Distressed but not downtrodden!

 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

Distressed but not downtrodden. . .when I read the challenge to use distressing, it brought to mind the scripture from 2 Corinthians. Just because we are distressed, does not mean we are to be downtrodden, depressed, or driven to despair. We may be persecuted, but we who are trusting in Christ, will never be forsaken. He will complete the work He began and He will deliver us safely home. Instead, we are to:
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

CARD DETAILS: Crafted for two challenges at Our Daily Bread Designs, and one at Stampin' Sisters in Christ. The first is the Stampin' in Time On Assignment Challenge #44 (SNTODBD44) to use distressing, and the second, the Shining the Light Challenge #78 (ODBDSLC78) to use scripture, a quote or a song as the focal point. The third challenge, at Stampin' Sisters in Christ  (#108 John 16:33) is to create a card that either says “Blessings” or uses an encouraging Scripture.

Besides the paper and ink edge distressing of the card base and designer paper panel, the doily and the butterflies were distressed by spritzing with a mixture of instant coffee, water and alcohol. The doily was already a bit distressed and is a Hallmark French lace doily that's about 40 years old. 

Stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs Scripture Collection 7

Ink: VersaMark, SU Craft White and Old Olive

Paper: SU Old Olive, Early Espresso, Prima Madeline

Accessories: Stampendous Peridot Embossing Powder, Spellbinders Labels 18 and Scallop Circles Dies, EK Fancy Flowers border punch, SU Crochet Ribbon, pearls and Sizzix Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Tim Holtz Sizzix Alterations Texture Fades Regal Flourishes Embossing Folder; homemade distressing solution=coffee+water+rubbing alcohol

Challenges:

• Our Daily Bread Designs
• Stampin' in Time On Assignment Challenge #44 (SNTODBD44)  Distressing
• Shining the Light Challenge #78 (ODBDSLC78)Scripture, quote or song
• Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge 108:
•   Create a card that either says “Blessings” or uses an encouraging Scripture
• Southern Girls Challenge #28 Anything Goes