What a fun challenge Lesley has thought up over at The Card Concept. Not only that, I can finally put a name to my style thanks to her descriptions! Clean and layered it is :)Loved the colour combination for this challenge and I pulled out some of my favorite tools to create this card. This sentiment from Shining Star was perfect for my need of a sympathy card, because as God's promises give great comfort in times of deep sorrow.
The sympathy card is for the wife of a wonderful man whose memorial service I will be attending this Saturday. It was with great sadness that I heard of the death of this amazing man who loved life, loved people, and loved God with all his heart and soul. Esophageal cancer that was misdiagnosed as acid reflux by his doctor early last year, claimed his life a few short months after proper diagnosis this Fall...
He was one of the pastors at a church I attended for many years and yet he didn't stay in the comforts of the Western world, but followed a call on his life to work with an orphanage in the Ukraine. For the past ten years or so, he ran the orphanage, which provided a home for orphans of all ages. He also didn't want to "lose them" once they were adults so he added a trade school to the orphanage so the older orphans could stay on longer, learn a viable trade, and by doing so have a new lease on life in a society that doesn't do much in the way of support for orphans.
In addition, the trade school helped fund some of the costs of running the orphanage, so those who grew up in the orphanage were able to give back to the place that gave them a new lease on life. Not only that, he was also the man who married us almost eighteen years ago. He will be dearly missed indeed... On the bright side, I know it will be a wonderful memorial giving testimony to his life and the many ways God used him to touch the lives of others. Legacy. That's what it's all about, and it just so happens to be my word for 2014.
Thanks for popping in :)
What's In It?
Stamps: Bloom and Grow (Verve Stamps), French Script (Stampin' Up)
Paper: Kraft, Pretty in Pink, Early Espresso, Creamy Caramel (Stampin' Up), Cream Linen
Ink: Black
Accessories: Elegant Leaves Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Lacy Circles Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Flower Die (PTI), Martha Stewart Punch, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Provo Craft), Crimper (Fiskars), 5/8" Pink Sheer Ribbon (Michael's), Pink Liquid Pearls, Button, Twine, Glue Dots, Dimensionals
A beautiful card to celebrate a beautiful life. This card is certain to bring comfort.
ReplyDeleteLegacy: a powerful word and your post about this incredibly special, dedicated pastor speaks eloquently about the legacy he has left! How sad that he's passed away, but the impact he had on the lives he touched will continue to shine through all who knew him. Your card for his wife is visually stunning; its essence, thoughtful and heart-warming. She will treasure this, and find comfort in knowing that you, in turn, treasure her husband: a giving, compassionate, selfless man. Such a heart-felt post...thank you.
ReplyDeletec
An absolutely beautiful card and a very comforting verse. I love it!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as if this is a man who will be missed very much....one who did so much for others. He certainly did not waste his life on earth.
Oh your card is just beautiful! Your style is definitely clean and layered and you do it magnificently! I enjoyed reading about your pastor. He sounds like an amazing man. Thanks so much for joining us for the first challenge at The Card Concept! :)
ReplyDeleteThe quote is beautiful Marisa and so is your card! I'm sorry to hear about your friend :( !!! His wife will treasure this card!
ReplyDeleteMarisa this is just beautiful for The Card Concept and the perfect style for you. I am sorry you had to make this card, I lost my brother to the same cancer 6 years ago--6 months after diagnosis. thank you for sharing your card with us for the first Card Concept challenge!
ReplyDeletegorgeous, so glad you played along with us at Card Concept!
ReplyDeletesparkle & shine *~*
This is a beautiful card Marisa! I'm very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad circumstance for such a beautiful card...but I can only imagine how much this will be treasured. Beautiful sentiment.
ReplyDeletePerfect Marisa! Simply perfect. He sounds like an incredible man and I just wish the world had a lot more like him. Your card is a beautiful testament to him. Clean and layered, yes, I agree and perfect too. xxx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card Marisa and you selected a beautiful quote. I am sure that the wife will feel some comfort from your card and your presence at the service.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss.
Your card is a beautiful tribute to an amazing man who obviously made this world a better place. His wife will no doubt draw solace from your act of kindness, Marisa. What a lovely quote and beautiful card!
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful card sure to give comfort :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love the layered blossom and the wonderful sentiment - a great reminder for when we go through hard times! Thanks for joining us at the Card Concept!
ReplyDeleteOh what a very pretty card Marisa. You have layered it beautifully. Thank you so much for joining us at the Card Concept!
ReplyDeleteMarisa,
ReplyDeleteYour card is stunning, but your tribute to your amazing pastor says so very much. Hugs to you my friend.
Wow Marisa! This story is so touching and sweet. This man will wear many crowns when we go home! I wish I had known him. Love your word for the year. I need a word for the year too. Your card is BEAUTIFUL. That sentiment is perfect and all your layers just make this really special. Hugz! Special comforting ones today due to your loss.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the story behind this card - it was really touching. You card is just stunning - thanks for playing along with us at The Card Concept!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about the passing of your friend. He sounds like a wonderful man. Beautiful card. ((Hugs))
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and perfect take on the challenge! I love the bow.
ReplyDeleteI still don't know what my 'style' is ;)