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! 

 

Casing Kelley!

Hello my friends!  Over on the ODBD Forum, there's a special CASE ARTIST challenge up!  Our assignment this week is to Case ODBD Owner, Kelley Holland!  Many of you might not know that she was an avid card maker and as such sensed the need for more Christian themed stamps for the stamping community.  That is how the ODBD story began!  So today, I have cased this card.  Hope you can play along!  Read all the details on the forum, and if you haven't joined yet... come on... join now!  It's free and there are challenges to play in, fellowship to be had, prayer support and friendship to enjoy! 

I have used Love One Another and God's Love to create this card.  I used just part of the verse to use just the word Love for this.

  Here are the card details:
CS: Bazzill Bling
DP: SEI
Ink: Memento, THoltz Distress
Accessories:  Spellbinders Classic Ovals Lg, Sm, Lacey Ovals and Fancy Tags 2
Cheery Lynn Anastasia die, CB embossing folder, May Arts silk ribbon, Copics, Spica Glitter Pen, ZVA Creative Pearl flourishes

This week's Stampin Sisters in Christ verse is John 3:16.  This is a verse most of us know by heart and can quote it easily... but how much do we focus on what it really says?  I think about the entire Bible message is summed up in this one verse!

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.  Wow!  Have any of you been listening to Focus on the Family on the radio lately?  Have you heard the children quoting this verse with their own little emphasis?  If not try to find it on a Christian radio station near you!  I love the "wow" at the end!  Truly it IS a wow verse!  There is no greater love than this... that a man would lay down his life for another!!!  Thank you Lord!

I am joining the following challenges with this card:
Stampin Sisters in Christ - Love theme based on John 3:16, Allsorts -  Free and Easy February, Catch The Bug - February Anything Goes,   Di's Digis Designs  Valentines, My Sheri Crafts  -   Love is in the Air, Our Creative Corner -  Love is in the Air, Our Daily Bread Designs -  Secret Admirer case challenge, Stamp, Scrap and Doodle -  Die Cut or Punches,   Crafty Ann's -  Love is in the Air, Fairy Tale -, Love, Love, Love, Inspire Me Fridays – Link Up Party, Lily Pad -Patterned Paper, Mami Doodles - For a Loved One, Stempelsonnen Challenge -  must have stamp as main focus –Valentine,  Artistic Stampers - must use rubber stamp,  Hearts, Freshly Brewed Monthly Challenge -  Love, Heidi's Hobbystuggu - Valentine's Day





Have a blessed week!!!

From my Heart With Love

Hello friends!  Happy Sunday!  Although I am officially on a little break, I did manage to create a card for this week's Stampin Sisters in Christ challenge.  Our hostess this week is Lisa, and she has chosen Matthew 1:20-22, "But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' which means, 'God with us.'" for this week's Scripture.  

Lisa's challenge is to create a card/project depicting an angel.

My card today is super quick, using an image and sentiment from Great Impressions, as well as  Labels 1 from Spellbinders... both the Grand, and the small.  I also used the SB Twisted Metal Tags for my sentiment.  I colored with Copics and painted the wings with Shimmerz Angels Wings.  I'm not really sure if this image is supposed to be an angel or a fairy, but I had bought it and colored it up for a special little 10 year old... so I went with it.  I don't have very many stamps that fit the challenge so I hope this will do! :)

The Scripture today is one that I have pondered so often. How did Joseph feel about all that happened while he was engaged to Mary, but they had not yet lived together?     Mary KNEW this child was from God, because she knew she had not slept with a man!  But how  did Joseph feel when he first found out that Mary was pregnant?  Did he doubt her? How did he feel about all that was told him by the angel? Did he at first doubt the angel?  There's not much that we know about his feelings... but we do know that he obeyed and did as the angel told him.   I can't even imagine being in this situation!  I would be overwhelmed... scared...doubtful, yet honored that God had chosen me for this incredible responsibility!  I believe somehow, God must have granted Joseph incredible wisdom and faith!  Humanly speaking, no man would believe his pregnant fiance when she said she was pregnant yet still a virgin!  Joseph however, took her as his wife, but kept her as a virgin until the Christ Child was born.   Can you imagine being given the task of raising the very Son of God?  Oh my.... I can't!!!   Perhaps we fail to think of the role this special man had in providing a home for the Christ Child, for caring for Him until He was old enough to begin His ministry!  I picture him with Jesus by his side, teaching Him the skills of a carpenter, and I picture Jesus taking it all in as any little boy would.  But there came the time when Jesus told His earthly parents that He had to be about His Heavenly Father's Business.  This child was not born to live only as a human, and to perform only human tasks.... He was born to die in the most painful way possible, yet without sin, so that His shed blood could wash away  our sins.  At some point.... these parents... Joseph and Mary must have realized the incredible purpose their little boy had come to earth for.... and they must have had to realize that yes, He came to die even for them!  It blows my mind!

