This past month has been exceptionally busy. One thing that kept me on my toes was a special project that I was asked to help with. There is a bit of a story that I want to share... so please bare with me on the long post! :)
I was asked to lend my talents to design and prep 400 cards for a baby blanket drive that our Ward (Congregation) would be making for newborn babies at our local hospital. Every baby will get one that is born here. One condition was that I needed to find a stamp that said "I am a child of God" ... which is an often used saying and a song we sing. The stamp needed to be used for both the card and the blanket so it needed to be a little bigger and more line drawn. I couldn't't find anything that was over 1 inch or that was not solid. not good. Oh... did I mention that I was asked to help about 10 days before the actual day that everything would be made? Yep... I was getting stressed. I knew that I would have to create the stamp... it was the only way it was going to happen! Anyhow... I got an impression that I should call Gina K and ask if she might know of a solution... Gina was awesome and shared how she had used a local staples to make a custom stamp a while back (prior to her stamp company). I got off the phone with her and mulled over my options...I was worried about the cost at staples as well as there not being one locally... I then decided to call Stewart Superior to see if they might know of any options. John was great and asked a local stamp store, Stampadoodle, if they would be able to pull off the stamp in a short amount of time (they make custom stamps) Long story short... They were able to make it in a rush and it turned out great! If I hadn't spoken to Gina I would have been too stressed to even try it (She is SO sweet!)... and Stewart superior really came trough with a local and reliable source I could trust! Meanwhile I was rushing to get Ribbon, Cardstock, Markers, glitter and Ink all gathered and ordered... So I wanted to make sure I made mention of the companies that pulled out their swiftest hands and got me everything I needed within days of ordering...
- Stewart Superior: Not only did they give me the awesome lead, making a phone call personally in my behalf, but they wouldn't accept any payment for the inks they sent! (The Palette inks work fantastically on fabric!) John's my Hero!
- Stampadoodle(Bellingham Wa): Took a quick turn around project by the horns, the stamp turned out great... and they also wouldn't accept payment... they loved being a part of something so great! (((Major Hugs))) to Steve and Wendy for their kindness and friendship!
- Marvy Uchida: Gave us a great wholesale price on Markers, Glitter Markers and adhesive! Not only that... we got speedy shipping! Thanks Ana! I love Marvy!
- Prism: Jamie moved at the speed of light to get me paper in 2 days so I could have time to cut all the cards! I about cried when she said she sent everything out about an hour after I confirmed my order and we were given a wholesale price to boot! I'm forever grateful!
- Papillon: Dan also rushed me the needed 100 yards of ribbon and gave us the deepest possible discount! You da man Dan!
So.. after I had prepped the supplies, made example cards and packed everything up, I took the box by the church and gave instructions as to how to create the card and use the supplies. Oh.. I forgot to mention that I couldn't actually be there to make the cards as I already had committed myself elsewhere before being asked. crazy huh. Well... everything turned out wonderfully! I came back later to pick up my personal supplies and they had finished all 400 cards! also... 150 blankets! Here is a pair together... ready for delivery.
Can you just imagine a new baby wrapped up in this beauty! I feel blessed to have had a bitty part of this wonderful progect! You would have loved the sight of over 50 ladies stamping and sewing all in one huge room!
Now some of you may be asking why I would accept helping on this huge project when my time is so thin right now. I hope this comes across as intended... sincere and not preachy or prideful... but I know that when we are given talents/gifts from God we have to give back to him with those same gifts. I know he makes it possible to make what seems impossible to happen. (this was all happening when I was meeting enormous deadline, crazy Mom schedule etc.) I saw that by the trial of my faith, great things happened. What should have taken me weeks to plan and gather took days. And somehow through it all, I was able to meet every deadline, Mom commitment and schedule as needed. It truly was a miracle to me! I hope these blankets will bless the lives of those who receive them... that they will always know that they are important children of God! I was glad I was able to design this stamp too. Maybe it will open the opportunity for me to create a stamp set using it... I would love that!
Thanks for hanging in there and listening to my long post... and thank you again to all the people in the companies that gave of themselves so graciously!
Lisa
Wow! What a wonderful story of faith. Isn't it amazing how He always works everything out for us, even when we don't know how it will happen?! Thank you for your faith and encouragement to others in sharing your story. It sounds like a lovely project, and I'm so excited for all of the new babies that are born and receive this beautiful gift of the hearts of loving women!
Posted by: Bellawhoop | June 02, 2008 at 09:57 PM
WOW LISA!!! This project was a serious untertaking and you did a wonderful job!! You should be very proud of yourself. Not only for designing a beautiful stamp but for gathering all the supplies and PEOPLE needed to get it done. This is a wonderfully inspirational story and I will remember it when I feel the weight of the world pressing down on me. God bless you and all of those new babies you helped to bless with your kindness.
Lorraine
www.lorrainerowe.blogspot.com
Posted by: Lorraine Castellon-Rowe | June 02, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Fabulous project! So glad everything worked out. It definitely takes faith to do what we're asked...but we do it there's nothing we can't accomplish! The stamp is adorable!!!!
