SSIC LOC Home Made

It has been great to see so many of you playing along with last week's Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge there is so much inspiration in your cards- they are fabulous!  This week's challenge is brought to is by our very own 'amazing Grace'  The scripture she has chosen is one that we are all familiar with and such a great truth!

"Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it". Psalm 127:1a

Grace has challenged us to use an image of something that is "built" using a set of plans ... a house, church, school, automobiles, even a bird house...anything that would be built according to a set of plans

I love this birdhouse that my dear friend Laura from Layers of Colour designed and it is perfect to use for today's Challenge. 

As you would know, birdhouses like these have to be built, birds don't create them - not here in Australia anyway!  LOL!   This scripture is such a reality check and a truth.  It reminds me that what I do in life, no matter how successful it night seems to the natural eye, that unless God is in it, that I am living according to His plan, it all will come to nothing.

I don't know about you, but there are plenty of things I undertake, with the skills I have and the abilities that may even be God given BUT they just don't achieve that which I  planned - at these times when I throw my hands up in the air, wondering why it is not all 'happening' I become acutely aware that is is time for me to go back to the 'drawing board' and check in with the Master Builder!  I usually need to reprioritise and check that I am not running to my own agenda!

There is nothing that I can do or achieve under my own steam, that is ultimately of any value, but when I allow God to be in control and allow Him to order things them there is nothing that cannot be achieved and my heart is blessed knowing that God's Word reassures me...

'For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me' Jeremiah 29:11-13

Amazing enough - I know that God's plans are not dependant on whether I choose to seek Him or not - they are constant, but it is WHEN I seek Him that I get to benefit from them - the responsibility and CHOICE falls back on me!

I have had even more reason to think about this as we got a knock on our door this afternoon and had to run to the aid of a neighbour who had collapsed in his yard.  At first glance I could tell he was gone and have his face etched in my mind, another neighbour worked on him administering CPR until the medics arrived.  Two ambulances, two Police cards, 6 adrenalin injections and a number of attempts to start his heart but nothing could revive him, we waited with his wife while the authorities came and were interviewed by Police/Detectives and then finally, hours later saw his body being taken away....and it hits home even moreso that no matter what I put my hand to, no matter what plans I make...

 "Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it". Psalm 127:1a

We have no assurances of the length of our life - but we can know who holds our life in His Hands.  My prayers are with our neighbour who has lost her husband at 69 - they have been together and best friends since they were 18 years old!  Rest in Peace Tom 18 July, 2010

I am linking this to the following challenges:

PaperTake Weekly - In the Garden

Little Red Wagon - Use a Tree on Your Project

Stampavie - Anything Goes

Allsorts - Summer Days

Pollycraft - Bold and Bright
Our Daily Bread Designs - Colour It

Thank you to this week's sponsor

Wink Wink Ink Digital Designs

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

*Lisa *  Chris * Cindy * Grace * Peggysue * Randi * Miejse* Rebecca *

You can see more of my projects 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.  You are invited to join us on our SNR Group where there is lots of fun and chatter (No surprises there I know! LOL)  There are also discounts and previews that are exclusive for the Group Members - come and join us!!

Thank you for your comments and all of the encouragement you leave me here!  I love seeing that you have visited - it makes my day!  God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}