How about you?  Have you accepted the salvation He came to offer you?  Are you willing to be obedient to whatever God calls you to do?  This Christmas season.... I am focusing my mind and heart more than ever before on this indescribable gift that was given for you and for me!  I am thankful that with this job loss has come a "freedom" from the bondage to buying and running around in a mad dash as the holiday quickly approaches!  This year, I'm hoping that the truths of this incredible story will penetrate my heart in new ways... and that I will respond with more love and commitment than ever before!

I wish you and yours a most blessed, Spirit filled Christmas season!

Our sponsor this week is Clear Dollar Stamps! 

The prize is a $15.00 Gift Certificate to the CDS Store!

We thank them for their continued support!

To read Lisa's devotional and for the full details on the challenge, please visit the Stampin Sisters in Christ Blog!

Be sure to check out the rest of the design team for more inspiration:
Chris, Linda,  Miesje, Rebecca,   Peggysue,  MariLynn,  Lisa, and Traci

I am entering this in the following challenges:

Inkspirations

2 Sisters - #68 Punches and/or Dies, Catch The Bug -  Anything goes, Craft Your Days Away  -  Buttons or bows, Little Claire's  -  Shaped Cards,  Alphabet Challenge –  V is for Vibrant,  Inspire Me Fridays - Anything, Wags 'n Whiskers - Week 2, Angel or Fairy, Card and Scrap -Angels, Paper Crafting Journey -  Anything Goes, Southern Girls -  Ribbon, Cooking It Up With Katie - anything goes, Divas by Design - anything goes, Paper Shelter Challenge -anything goes

A time for Joy!

Howdy all!  It's Sunday and time for another Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge!  This week our challenge hostess is the dear and sweet MariLynn.  She has chosen Ecclesiastes 3:1 for this week's Scripture. 

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

MariLynn's challenge is to 

Make a card that shows the passing of time. A clock ( for hours) a sun (for days) a calendar for (years) etc.

Remember when you were little... and you just couldn't wait for Christmas morning?  The days leading up to Christmas seemed to just drag!  Now I find myself amazed that it's almost Nov. and Christmas is right around the corner!   The older I get, the more aware of how quickly time  passes I become!  I also am becoming more and more aware of how all our days are in His hands, and the time that we have here on this earth is but a drop in a bucket compared to eternity!  We put so much emphasis on this life, and the things of this life, but the things God values have eternal value! 

 My husband's recent layoff really brought home to me the truth to this passage.  Just as God created the seasons, and there is a different purpose for each season... our lives contain many seasons as well. Some are sunny and warm, some are filled with colorful moments of awe and beauty.... and some are cold, and possibly painful. 

Not long ago, my husband and I both started praying that God would  draw us closer to Him and help us to empty ourselves of all that stands between us and our relationship with Him.  Funny thing is that we knew even then that there was some "risk" in praying that way.  What layers might need to be stripped away to help us to completely trust only Him and let Him be our all in all?   What little things might He uncover that we have unknowingly been holding back from Him?  Would He ask us to step out of our comfort zone?  Would we be able to do that?  I truly believe that emptying us first of our "plans" for our future, our retirement, all the things we were expecting to work out according to "the" plan, He is revealing to us that  He wants our trust to be in Him and Him alone. It's not to be our "retirement package", not our 401k, not the health insurance we were 11 months away from being guaranteed through our retirement.... not a job, nothing but Him.  As my husband was driving home his last day of work.... he was praying and actually thanked the Lord for this season!  That's not to say it doesn't hurt!  It's just to say that He saw this as a way God was going to do a work in our hearts, and perhaps even in the hearts of others,  and so he was able to  thank the Lord for whatever He is going to do through this!    We know He never leaves us nor forsakes us, and we are not alone!  We also know that this world is not our home, and we are looking forward to our REAL home!  Our minds can't even conceive the riches He has for us in glory!  