Posted by: Jenn | June 02, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Lisa, I am so thrilled to find another sister in Christ that gives back to her community. I have been involved in an on going project (Comforters for Kids) for four years now. We make and donate quilts to the womens shelter, police, fire, CHP and Sheriff departments. When they have to remove a child from a home or accident victims etc. They wrap the children in comforters for them to keep. We also do (We Care) quilts for adults in Vetrans and rest homes. I make one a month for each program.
I love your program and may bring it up to our guild as another avenue of service.
Posted by: Paula Kay | June 03, 2008 at 12:14 AM
beautiful! faith is all you had, and faith is why you achieved your goal. faith is a wonderfully strong thing!
Posted by: janice | June 03, 2008 at 03:10 AM
EVERYONE OF THOSE BABIES WILL FEEL SO SPECIAL WHEN WRAPPED IN A "CHILD OF GOD: BLANKET. DID DIFFERENT PEOPLE MAKE BLANKETS? THEY ARE SO NICE FOR A BABY TO BRING HOME!
Posted by: Sandy in NH | June 03, 2008 at 04:17 AM
What a beautiful story...and you will probably never know how far your blessing will reach!
Posted by: snarflemarfle | June 03, 2008 at 04:45 AM
This project reminded me of the saying "Creativity is God's gift to us. What we do with it is our gift to God." What a creative way to give back to God.
Posted by: Heidi G | June 03, 2008 at 04:50 AM
Lisa, I'm still getting caught up after being out-of-town to visit my new only granddaughter, who has now turned one month! This was a beautiful story of faith and sharing the gifts given to us! I wonder if the stamp will be made available for purchase? Thank you for your willingness to be used by Him, may each of those new miracles remember that he/she is a new creation, unique in his own way!
Posted by: Donna | June 03, 2008 at 05:13 AM
Lisa,
These are just beautiful!! Wish I had been there with you to help with those 400 -- it is my personal desire to be a blessing to others with the talents and abilities the Lord has given to me. Thank you for the inspiration to keep persevering in service to our God!! I enjoy your blog and visit once and sometimes twice a day! You have great talent and fantastic creativity -- Keep on, Sister!!
~Amy Sabol~
Posted by: Amy Sabol | June 03, 2008 at 05:30 AM
Lisa,
What a wonderful ministry and a great way to spread God's love.
Posted by: Maricar | June 03, 2008 at 05:39 AM
These are beautiful cards and blankets, Lisa! I can just imagine all the ladies sitting there chatting as they made these gifts with love. What a great idea I will have to share with my Ward. I also think it is wonderful that you shared this experience here on your blog for all to read and feel the Spirit through. Thank you!
Posted by: Marie - mariemc | June 03, 2008 at 05:59 AM
What a wonderful story of how God does give us strength. I'm so glad you are using your talents for this ministry and all those precious babies.
Posted by: Gail S. | June 03, 2008 at 07:16 AM
Beautiful blankets and I love that stamp! Our Ward did blankets also, but I think they are more personal with a card and the stamped image on the blanket is adorable.
Posted by: Emm | June 03, 2008 at 07:17 AM
It's amazing how God can just work out all the details isn't it?
The hospital my DD's were born at gave handmade quilts to any babies that needed to be in the NICU unit. It was so nice knowing that that all the people involved in that project had been praying for my DD's as their hands carefully crafted the blanket. (I had 2 preemies). There was alot of comfort in prayer and the warmth in that blanket during a stressful time. God Bless you and all those that are touched by your efforts.
Adelle
Posted by: mnhyrkas | June 03, 2008 at 07:18 AM
Love the stamp, I'll be watching for it in the future. Don't you love being able to help others and share your talents too. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Posted by: Wendy Peatross | June 03, 2008 at 07:50 AM
God bless you. You have given so much to those babies, moms, dads and anyone who you touch with this sorry. Never fear you are boastfull when you tell a story of Gods love for us!!! See all the people you touch just in this blog? I for one will keep this story close to my heart and repeat it to others that way we keep the spirit going on and on. Just as the Lord tells us to do. Always in Christ, evette
Posted by: evette | June 03, 2008 at 08:01 AM
There are about a zillion of us LDS moms/teachers/leaders who would love to have this stamp! Maybe you could get Stampadoodle to offer it to us! I love the Blankets for Babies project. Our Ward did lap blankets for shut-ins and seniors in nursing homes. We all enjoyed it so much.
Posted by: Stephanie Earls | June 03, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Thank you Lisa for sharing your story. I had tears in my eyes reading the story you told so beautifully.
I love the cards and the blankets are beautiful. Congrats on a job well done.
On a side note, I would LOVE it if you were able to make a stamp set with this as the main stamp or just be able to get the stamp itself. Please let me know if that ever happens.
Posted by: Melissa D. (SCS honeybee7896) | June 03, 2008 at 09:09 AM
What a beautiful story.
Out 3rd child was in NICU for a week asd the have "grannies" that crochet blankets for each baby in there. They also visited each day with a little something..
a poem mounted on decorative paper, a card, his stamped out name taped on one end of his "bed."... Each morning we would come in to find a new little something on his table.
