Lisa & the Rugged Old Cross

Chris and I were riding home from Alpha last night and we got on the subject of praying to be relieved of frustration in attempting a specific task. Chris was trying to get a board to snap in at work yesterday. He tried a million times and was growing EXTREMELY frustrated. If this board did not do what Chris wanted it to do, it would mean he would have to rip up almost an entire floor. He prayed for God to help him ease his frustration and he was able to get the board in place. Now, don't get me wrong..... it does not always work out that well. After Chris told me about his day, I was reminded about a very similar problem I have every single time I make a "Rugged Old Cross" ring .......

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43210455

I have made quite a few of these rings on and off Etsy. They are quite popular. I will tell you EVERY single time I am ready to solder the horizontal piece of the cross, the heat kicks it out of place at least 3-5 times. I start having a little fit. I remember to pray for patience. I always remember to pray when I make this ring. When I get frustrated while making other things, I often forget to pray. Crazy huh? Anyway after I pray and take a few breaths I successfully solder the cross in place. I can safely say that I have prayed during the fabrication of every Rugged Old Cross ring. Chris thinks it's a great story and I should add to the item description...
"made with tender, loving prayer". I thought that was WAY to corny.

I made a Rugged Old Cross ring on Saturday. I was flaring the top and bottom and I was apparently using the wrong punch and I got in incredibly stuck....

Will and I tried playing tug of war with it, I tried liquid soap, cut up the length of my pointed finger trying to muscle it off. I finally gave it a bang with a hammer and I was finally free. I thought I may warp it, but it was okay.

(if you are reading this, that is your ring Amy)

Oh my goodness!!!!! No joke, I just looked at my computer mouse and there is still blood all over it from my battle with the cross. Eww.