So whatever season YOU are in right now... even if you are in a painful place... a place where it's hard to put one foot in front of the other, a place where you can't seem to see God's hand at all... just know that God DOES have a plan and wants to lead you to a new place of beautiful relationship with Him!   If you don't know Him.... that first step would be to come to Him in faith, accepting Him as your Savior.  If you do know Him, but are not experiencing the joy that overflows your heart when you are basking in the warmth of His presence, I challenge you to ask Him to take you to that next season...   Do you seek JOY?  Do you seek FULFILLMENT?  Seek HIM just as the wise men of old did! 

I decided to use a "season" theme and make a Christmas card, but I also got my clock in with the stick pin! LOL!  I used this month's release from Our Daily Bread designs Joy to the World Hymn, as well as Christmas Rose.  I stamped with Memento Ink and colored the image with Prisma Pencils, blending with Odor Free Mineral Spirits.  I also tore and distressed my edges and used the Faux Burnt Technique on the edges.  The technique can be found on SCS under Try a New Technique  Past Challenges.  I used four shades of Distress Inks: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Walnut Stain and Black Soot.  I used a base of Craft from Mark's Finest Papers, and the designer paper is Websters Pages Waiting for Santa/Sweet Season combo pack.  The flower is made with a Marianne Poinsettia Die, and I added a clock stick pin for the time element.  The beautiful flourishes around the focal image are various parts of a Cheery Lynn Fanciful Flourish. 

Our Sponsor this week is Digital Delights by Louby Lou

The prize is Three Free Digis from the store!

 

For the full details of the challenge, prize and devotional, please visit the SSIC Blog.

Be sure to check out the rest of the design team for more inspiration:
Chris, Linda,  Miesje, Rebecca,  Kris, Peggysue,  MariLynn,  Lisa, and Traci

I am entering this in the following challenges:
 Crafts 4 Eternity Recipe Challenge - at least one metal embellishment (metal brads),
Totally Papercrafts - layer upon layer,  Moving Along With The Times - Vintage
Shelly's Images -  Anything Goes,   My Time To Craft - Punches & Dies,  Sweet Stamps - Lots of Layers, Top Tip Tuesday - Layer It  Use It Tuesdays - Metal  Week, Christmas Inspirations - 2W, 2E, must be Christmas  Die Cuts or Punches, Little Claire's  - #14 Christmas,

SSIC Two of Everything!

Hello friends!  It's Sunday and time for another Stampin Sisters in Christ challenge!  Today our hostess is the sweet and talented Miesje.  Miesje has chosen Matt. 11:28-30 for this week's Scripture.

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Miesje's challenge:  Sharing: use 2 of everything you use. ie: 2 Dp - 2 flowers - 2 stamps - whatever you use two.

I love this passage but I think it's often misunderstood. I don't think Jesus is saying that if we come to Him, our lives will be easy and all will go our way!

Earlier this week my family and I spent 4 days at Colonial Williamsburg.  One of the things we saw was an old yoke, which was used to bind two oxen together so that they could work together in doing the work of plowing, etc.  The yoke is made of heavy wood and is worn around the two oxen's necks.  It does not give them hardly any room to move without the other one.  Imagine the struggle if one ox has a fly biting him on his back, and he wants to reach around to remove it.  It would be almost impossible! That to which we are yoked can be very burdensome to us, or it can be a great blessing to not have to do the job at hand alone!

Most likely Jesus is talking about the burden of sin which we all bore until we turned to Him for our salvation. He could also be talking about the burden of trying to follow a "religion" which weighs the follower down with rules and regulations that are burdensome to say the least, and are not going to do a thing to save a person's soul!

Jesus, however, offers not religion, but relationship.  When we become yoked to Him... He gives us rest from the burden of sin we have been bearing, and He teaches us (if we are listening) how to be His disciple.  Living a life for Christ is not necessarily always easy..... we all know that we still face trials throughout our lives.  However, living a life in relationship with Him is not burdensome... He fills us and empowers us to serve Him and instead of being burdened by our sin, or  religious rituals, we respond to Him because of His great love for us and all that He has done for us, and the love that we in turn have for Him.   Gone is the worry of where we'll spend eternity.  Gone is fear of the future.  Gone is the worry that our needs might not be met, because all His promises are ours if we have yoked ourselves to Him.    To look at the analogy of the yoke again....  when we are yoked to the One who is all knowing, all powerful, and all loving.... we have the advantage of having all His help in doing whatever tasks He may lead us to do!  He is yoked to us just as that second ox is and it is not burdensome to do anything because we are not on our own... He is right there leading, guiding, and  empowering us!

