Here's the first email I received (she had just heard about the storms that went through the area near me in Joplin, Mo.)...:
Sandi said : "Hey! First of all... just checking if you are okay after the tornadoes? We are blessed here in Alabama. Wondering if you could make me a sign with the verse from Mark 4:39 & 40 and then underneath that... Be still and know that I AM GOD.
I found these verses in my backyard after the F5 went through and i want to put them on a sign.
It would be great on one of your folkart signs, i think.
Let me know.
Thanks a bunch! Sandi"
My reply...
"Hi Sandy! Thanking the Lord it didn't come our way this time. Yes I could letter these verses on a sign. Do you like one of my designs as a base for this. And an idea of colors? I've been thinking of doing one with the roses and vines with a light color like light green or gold instead of the black around, under the roses and vines....
www.etsy.com/listing/39726744/folk-art-bible-verse-sign-be-of-good
Or maybe you'd like the Sheep one with your verses...
www.etsy.com/listing/52015440/folk-art-painting-sheep-under-the-moon?ref...
Also I will need to know what version of the Bible. Your verses have about 50 words which is 3 times what I have on the above verse, so this would be larger of course and it would be about $75.00. Let me know if you have any different ideas. Thanks, Jennifer"
Sandi:
"Hey Jennifer,
I really like your folk art sign, but maybe make the roses and hearts a crimson red?, everything else will blend with my colors. I like the NCV version; i currently have the Max Lucado Bible.
I would love a big FAITH centered
and then just part of the verses: Jesus commanded the wind and said, "Quiet! Be Still! and the wind stopped and it became completely calm. Jesus said, " Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?" and then underneath that: Be still, and know that I AM GOD.
What'cha think? Would this still be $75?
Blessings!
Sandi"
My Reply: "Hi Sandi, That sounds good! I think it would come out about 11" by 16 or 18" Would you want it vertical or horizontal? I think it would look good vertical. I could do this for about $55. Thanks, Jennifer"
Sandi's reply: Okay! I'm writing to you in-between "chores". Do you want me to pay for it now or when you're finished? Sandi
Me: " When it's finished is fine. I could send you a rough sketch when I do a lay out. Be talking to you . And could you answer this for me---I think it would come out about 11" by 16 or 18" Would you want it vertical or horizontal? I think it would look good vertical. Thanks, J"
(She answered... Vertical)
I finished her order and sent her this message...
"Hi Sandi! Your order is listed!
www.etsy.com/listing/75629412/custom-order-for-sandi
I hope it is to your liking, Thanks, Jennifer"
Her reply when seeing her item online:
"Just sent you payment via Paypal. It is absolutely wonderful! You did such a good job!!!!!! Can't wait to see it! Thank you! Sandi"
Then I asked her...
"I'm so glad you like it. I was wanting to ask you about what you said..."I found these verses in my backyard after the F5 went through". When I first read it my thought was wow , these verses blew into your back yard? Then I thought maybe you were sitting in your back yard reading the Bible or a devotional book after the tornado. My husband was wondering too. Thanks so much! Jennifer"
Now Here's the Story!...
" No... that's the "goose-bump" part! The mile wide, 210 mph wind brushed past our house and absolutely demolished everything around us. We lost a screen door and some shingles. Amazing!
The next morning, my husband and i were picking up debris; wallpaper, insulation, roofing, BUT the only 4 pieces of paper in the yard were: a piece of a hymnal page, with the hymn," Saviour, like a shepherd lead us", a paper that was titled" How To Live" and underneath that, said " Life is a challenge", another piece of paper from a hymnal, and then a tiny paper with the verse Mark4:39. I looked it up and read.
I was in the bathroom when the tornado went over and praying so very much. My husband came in, sat down beside me, held my hand and told me he loved me. I knew it was bad, so when i found the verse in the yard i knew to have faith!
Since that day, i have been seeing "Be still and know that I AM GOD" all around me... on a sign in a store,; on a cross in a thrift store; the minister preached on it, etc. ,so i am being still and believing that GOD needs us to keep our faith. I am amazed at the people that have nothing but a concrete slab left and do not believe in GOD and they were in the bathroom!
Blessings to you!!!
Sandi
And then I got this lovely Feedback!...
"Oh my goodness! The pictures did'nt do it justice. It's beautiful!!!! I'm so blessed to have found you to do this for me. Thank you so much!"
It was my pleasure Sandi!