Please consider making this stamp available.
Our church's nursery gives each new baby a pink oer blue bible on their 1st sunday there. It would be great on cards for that.
Posted by: Lisa Carter | June 03, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Awwww --- God always provides.
And we always need to remember "MY child" is really more HIS child.
Posted by: mcbetty | June 03, 2008 at 10:47 AM
I LOVE this! I agree with the other women who said maybe they could sell this stamp -- it is one I would buy without a second thought and use repeatedly!!!!! Such a great story, and thank you for sharing it with us! Your faith and creativity continue to bless me!
Posted by: Alyssa | June 03, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Diamonds form under pressure...
Wonderful story, Lisa! Brought tears to my eyes to hear of what you accomplished in such a small amount of time and that you were driven by your faith and belief in sharing the talents you were given.
Posted by: Cheryl R | June 03, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Great story; great card; darling blanket!
Love how the stamp turned out, too.
Glad you shared the story of all the wonderful people who helped out in this situation.
So many lives will be touched.
Be sure to thank those 50 lovely sisters in your ward for ultimately putting everything. They're truly awesome!
Posted by: Teryl | June 03, 2008 at 01:21 PM
What an amazing story you were a part of. God is good. Thank you for sharing and giving me something to think about :)
Posted by: Cassie | June 03, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Lisa,
Those were the sweetest cards and blankets. What a wonderful story of your faith and trust in the Lord. God can do anything, more than we can imagine and it is so awesome to see!!
Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Lori | June 03, 2008 at 06:33 PM
Those blankets are adorable, the card is lovely and your story, heartwarming! Thanks for sharing it with us and three cheers for the companies and friends that all came through on this labor of love! God is good!
Posted by: Kathyc on SCS | June 03, 2008 at 06:46 PM
WOW----thanks so much for sharing your beautiful story of God's provision! And thanks for a great reminder to use our gifts to serve others! I LOVE those blankets and the card---and what a great stamp you ended up with!!!
Posted by: Kathleen | June 03, 2008 at 07:18 PM
thanks for sharing. i too want my children to know God, what a great way to wrap them in love.
laura
Posted by: Laura Huffman | June 04, 2008 at 03:10 AM
He is an awesome God, isn't he.
Posted by: Kathy | June 04, 2008 at 04:25 AM
How wonderful - imagine the heirlooms you have contributed to! Wonderful job! Garce
Posted by: Grace | June 04, 2008 at 05:58 AM
Lisa,
What a wonderful story and how great is is to see how amazing God is to us everyday.
Also the companies who donated, and worked so hard to give you special deals and get you stuff on time pushed me over the edge and brought me to tears. It is so nice to know that there are still companies out there who care. You can be sure when I need to purchase this is where I want my $$'s to go. I sure hope that Stampadoodle makes that stamp available.
Thanks so much for sharing your story.
Rose
Posted by: Rose | June 04, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Wow your post brought tears and chills all over! SO beautiful.. that is so amazing and so wonderful. God Bless you and from all those little blessing that will recieve such a precious gift thank you :)
(((HUGS))
Posted by: Ellie Augustin | June 04, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Wow, what a fantastic story! The blankets and the cards turned out really cute!! I could definitely use a stamp like that.
Amanda
[email protected]
Posted by: Amanda Currier | June 04, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Lisa, Thank You for sharing this experience with us. You have provided a lift/reminder when I needed it. It is amazing what can happen when we humble ourselves and trust the Lord.
Posted by: Kari Adamson | June 04, 2008 at 08:35 PM
You are an amazing person. God bless you!
Posted by: Terry | June 04, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Lisa,
These type of happenings only reafirm my faith in people. Look how quickly and wonderfully everything came together because God put everything in the right peoples hands. Thank you for sharing this story and for making those babies and their parents so lucky.
Posted by: Terri Schenck | June 05, 2008 at 05:48 AM
God Bless you and those wonderful ladies who made all the blankets and cards. What a wonderful project....and sharing all your talents. gw
Posted by: gail w. | June 05, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Hi Lisa,
That is a great story, source of inspiration, and a true testament to what can happen if we Let Go and Let God!
God bless you!
Angie
Posted by: angie | June 06, 2008 at 04:18 AM
Wow! What a wonderful post! God is so good and provides so beautifully! What a special blessing to be a part of this project, Lisa. You are so special. How are the blankets made? I have made quilts for our local pregnancy center, but these look lots easier and more versatile. Thanks!
Posted by: CherylQuilts at SCS | June 06, 2008 at 05:39 AM
These are wonderful :) I was in NICU when I was first born and I decided to make some quilts for the little babies that were in there, I was able to give some actually to the parents that were there that day I dropped them off. It was so wonderful to see their faces :)
Posted by: JoAnna Rivera | June 06, 2008 at 12:32 PM
What a great story! The card and blanket are adorable. As an LDS mom myself, it would be great to have a stamp like this - even better a whole set! :) Thanks for sharing your experience. And big kudos to those companies for their generosity!
Posted by: annheidel | June 07, 2008 at 09:58 AM