I have to share with you that this passage is particularly meaningful to me right now, as on Friday my husband was suddenly laid off from work.  It appears that all he was working for in a retirement and having our insurance paid into retirement has been taken away.  However, those were "our" plans.  God sees the bigger picture and has a plan for us.... and it's a plan for our good,  and we are trusting Him to meet our every need.  It's so wonderful knowing that we are yoked to the ONLY ONE who can fully be trusted.  He's been faithful and will always be faithful because it is one of His many attributes!  We do appreciate your prayers as we seek His will for the future.

For my card today, I used one of this month's releases from Our Daily Bread designs, Holiday Ornaments, which I stamped twice and embossed in gold.  I water colored the holly and then fussy cut the images out and sponged with distress inks to age.  I cut two birdcages out of Recollections brushed gold with a T Holtz die. laying one flat and then popping up the second one on top to give some dimension.  I used two designer papers from Websters Waiting for Santa/ Sweet Season combo pack and made two bracket cuts with the T Holtz  Bracket die.

For my embellishments, I used two trims: lace (Websters)  and the gold trim at the bottom of the bird cage.  I used two fibers, and I cut two Spellbinder's Holly Accents from brushed gold, then sponged and interwove them to make a sort of medallion effect in the center of my lace.  I added two pearls. 

On the inside of my card I used two of the negative cuts from my bracket die to finish off a pretty edge there as well.

Our Sponsor this week is Designed2Delight

We thank them for their continued support!

For the full details of the challenge, prize and devotional, please visit the SSIC Blog.

Be sure to check out the rest of the design team for more inspiration:
Chris, Linda,  Miesje, Rebecca,  Kris, Peggysue,  MariLynn,  Lisa, and Traci

I am entering this in the following challenges:

365 Cards -  So Sophisticated,Crazy 4 Challenges - Create something for an up coming holiday, Little Claire's  -  #14 Christmas, Marks Finest Papers -#77 Seeing Double, Our Daily Bread Designs - ODBDSLC80 Holiday with a twist, Stamp, Scrap and Doodle -   Falling for you anything with leaves (mine are holly leaves), Crafty Ann's - Inspired by a Christmas Song (Deck the Halls with boughs of Holly), Fabulous Friday - A Fancy Trim, Floweret - Christmas, Jingle Belles - Christmas - Inspired by a Holiday song (Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly), Charisma Cardz -In Stitches (real or faux)

Blessings in disguise & a Sneak Peek!

It's time for another Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge!  Today I am the hostess, and I have chosen John 16:33

"These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." 

Recently, a young woman was talking with her dear friend.  This friend had been going through some difficult times and was feeling down and alone.  She expressed the feeling that she didn't think anyone in their town cared about her or her family at all.  Later that week, a  tornado ripped through their town, the first in this mountain town in over 50 years!  It leveled buildings, trees and  left a number dead or injured.   One of the areas hit particularly hard was where this friend lived.  They lost over 75 trees, both of their vehicles, a garage, and some damage was done to their home, but thankfully they were protected. The next day, people started showing up with chain saws, heavy equipment, water, food, supplies.... there were over 30 people working on this family's lot alone!  They continued doing so for weeks!!!  She finally realized just how much people cared for her and her family! 

The next Sunday in church, the special music, which had been planned and practiced long before the tornado struck, was this song - Blessings, by Laura Story.  I have shut my playlist off for today so you can listen to this.  If you can't hear it, the words are on the Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge blog.

A few weeks after the tornado, my husband and I sat in the church where these two young women attend on a Sunday evening, where people of the church had gathered to sing praises  and give testimony of God's grace and mercy!  It was all I could do to not be weeping as one after another told their story.... yet each one, in spite of having lost much of this world's "things" had such joy and thanksgiving for all God had done for them!  It seems that some of their blessings truly did come through the rain and wind and storm! 

Also recently, here on the east coast of the U.S., in ONE week, we felt the tremors of a 5.9 earthquake and the powerful forces of a huge hurricane that slowly made it's way up the coast, leaving a path of floods and destruction.The people of Texas have been enduring the worst fires imaginable. 

The news every night is full of sensational stories of pain and suffering all over the world!  Wars, famine, hatred, murders, earthquakes and disease abound!  It's all around us and I am sure that in our own lives, not one of us is without burdens!  Perhaps we have sat at the bedside of a suffering loved one, watched a parent slowly disappear into a world we cannot seem to reach, prayed through sleepless nights over broken relationships, buried that loved one we thought we could never live without, lost that baby we thought God wanted us to raise, and cried for help in the midst of our darkest hour.  We've had our moments when our faith has been tried, and we've even had times when we had some doubts.  We've asked Him "WHY?  Why are you letting me go through this?"  

