SSIC LOC Renaissance Radiance

I am honoured to be hosting this weeks Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge, at this time I am in New Zealand with my eldest daughter visiting with my Mum and the family over here, so this post is prescheduled.  Today holds a lot of significance for me and I have chosen the following scripture:

 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb 11:6

The challenge is to use a heart on your card, it can be on your DP, an image or an embellishment.  For me the two are closely linked....

I have used the Layers of Color art stamp set Renaissance Hearts - isn't it divine!  It has been coloured with SU Chalks and had Kindy Glitz lightly added to give it that shimmer that lifts it.

I have added some bling to along the 'Sunburst' Border Punch by Fiskar.

Faith - so easy to say, it is a word that can be used so easily, but the reality of it can be another thing.  I cannot help but thank about the words of my beautiful Nana, who at ninety had suffered a heart attack and it was thought she would not live.  I had arranged to ring her and say good bye.  I braced myself to make the phone call and was not prepared for the impact her simple words have had in my life.  When Mum gave her the phone she said....'...Pet, I have been thinking about what I would like to say to you, and I have two things, the first is 'Keep the Faith.'  with everything I have been through in my life I have endeavoured to keep the faith.  the second thing is ...'family is God's blessing on earth!'

Such simple statements, but as I have thought about these these things over the years I have realised the depth of what Nana was saying.  I am happy to say she went on to live for another fours years and I was honoured to be with her, along with the rest of the family as she went  HOME.  As we sat with her during those last hours we reflected on Nana and many memories of her, as you do at these times.  It was such a joy to be able to share with the family the things that she would want us to know, those two important principals that were the foundations for the life of this amazing Matriarch of the family and of the faith for our family.

It is so easy have have faith when things are going well, but can it can be the greatest challenge, to 'keep the faith' when we really need it!  The world says. 'I will believe it when I see it.' as Christians it is quite the opposite - ' we believe it and then we see it!  Faith - what is it - we are told in Hebrews ...'Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.' Heb 11:1 - the Message puts it this way...'Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.'  it also goes on to say...

 'It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him. ' Heb 11:6

It is pretty self explanatory isn't - now the challenge - doing it! LOL!

Today, is the anniversary of  Nana leaving her earthly home, to go 'Home where she Belongs.' I reflect on her words and know in my heart that as she said 'keep the faith' that she knew that without it, it is impossible to please God!

Make sure you pop over and see the other DT's creations, you know there is plenty of inspiration from these talented girls:

*Lisa * Kristine * Kathy * Chris * Candace * Grace * PeggySue * Randi * Miejse*

You can see more of my Faith Art Cards in my Layers of Color Gallery, while you are there make sure you check out the other Design Team galleries there is so much inspiration waiting to be discovered!

Thanks you for looking and for your encouraging comments, you make my day! Please know that I may not be able to visit you while I am away as Mum is on dial up (painfully slow) but I will do my best to get across and see you as soon as I come back - I will look forward to seeing you! God bless you!
{{{hugs}}}