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
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}}}
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}}}
Linda a beautiful card and beautiful words! Your Nana was a wise woman! WHat a legacy she left you and I'm sure her prayers for her children and grandchildren have been answered in more ways than we'll ever know until we get to glory... but thanks for these words today!!! A simple thing... faith... yet so imperative! Enjoy your time with precious family!!! Hugs
ReplyDeleteGrace
Hey I am the first person to post a comment YEAH!! for me.
ReplyDeleteLinda, the card is beautiful, love the border punch you added and the shimmer of the kindy Glitz. Your nan was a wise lady and left you with some excellent words to cherish and remember on your journey...LIFE!x Chriss
Gorgeous image and gorgeous card. How blessed you are to have a grandmother like that.
ReplyDeleteLinda, this is such a great challenge to day! Your card is beautiful. I love LOC stamps and this is one of my favorites. I am sure you had a great time in NZ. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteOh Linda my thoughts are with you on this reflecting time. Your comforting words are hitting me hard~~I needed these inspiratinal words of wisdom~~thanks for your wonderful sharing words! I will be passing this on to a friend who is extremely challenged in life with a extremely unfortunate horrible situation. I know she knows HIM!!
ReplyDeleteyour card is gorgeous and hope you have a wonderful time in New Zealand with mum :))
Blessings of love
What a fun heart shaped image and stunning coloring Linda!! Your layout, shimmer, distressing, and cheery colors are so beautiful! What a beautiful verse and great message for us all!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Chris
oh wow linda hun this is really beautiful the effort you put into your work is always so evident with the design detail and colurs hugs cheryl xxxxx
ReplyDeleteLinda this is just beautiful - the card and the devotion.
ReplyDeleteTrust you are being blessed by being with family at this time.
M
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteSorry I haven't managed to get here to visit you lately. I love the lovely colours and papers you've used on your card. The colouring is gorgeous. You were certainly blessed to have such a wonderful Nana.
Sharon x
This is beautiful, Linda. I have to get this set. You really highlighted it well.
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully written, Linda. Faith can be tough, and easy to lose at times. Thanks for a beautiful reminder. Glad you are with your family on this special day,(two days ago for you I guess, as I'm typing this on Monday in America-lol). Your card is beautiful, love the LOC hearts.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card and post today, Linda! We miss your joy filled emails, but we know you're where you belong today, with your Mum. Give her hugs from me, two long ones today....an extra for you and your sweet daughter.
ReplyDeleteInspiring words and artwork, as always Linda!!
God's blessings to you!
I've been thinking about you and wondering how your trip was going. I'll have to pop over to SNR tomorrow and read up. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story and testimony! I will praise God tonight for this. Oh, and by the way, your card is fabulous. I have looked at the LOC stamp sets alot and don't remember this image. I will definitly have to check this set out.
ReplyDeleteWhat a incredible blessing your Nan was in your life and I am sure the lives of countless other people whom she met and touched because of her love for the Lord, as you do every day as well. I loved what you had to say in your devotional and this card is a beauty. My DS was showing me a picture of New Zealand last night on his computer, I don't know why he was looking it up but I told him , hey! I know someone who is over there right now! Hope you are enjoying a great trip!
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