Sunday, August 5, 2012

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!

11 comments:

Diane Noble said...

Sandie, I deeply appreciated the verse and your devotional thoughts on Stampin' Sisters in Christ this week. So many of the problems experienced in our churches today are due to the immaturity of members. So your words are so relevant. We have to be constantly reminded to stay in God's Word, for it is life and breath to us. So many things can pull us away from that time with Him, so I really appreciate your reminder.

Your card is gorgeous! Love all the details...those layers at the bottom are spectacular and the bow is beautiful. Doesn't look overwhelming at all...just gorgeous. Thanks for how you bless me...with your talent and your heart! Have an amazing week of being fed by God's good hand!

Michelle said...

Sandie - Love your devotional! It is so very true. How many new believers accept Jesus as their Savior but then think thats it? The longer I walk with the Lord the more I realize how far I have to go to be more like Him. And your card is so beautiful! Love the soft colors and the sheep! (We have 2 of our own sheep) So pretty!
Many blessings to you this week!
Michelle

Kristine said...

Morning Sandie! Your devotional is so well thought out and well-written! Thank you for sharing this week. ANd I love love LOVE your beautiful soft-pastelly card too! Nothing can be sweeter. Lovely shading on that green layer too! Hope you're having a blessed Sunday and enjoy your week ahead.
Hugs,
kris

Debbie said...

Thank you for the devotional!!
Your card is adorable!! I love the little sheep!!

Lovely Linda said...

Awww Sandie - your devotional is inspiring, such truth Sistah! Thank you for sharing with us. Love this darling card - lambs are so gorgeous on a baby card - perfect! God bless you Sandie! {{{hugs}}}

lauren bergold said...

what an utterly ♥LOVELY♥ card, i just adore those sweet sheep, and the soft lacey layers set them off to perfection!

ps: welcome to SOS, we're so excited you are on the team! ♥

jimlynn said...

GORGEOUS card! Love the soft and wonderful colors on this beauty!
Lynn
(A big WELCOME - look forward to getting to know you better on our Shopping Our Stash team!)
Lynn

Miesje said...

Absolutely wonderful devotion and a beautiful card too! I love the colors and the sparkle too!

ellyscard creatief said...

What a beautiful card you have made.Greetings Elly

MariLynn said...

Beautiful card, and wonderful words of encouragement. I love your big bow. It was what I noticed first about your card. I like the little pearls too.

Traci M said...

Such an excellent devotional this week, Sandie, and a needed reminder!! Thank you for sharing! And your baby card is pure sweetness, love those little lambs and lace and satin ribbon!!