I shared this song today because I know so many  are suffering through some dark hours right now!  The words touched my heart and I hope they will yours as well.  As Christians, we tend to think our lives should be trouble free and just the way we "want" them to be.  When they're not, we pray that God removes the painful things.  I know for myself, that some of my darkest hours have ended up being my greatest blessings: times of  growth and a refocusing on what's really important; times of realizing how gracious and merciful God has been to me!    I don't think I would ever fully have appreciated the gift of this life had I not almost lost mine at the hand of a hit and run driver.  I'm pretty sure I would not have learned to truly forgive unconditionally  if I had not had that experience.  I also don't think I would have had the compassion for people who are suffering had I not been left with chronic pain myself.  My pain has given me many opportunities to encourage others in a way I never would have otherwise!   Sometimes some of us need to stay broken for a while so that God can do the work in us that needs to be done.  Perhaps instead of praying for removal of the pain, we should be praying for His will and glory to be seen in it all, for growth in our relationship with Him,  and for the joy that comes from really being surrendered to and loving our Savior and knowing that His plan for us is always the best plan!  Remember this.... He loves us enough to give us what we need, not necessarily what we "want"!  When we are in the deep waters, we may not see the blessings He has for us... but He has a plan for each of us, and it's for our good!

Let me simply leave you with a couple Scriptures:

Ps. 30:5b  "...Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Rom. 8:35, 37-39 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I hope He pours out His Blessings on you today!

My challenge is to create a card  that  either uses the word "Blessings" 
or uses an encouraging Scripture. 

Here are the details on my card:
Stamps: This is a sneak peek at a new Our Daily Bread designs stamp set called Christmas Rose.  I placed it in the Seed Packet from this month's release. I told you that you'd want this seed packet! :) Stay tuned for more great stuff to use it with!
Papers: The base is Coredinations, designer paper is Websters Pages.  I used Memento and Versafine Inks.
Accessories: Copics, MS Holly Punch, May Arts Wrinkled Ribbon, Tatted Lace from a vintage piece, stick pin with elements from my sweet dt sister, Sabrina, sewing machine, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist Irredescent Gold.  

Be sure to stop by the Stampin Sisters in Christ site to see all the details on this week's challenge!  Our sponsor this week is Pink Cat Studio!  They are giving aways 5 free digis!  We thank them for their generosity!

Please visit my dt sisters for more inspiration

Linda,  Miesje, Rebecca,  Kris, Peggysue,  MariLynn, Chris,  and Traci

I am entering this in the following challenges: My Sheri Crafts -  #69 Sew Simple, nspire Me Fridays - always anything goes, Our Craft Lounge -  patterned papers, Polkadoodle -distress it, The Outlawz Copic Challenge -, must use Copic/Promarkers - Anything Goes, Crafty Ribbons -  Anything Goes, Southern Girls -  Anything Goes,Paper Shelter Challenge -  #32 anything goes, Simon Says Stamp - dies or punches, Anything Goes Challenge -  Anything Goes, Stamps & Fun = Creativity - Shapes and/or Die Cuts, Addicted to Stamps  Must use stamp  Stitching, Aly's Sunday Challenge  Bows, Corrosive Challenges - 2W, 2E - Punches and/or Dies, Gingerloft -  Vintage or Distressed, Kenny K Krafty Girlz -  Christmas Card, Lollipop Crafts - Anything Goes, One Stitch At A Time - Use your Favorites, The Crafty Pad -Stitching, The Squirrel & the Fox -  Anything Goes

On Eagles Wings

Hello my friends!  Hope you are enjoying a wonderful Sunday!  Here in NC there is the definite chill of fall and I am loving it!!!

With Sunday comes another Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge!  Today our hostess is my sweet friend and DT sister, Chris Olsen.  Chris has chosen Isaiah 40:31 for this week's Scripture.  "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with winds like eagles."  Chris' challenge is: Use wings and a biblical verse or quote on your creation.

I had to use this set from Our Daily Bread designs!  I love this verse and the eagle image is so fun and easy to color, and what an encouraging verse to send!

