New Challenge at SSiC...My Turn!

Hello friends! Yes, this week it is my turn to host the challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ!

For the theme this time I chose two things: "Something Baby" or "Use ALL Pastels"

Our very generous sponsor for this challenge is: DeNami Design who is offering to one blessed winner a $30 Gift Certificate to their online store! They have adorable stamps!!

The Bible verses that inspired this challenge are:

I Peter 2:2&3 “...as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”

I decided to use both challenge ideas for my card:

It is also, of course, my turn to write a short devotional about these verses. The following is what you will find posted at the main blog, Stampin' Sisters in Christ.

In these verses from God’s Word, the Apostle Peter is giving instruction to the young churches that have been scattered by persecution…and to all believers of all time! The verse just before these two states, “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, all hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking…” in other words, “Put off the old man with his {wicked} deeds” (Col. 3:9). The new believers are reminded that they are now new creatures, given a new life, a new identity and a new purpose: to live for Christ, not for self.  They (and we!!) have been regenerated by the Living Word of God; once reborn, we must begin living as the new creatures we are! How?? By feeding on “the pure milk of the word”…just like newborn babies yearn for nourishment, even crying out for it and demanding it…we too are to eagerly seek after spiritual “milk”, realizing that without the life-giving nourishment that comes from God alone our faith will surely fade, become unhealthy and eventually die. Jesus said that He is the Bread of Life; we are told to “eat” His word, consume it, make it part of us.  Spend time in God’s word, meditate on it, learn it, apply it.

The third verse is kind of like a rhetorical question: Have you not indeed tasted that the Lord is gracious? Of course, each of His followers can answer ‘Yes” emphatically! I love the imagery of “tasting” or “eating” the Bread of Life….so satisfying, filling, nourishing!

One last thought, the apostle Paul says “Be not children in mind, but in malice.” 1 Cor. 14:20, which follows perfectly the instruction presented by Peter. We are to leave behind malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, etc. and seek spiritual food. But we don’t want to stay infants in our knowledge, doctrine, and faith! We want to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ”! 2 Peter 3:18.

That is my prayer for each of you!

 

Just a few details about what went into my card:

The large pink ribbon I have had for ages and always wanted to try a large bow on one of my cards. I love it when other people have them on their cards but when I do it, it seems a bit overwhelming. Oh well.

Dies used: Spellbinders- "Anglaise Lace Circles"*, "Labels 15"*

Punched Border used: Martha Stewart- "Doily Lace"

Stamps used: Clear Dollar Stamps- "Little Lamb",  "Wistful Wishes"

Bling used: Pizzazz Aplenty- 4mm White Flatback Pearls

(the pink & white lace is a new item coming soon at StampingScrapping.com called Washi "Lace")*

* Items purchased at www.stampingscrapping.com

I hope you will join us this week for our "Something Baby or ALL Pastels" challenge at SSiC!

For even more inspiration please stop by my SSiC sisters' blogs...each of them is listed in my sidebar and each one has a work of art to inspire you and often words of encouragement too!

Have a blessed week, my friends!