LOC Easter Blessing & Some Exciting News

Happy Easter to you all!! What an exciting day for me, firstly it is Good Friday, which is such an important day in our history, as a Christian I reflect on HIS-story and all that it means to me.  It is also Faith Art Friday at Layers of Color and how fitting that we should be contemplating all that this day holds!

Of course I just had to use the Gothic Crosses - especially this old rustic one which got me thinking about what it symbolises,  So often we look at the cross and we celebrate the cross and the wonder of it all, but it reality the cross is a symbol, it is actually what took place on the cross - one of the greatest conflicts was fought on the cross and put to death and that was death itself...and the atoning blood still holds power today for sin to be washed away!!

There is no value that we can put on either the cross or the blood of Jesus, infact there is nothing we can do to earn it, I remember a song that I loved when I was a young Christian and it says that is we had all the riches the world had to give and gave them all away, even to some genuinely needy person, it still would not be enough to buy one splinter of tree Jesus died on or to buy one single drop of blood that was shed for our salvation!  This is a reality check for me, when in this day and age we seem to be able to buy anything and everything - no amount of money can buy us God's free gift of eternal life, through His Son Jesus! 

Why the fruit you ask, I know this is not the usual image for Easter, but in the Book of James, we are told that we are the 'first fruit' of all creation and I wanted this to symblose laying it all down at the foot of the cross, something  that I need to do daily!  This image from the 'Fruitful Harvest' art stamp set was perfect to convey this, it also represents that we have been purchased by the Blood of Jesus and that the only thing required of us is to bear the fruits of repentanece to receive full salvation!  I have kept this card simple as the message speaks for itself!  As a lot of the world has a public holiday and buys up chocolate by the kilos - I have taken the healthy alternative and chosen fruit!! LOL!  But seriously...what better time to reflect about this side of the Cross - I will certainly be celebrating on Sunday as we celebrate the fact that He is Risen - there was so much achieved inbetween!!

Have a great Easter and I hope you are able to reflect on the true meaning of Easter and to celebrate the gift we have all been given!

...and now for my news.....

Last, but in no way least, I am so thrilled to be able to FINALLY announce that I have been asked to be on the 'Stampin' Sisters in Christ' Design Team!   I was thrilled when I received the email and have had to contain my excitement for what feels like foreva!! LOL!  It would be no surprise for those of you who visit me regularly, to know that I am passionate about Faith Based challenges and I am honoured to be part of this great Team.  Today three new designers are being announced and it is exciting for me to be starting along side my very dear friends and Sister's Grace and Chris - along with the other Designers!!  Our first official challenge is on Easter Sunday and I am excited and ready to go - we would love to see you there!!   Thank you Lisa, Kristine and Kathy for this opportunity, I LOVE this challenge and love being part of the Team!  God bless you girls!!

Thank you for looking and for your encouragement, you are all so very kind, you both inspire and motivate me, I love to see that you have been and taken the time to comment - you make my day brighter!!  Happy Easter to you all!  God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}