 Waiting on the Lord.... What does it really mean?  I believe that in the context of Is. 40 it means remaining faithful to God, no matter what the circumstance. There are times when we feel like we have hit bottom, and those times test our faith, to be sure.  However,  God, who is eternal and never sleeps, never grows weary, is able to restore us and give us renewed strength when we are broken and spent. I love the image of being lifted up, as an eagle lifts it's wings and soars!  Remaining faithful to God involves a steadfastness that is grounded in knowing that His will is best, and wanting His will for our lives, even when what we are going through doesn't seem to make sense.  God never forgets His people.  If you know Him as your Savior, and you remain faithful to Him.... He WILL renew you!  He WILL give you strength!  In our own strength, some days we can't hardly put one foot in front of the other.... but in His strength, we can soar!    Do you believe it?  His Word promises it! 

Here are the materials I used for this  card:
Stamps: Our Daily Bread designs On Eagles Wings, Serve the Lord (crocheted border)

Ink: SU! Baja Breeze, Memento, Versafine Spanish Moss
Card Stock: SU! Baja Breeze
Designer Paper: Prima Madeline, BasicGrey Curio
Accessories:  Spellbinders Mega Ovals and Mega Scalloped Ovals, SB Grand Circles and Grand Scalloped Circles, cut with the Grand Calibur, Spellbinders Fleur de Lis Accents, Pearls, tie dyed seam binding, Copics

Our sponsor this week is near and dear to my heart!

Our Daily Bread designs!

The prize is a $15.00 Gift Certificate toward stamps!

Be sure to stop by my DT sisters to see their take on this week's challenge!

  Linda,  Miesje, Rebecca,  Kris, Peggysue,  MariLynn, Chris,  and Traci

I am entering this in the following challenges:
Creatalicious Challenges- anything goes, Emerald Faerie Garden -  Challenge #9: Pearls, Crafty Ribbons - Anything Goes, Little Miss Muffet Challenges - Things With Wings, Paper Play - Use 2 or more stamped images (eagle & crocheted border), Shelly's Images - Anything Goes, Paper Take Weekly - Things With Wings, Tuesday Throwdown -#66 Pearls, Di's Digis Designs  Anything Goes, Sugar Creek Hollow  -Vintage, Shabby Chic or Primitive  -  Fancy Borders (I stamped lace borders), Inspire Me Fridays - always anything goes, Mami Doodles - all creatures great and small, Be Crafty - Beautiful Borders (I stamped mine)

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you soar with renewed strength!

A Seed of Friendship!

Hello friends!  It's Sunday and time for another Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge!    I hope you are enjoying a wonderful weekend! Today is a sad day for those of us in the US, as we remember the devastating events of 9/11.  It's a day we all remember... a day our lives were forever changed, and a day that much of our sense of safety was taken away.  All week we have been seeing stories of the lives affected by the events of that fateful day... and our hearts are wrenched for each one.  However... it is also a day to remember that there is much beyond this life.  This life is but a vapor!  No matter our age, we can't be sure we have any number of days!  That's why I am so thankful that our hostess this week, the sweet Rebbecka, has chosen the Scripture she did.

Mt. 7:7-8 7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

If you have been seeking.... if you are looking for answers.... for real meaning to this life and for real purpose for your own life.... I urge you to seek HIM!  This is an absolute promise.... that if you do, He will open the door for you!  How do we do this?  We have to seek Him through prayer and studying His Word!  He has left us His Word... and it gives us EVERYTHING we need to know Him in a personal way, as our Savior and our Lord!  Just as 9/11 marks a date that forever changed the United States, the day you meet Jesus will forever change your life!  Instead of a sad day, it will be a day when the weight of sin will be lifted and forever removed from you, and a day when you will realize how dearly He loves you, and has given you this life as a gift, and He has a purpose and plan for your life! You will have a hope and a sure future with Him in heaven!  You will have joy that fills your soul, even when you go through deep trials and pain.  It's so sad to think of all the people who die every day without Him!  It's so simple... but so many miss it!  Simply come to Him in faith and ask Him to forgive your sins and to be your Savior.... seek to know Him in His Word.... and He will open the door for you!  Jesus willingly gave up His life for ALL who would believe in Him!  There is no greater love!

Becky's challenge this week is to have a door or window on our project.

