A bouqet for you!

 

Hello friends!  Sorry I have not been very active on my blog lately, but I had another busy weekend, and yes, I am also getting ready for the Aug. 1 release at Our Daily Bread designs, which I have to say is going to be one of my favorite releases ever I think!!!  However, today I did want to play along with the Stampin Sisters in Christ challenge this week, which was to create a CAS card.  It was to be free and easy.  I recently got this image from  Inky Antics  and finally got to play with it.  I am learning to use my new Tim Holtz Markers, and this was a watercolor technique using them.  The image itself has the oval frame around it so I just hand cut that out and mounted it on the cuttlebug embossed dp (DCWV Garden Party).  I adhered that to SU! Kraft and my only embellishments are the pearls.  (GASP!!)  If you know me, you know CAS is NOT in my comfort level, and while I love the work of others that are CAS, I rarely like my own CAS attempts, so in some ways this was a REAL challenge for me, but I did have fun creating a card so quickly!  I used a Scripture on the inside that would fit many needs and is another of my favorites, from Our Daily Bread designs Scripture Collection 3. 

The Stampin Sisters in Christ challenge is based on Matt. 11:30:

"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

This has long been a favorite passage of Scripture for me.  I love the verses that come before it as well .... beginning with vs. 28.  Jesus says "Come unto me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  

Is there any burden heavier than that of sin and it's consequences?  If you have lived under that burden for any time, you know how it weighs you down!  The word picture in these verses is one of a pair of oxen, bound together by a heavy wooden yoke.  The  yoke binds the two together for the purpose of doing the work at hand.  When a team of oxen pull together even the very difficult work is easier for two than for one.  Jesus is calling to us to yoke ourselves to Him.  He will teach us what it is to really be bound to Him.  It is not burdensome... it is freeing!  Not only are we forgiven and freed  from the penalty of our sin, but our lives can be lived free from the worries and anxieties of  uncertain times, illness, pain, heartbreak and an unknown future,.... all of these will no longer be unbearable for us, because of the assurance we have of His promises, His comfort, His guidance, and His presence right there beside us.  Ultimately, all the things we worry about are things Jesus is willing to help us bear!  Sometimes He frees us from the fears, the pain, the loss, and sometimes He just gently leads us through them, teaching us and supporting us.... helping us carry those burdens and learn from them.  If you've experienced His rest and His help, you know what I am talking about!  If you haven't, He is calling you to take His yoke upon you now!  You can have rest, peace and freedom if you simply trust in Him!

I am entering this in the following challenges:

 Can you dig it - inspiration photo->>>>>>>>>>>>;
 Crazy Amigo Challenge - Free Theme, Jackson's Digital Expressions -Anything Goes, Shopping Our Stash -Something New (my stamp... first time out of the package!), Stamp n Plus  - Anything Goes, Tuesday Testimonials Linking Party  Always anything goes with Scripture (Scripture on the inside, and the post) , 

 Make it Monday - always Anything Goes, Word Art Wednesday- use a Scripture or encouraging sentiment, or the free digi Scripture given on the site. ( My Scripture is on the inside and in the post rather than the front of the card.... I hope that's OK)

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you'll visit the Stampin Sisters in Christ blog to read the devotional on this Scripture this week!  It will surely bless you!