now will encourage others for years to come! You remain in my thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteI love absolutely everything about both these cards! The gingham with the flowered paper and stunning layering of shapes and roses and pearls and shading around the verse – perfection. And the subtle addition of embossing on the 2nd card along with the soft colors/butterflies/flower – wow! Exquisite! Peace and strength to you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards. Thanks for coming up with these verses. My sister in law was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Keeping you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteGrace,
ReplyDeleteThe sentiments in these sets are so inspiring and strengthening. The cards you've made and shared are beautiful. I will keep you in my prayers.
Beautiful and elegant cards!
ReplyDeleteGrace these are beautiful cards. Praying for God to strengthen your body for surgery. That He will continue to fill you with His Peace and His presence.
ReplyDeleteGrace, the scripture verses of this release are simply touching. I have a friend going for her second mastectomy on Tuesday,22nd. I was so happy going through this release & shared the images of all these stamp sets with her to uplift her spirits. I'm certain she will love them. Sent God an SMS prayer asking Him to give you all the strength you need to go through this phase.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you. Loved your cards as I always do.
Grace - there is not much to add to what has already been sent. This release is a wonderful tribute and, as you mentioned, fills a need for special cards. Thank you for sharing your words and these stunning, beautiful cards.
ReplyDeleteWith my prayers for strength and courage as you continue your fight...
Grace, an inspiration to us all both in your fight and your beautiful samples for this release!!
ReplyDeleteHugs and prayers, sweet Grace!!
You are just amazing :)
ReplyDeleteand these cards are both beautiful Grace. (love the gingham I seen peeking out)
Oh, Grace…I just LOVE the shabby, vintage look on both of your gorgeous cards! You are such an inspiration and these stamp sets are sure to bring much comfort and encouragement to many, many people as those who purchase them begin to create with them and send them out to friends and family. May God richly bless you and restore you to perfect health! Praying for you often and sending hugs!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings Grace. I wish you strength and peace. These sentiments are fantastic and will bring hope, comfort and light to many. Your cards are beautiful. Hugz
ReplyDeleteGrace I have been following your 'journey' and have been so encouraged by your positive faith and attitude. God is good, as you have been blessed by prayer, so you are a blessing to others.
ReplyDeleteLove your work, and these are beautiful cards too.
Hugs and prayers and blessings
Maxine
Grace, your parents knew exactly what to name you...you are AMAZING GRACE!! Your middle name could be one of many names: faith, strength, inspiration, hope, love, etc. As Christians, it is comforting to know that our God is in control and has a plan for all of us. Through your trials, your faith and positive outlook have touched who knows how many thousands around the world,(thanks to the internet!) Personally, you are such a blessing and a treasure! Love you, darlin'! Mwaaah!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Your cards are incredible....I'm so happy that you were able to do some stamping!! We've all missed your beautiful creations! :)
Grace, you are amazing! Such beautiful creations! Continued prayers for you!
ReplyDeleteYour cards are just beautiful, (as You, both inside and out). Still keeping you in prayer for healing and strength. God Bless you...
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous, Grace! I'm so thankful you're finished w/ the chemo & I pray you start feeling better right away. I know when my DD went thru it how awful it is, but there is light at the end of the tunnel! It's so good to have you with us for this & so special that you were able to share these w/ Kelley & the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteIn each visit to your blog, I have sensed your love for God and your desire to honor Him with your beautiful creations. Your work shows your heart and it never fails to touch my heart. You are an encouragement even in your trials. May God continue to shower you with His love, peace, and strength.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are beautiful. I especially love the first one with the pink checked paper and beautiful verse. I love all the new stamps. The verses are so perfect for someone going through difficult times and illnesses. They are a great way of sending comfort to those who need it.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you, my friend. Hugs.
Grace, you have produced two lovely pieces of artwork here! Know that you are in my thoughts as you continue to battle your cancer. I'm sure you will stay strong! :) ~ Andrea
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and inspirational card, Grace! Wonderful details showcasing the release!
ReplyDeleteSuch a special release! Your card is beautiful, and all the more so knowing how hard it must have been for you to make as you go through all the chemo and other procedures. You will remain in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteGulp...wow, what can I say? You are a true inspiration too everybody that has viewed all the sets and read your story. Certainly a huge inspiration to me and I am so blessed to have you as my friend. Praying fervently for you!! Thanks for all you do to help ODBD be the success that it is. Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Grace, I'm not sure how I missed commented on this post (I am still behind in everything), but I LOVE these new anniversary sets and have purchased the whole bundle - mostly because these were verses selected by you! I totally agree that Scripture - His Word - is what gets us through the tough times, no matter what it is. I know that He has been your strength, comfort, and hope, precious friend! And I continue to pray for you and Al as you look toward this coming week and pray that all will go as planned. I love your beautiful cards, but most of all, I love your faith in our loving and caring Heavenly Father! Love and hugs, dear friend! xoxo
ReplyDelete