My daughter wasn’t feeling well one day recently. She was in physical pain and my heart went out to her. That’s not only because she is my daughter who I love dearly and it hurts to see her in pain. But also because I am familiar with the pain myself; I know what it feels like. So, I provided her with food, medicine, and other things that I knew from experience would comfort her. And, I prayed over her.
I prayed most fervently that God would give her relief from the pain. I called on His familiarity with human pain and His promises to help us in everything we have to endure. Soon enough she was feeling better; well enough to get out of bed. I’ll admit that I was a bit surprised at the speediness of His response.
This month, I’m focused on endurance and prayer. And this experience was a revelation – I don’t even pray for myself with such fervency as I did over her and as I do for others. It was a reminder I really needed to pray like I am loved. Pray like I am a beloved child of God.
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!.. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.
1 John 3:1, 16
Process and products used:
These pages in the NIV Journal the Word Bible (New Testament) features the following products by Creative Worship Stamps. These are affiliate links, please see the Privacy Policy for details.
- Nature Silhouettes 4 stamp set
- Herringbone Tiles stencil
- Worshipful Wordfetti stamp set
- Boss Lady Alpha stamp set
- Typewriter Alpha stamp set
I started by cutting a circle out of a piece of scrap paper and adhering it, temporarily, to the top of the page using washi tape, to act as a mask and create the effect of the moon at night. I used the Herringbone Tiles stencil and added some navy ink on the bottom of the page using a blending brush. Then, I switched to a grey ink and blended to the top of the page.
In hindsight, I should have applied more ink to make the moon stand out more. Or, perhaps, I should have painted over the white space to make it look more realistic. Still, I like how it turned out and how it conveys the message of light in darkness.
I stamped the images from the Nature Silhouettes 4 set. Some of the stamp impressions were faded but stamping over them again with more ink gave a layered effect which is what I intended. I went over the bottom edge of the page again using navy ink, directly from the stamp pad, to darken that area some more.
The title was created using the Boss Lady Alpha, Typewriter Alpha, and Worshipful Wordfetti stamps. I also stamped the sentiment “you are beloved” on the bottom of the left page and top of the right page in the same navy blue ink. Then, I added some white paint splatters using watered down acrylic paint. Lastly, I highlighted the text using a marker and added a date stamp.
* Watch the process video here on YouTube.
Be encouraged
🎶 Again ~ Jeremy Camp
Despite the number of times we have failed, and will fail again, our God is faithful to His word. He will keep us. He will lead and guide us. He will give us the strength to live for Him and according to His ways.
So, whatever you are facing today, I encourage you to come.
You’re not alone in the darkness. His light still shines in it and there’s still hope. His grace still beckons and redeems what is His. Draw near to Him today.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Matthew 6:9