There are many ways this can be achieved, even if you don't have a door stamp or image.  You could make a door that opens, perhaps even like a gate fold card. You also could go to your home improvement store and look for brochures on doors and use one of the images in the brochure (I have done this before!)... or you could use designer paper such as I did here.  This is a new pack from BoBunny called Welcome Home.  This particular sheet has a house with beautiful glass doors on the first floor and also on the second floor.  It is faint, but it's very visible in person.  I created my card around that image, leaving that part of the paper completely uncovered.  It reminds me of a neighborhood where good friends live and welcome us in.  That led me to use this seed of friendship sentiment from a new Our Daily Bread designs set called Seeds.  I stamped the image with Versafine Ink and cut with SB Fancy Tags 2.  I cut a second fancy tag and cut part of the oval out, then laced it behind the top one forming a diamond frame.  I added an MS punched strip through which I laced sheer ribbon to qualify for this week's Shining the Light Challenge over on the ODBD Blog.  I made a little bouquet of flowers which are part Prima and part ZVA Creative, added some MS punched boughs and some Fanciful Flourishes from Cheery Lynn.  A little sewing, which qualifies it for Stamping in Time (Our Daily Bread Designs)- faux or real stitching and some pearls and I was done.

Be sure to stop by the SSIC blog for all the details of the challenge and to read Becky's Devotional!  I know it will bless  you!!!

Our sponsor this week is Simon Says Stamp!  

They are giving away a great set!  See it on the SSIC Blog!  

We thank SSS for their continued support!

Be sure to stop by my DT sisters to see their take on this week's challenge!

  Linda,  Miesje, Rebecca,  Kris, Peggysue,  MariLynn, Chris,  and Traci

I am entering this in the following challengs:

Creative Inspirations Paint -  Ribbons,  Did It Creations - Anything Goes, One Stitch At A Time - Anything Goes, Allsorts - #120 Flowers and Swirls, Catch The Bug -  Punches or Dies, Our Daily Bread Designs -  Lacing, A Gem of a Challenge - Colour*, Alphabet Challenge -  P is for Pretty Pastels, Clearly Inspired - patterned papers, Crafty Catz -  ribbons, Fun with Shapes & More - must include die cut/punch - what you want (anything goes), Delightful Challenges -  Bling It

Have a blessed week!

Pop Up Bouquet

Hello my friends!  Happy Sunday!  With Sunday comes another Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge!  This week, our challenge hostess is the talented and sweet Kristine!  Kris has chosen 2 Samuel 6:14 "And David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod." 

Her challenge is DANCING - Make a card that "moves" (ie. tilt card, slider, pop up, waterfall, etc. - LOTS on scs resources)

 

I decided to make a pop up card, and I put my main image inside instead of on the front.  I wanted it to feel like I am giving the recipient a bouquet of flowers, so that is why I wanted the image to pop up rather than a sentiment.  I used this month's release from Our Daily Bread designs, Hydrangea.  I love this image! I love coloring it in all different colors!  I also have mounted it on a Cheery Lynn Die, French Pastry Doily.  For the pop up itself, I used acetate because I didn't want colored card stock to show through the doily.  For the front of my card, I used Our Daily Bread designs Mini Tags 1 and the Spellbinders Ribbon Tag Trio 3 that it was custom made to fit.  I also used an MS Shell edge punch and a Cheery Lynn Fanciful Flourish and Lattice frame.  LOVE these dies!!!   On the inside I used a Sizzix embossing folder for the future message.

I do want to mention that Cheery Lynn is having a Design Team Call and if you love dies, this would be a great team to be on!  Check it out here!

My papers are: SU! Marina Mist, SU! Very Vanilla, SU! retired Certainly Celery dp, K&Co Cottage Garden dp.  I stamped the sentiment with Marian Mist, then the tag itself with Certainly Celery.  The image is stamped with Memento and colored with Copics: B37, B34, B32, G99, G82, G40.  The ribbon is SU! and the little rose buds are ZVA Creative.

Our Sponsor this week is  Designed2Delight

The prize is a $10.00 store credit!

Please be sure to stop by the Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge Blog for the full devotional and challenge details.I know Kris will bless you with her thoughts on today's verse.  I love thinking about the joy with which David expressed his love for the Lord.  He as all out for his Lord and wasn't ashamed to show it.  Perhaps that's just one of the reasons God said he was a man after His own heart! 

For more inspiration please visit my DT Sisters:
Chris, Linda, Peggysue, Miesje, Rebecca, Lisa (on break), Kris, Sabrina, & MariLynn
Randi (on leave)

I am entering this in the following challenges:

Allsorts - #110 July long Free & Easy, Craft Your Days Away  - Fancy Folds, Card and Scrap - Use Punches/Dies, Crafty Catz -  tag, Aud Sentiments Challenge -  Sentiment with at least two words, Delightful Challenges - fancy folds, Moving Along With The Times -  favourtie things (doily, hydrangeas),  Stamp Insanity - summer colors, Freshly Brewed -  #55 3 of anything (rose buds), Simon Says Stamp - anything goes, Creative Craft Challenges -  Pretty Blossoms, Going Grey With Scrap-Creations -  At least 2DP's & at least 2 Embellishments, Jac-Inks Papercraft Challenges -- Die-cuts Plus Texture, Crafty Catz - tag, Bling it on - anything goes, Paper Pal Arts - summer time and living is easy, Really Reasonable Ribbon- cool it ( I used cool blues)



Hope you like my pop up card!  Have a wonderful week!  Sorry my post is short today.  I am looking forward to my sister arriving and will probably not be a very good blogger while she is here.  I have not seen her in a year and we have lots of catching up to do! Thanks so much for stopping by~ and for your kind comments!  I love knowing you were here!

You have never forsaken

Happy Sunday my  blogging friends!  It's time for another Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge!  This week our sweet and faithful Rebekah is our hostess!  She has chosen James 2:18,19 "But someone will say, You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble."

Becky's challenge this week is 

"What works for you" use your favorite item for stamping, it could be a stamp,embossing folder, favorite spellbinder shape.

I have used a LOT of favorites that work for me on my card!  I used the newly released Sweet William Small set, ODBD Scripture Collection 7 (the verse that I submitted for this set), Cherry Lynn French Pastry Doily Die, Spellbinders Blossom 3 (for which both sizes of the Sweet William sets are custom made for), 7 Gypsies Victoria dp, T Holtz Coredinations card stock, MS bough punch (one of my all time faves), MS seam binding ribbon, ZVA Creative pearl flourishes, and some old lace seam binding from my sewing basket.  I also sewed my layers and did lots of sponging.

This flower was made by stamping 2 of each of the 3 sizes in the Sweet William Small set with Stazon onto white satin fabric.  I then spritzed with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Sunflower and Suede.  When that dried, I cut them with the Spellbinders Blossom Three dies, along with 2 layers of brown tulle for each layer.  It's so easy to cut the tulle right along with the satin!  I used a shim of heavy cs in my sandwich to give a little more for the die to cut into and then all the layers came out clean and easy!  I used a candle to seal the edges of my bloom.  I also added some copper beads to the center of the flower after I had layered it up.  To give the bloom a little extra life I sewed these layers together and took little tiny tucks here and there to draw up a petal here and there.  I love how it came out!  My Scripture is stamped with Stazon Saddle Brown onto the doily I had cut out of a scrap of tan dp.  I sponged to age.  The pearls were taupe and my flower is much more coppery in tones so I sponged the pearls with the same Stazon and it worked perfectly!  Gave just that extra little golden tone to the taupe!

Today's Scripture serves as a great reminder that if we say we are Christians, we need to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.  Many say they believe, but their faith does not translate into a changed life. Even the demons and Satan himself "believe" in God... in fact they know for certain that He is God, and He will reign!   True saving faith however, will result in actions that please God and draw others to Him.  I think of an old chorus that was big when I was in High School.  "They'll Know we are Christians by our love".  I can't say it any better!  We should live a life that shows others the hope we have within us, shows the peace and joy that is ours in Christ, and we should be intentionally seeking  ways to bless others!

 Our sponsor this week is Simon Says Stamp!

The prize is a fabulous set "Deer with Forest Family"

We thank Simon Says Stamp for their continued support of SSIC!

Please be sure to stop by the Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge Blog for the full devotional and challenge details.

For more inspiration please visit my DT Sisters:
Chris, Linda, Peggysue, Miesje, Rebecca, Lisa (on break), Kris, Sabrina, & MariLynn
Randi (on leave)

Thank you so much for stopping  by today!  You bless me with your comments and emails!  Thank you... and have a blessed week!

I am submitting this to the following challenges:

Art Impressions Stamps Challenge - Use something from your stash (lace), Aud Sentiments Challenge - Sentiment with at least two words, Charisma Cardz -All about flowers, Stamp Insanity - Anything goes, Play Date Cafe - Color >
 Creative Belli - #121 handmade embellishments, Divas by Design - #5 die cuts/punches, Little Darlings Challenges -  #2 favorite colors, Simon Says Stamp - stitching, Stampavie and More -#146 more than 3 layers, A Spoonful Of Sugar -  #159 Sewing, Jac-Inks Papercraft Challenges - must stamp -  Die-cuts Plus Texture, Partytime Tuesdays  - PTT#23 Square Cards, Try It On Tuesday  -  Flower Power,  Mark's Finest Papers - use die cut as background mat, All Sorts- Free and Easy, Gingerloft - add beads (to the flower)