tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77017723501465969002024-03-13T08:42:07.393-07:00Creative WorshipKorinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09210368764093211301noreply@blogger.comBlogger907125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-10186950290731669492023-06-11T22:30:00.010-07:002023-06-11T22:30:00.135-07:00Word Mapping Psalm 149:4<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><b><i>The Lord takes pleasure in His people. He adorns the humble with salvation.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><i>Psalm 149:4</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjfJWWIZu33fXhLjm8hcMRsNkS7tf4TkwQoxCbTS2TkE70slKX0eMQIfqrrqzywY1pj_a_HYKfzG23-5GdnFEPfRnzrmFjcJOqSkKbyScjNU1UqQE82XCGc21t5mXJTwsXjXe4j9N99ya7b7mTlRpGpB-CT_FWGUnwxPxyMU7_yvG0EAn4q1vej7j/s1600/IMG_9428.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1577" data-original-width="1600" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjfJWWIZu33fXhLjm8hcMRsNkS7tf4TkwQoxCbTS2TkE70slKX0eMQIfqrrqzywY1pj_a_HYKfzG23-5GdnFEPfRnzrmFjcJOqSkKbyScjNU1UqQE82XCGc21t5mXJTwsXjXe4j9N99ya7b7mTlRpGpB-CT_FWGUnwxPxyMU7_yvG0EAn4q1vej7j/w640-h630/IMG_9428.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">Hello Friends!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">I have to be honest. When I saw the SNSS Word Mapping set, I thought it was cool, but I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I had never word mapped before. And Deeds creates beautifully detailed word mapping pages. I just wasn’t sure I could do the stamp set justice or muddle through the word mapping. Lol. So, I’ve started small. As I share my word mapping pages, you’ll notice that I pick out a few elements to focus on. I can do that. It helps me not get overwhelmed. And of course, I’m learning about these Hebrew and Greek words which is the whole point, right?! For this verse, I picked out 2 words- in the ESV, they are translated “adorns” and “salvation.” It was interesting to see the Hebrew words and how they are translated in different versions. To my surprise, “salvation” or “victory” in other translations was the word “yesua”with the “e” upside down. (I discovered the upside down e denotes a Hebrew shwa- it indicates either the phoneme /ə/ or the complete absence of a vowel. But I digress.) This word is a feminine noun, but I recognized that it was very close to a proper male name- Yeshua (Jesus in Greek.) The name Yeshua or Jesus means salvation. It comes from a verb meaning to save or deliver. Jesus is our salvation. He is our victory. Sooooo…The humble are adorned or beautified in Jesus. All that learned just by searching out a couple of words! 😊</span></div><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/">Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps</a> sets used: <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-word-mapping-clear-stamp-set/">Word Mapping</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-god-the-father-clear-stamp-set/">God the Father</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-god-is-sovereign-clear-stamp-set/">God is Sovereign</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/grunge-dots-stencil/">Grunge Dots Stencil</a>. I used distress oxides for the background.</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">Happy word mapping! Andrea</span></div>Andrea Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291188166736217130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-51130707626525506572023-04-02T22:30:00.001-07:002023-04-02T22:30:00.173-07:00They Will Know<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: italic;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 17px; font-style: italic;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and it not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCD7toloNdVmhdqriatYCYkxGhZg6bGD1LpB0HWLv6jKvILV8J4SYfxXokhXmM37JrM46_i3Fz4_i3v5n3CZXnfC-T6YOybDC-hqzaUqTmj_-qAJGmCh0fXm_OmbZ_Vy4NxD27D_GI8J16R8LmjVfrAYiDu6aHMmT9eEJNIuwxHnd7Ope2Kj7QJmgg/s1600/IMG_8700.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1549" data-original-width="1600" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCD7toloNdVmhdqriatYCYkxGhZg6bGD1LpB0HWLv6jKvILV8J4SYfxXokhXmM37JrM46_i3Fz4_i3v5n3CZXnfC-T6YOybDC-hqzaUqTmj_-qAJGmCh0fXm_OmbZ_Vy4NxD27D_GI8J16R8LmjVfrAYiDu6aHMmT9eEJNIuwxHnd7Ope2Kj7QJmgg/w640-h620/IMG_8700.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></span></div><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 12px 0px !important;">Hello Friends!</p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 12px 0px !important;">Today, I wanted to share a portion of a devotional I found on crosswalk.com. It’s called <i><a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/will-they-know-us-by-our-love-crosswalk-the-devotional-august-10-2012.html">Will They Know Us By Our Love? By Debbie Holloway.</a></i> I found it very applicable and definitely something we need to work towards in today’s world.</p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 12px 0px !important;"><i>The following is the excerpt: </i>These two passages are arguably the most famous Bible verses about love. Love is a concept promoted by Christians, Jews, Buddhists and Muslims. It is a thing acknowledged by atheists and agnostics. Something every man, woman, and child strives to obtain every day. Love is something we all know about and all desire. But so often it seems to be the most difficult thing for us to practice. As Christians, we have no excuse for not knowing what love is. First Corinthians chapter 13 tells us in no uncertain terms. And Christ tells us in John 13 that the world will know that we belong to Jesus if we practice this love. But how often do we truly think of those two scriptures as <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">one </strong>command? How often do we piece together the “how?” and the “what?” of love in our own lives? The ramifications of doing so present a clearly defined, but difficult life. If we combine 1st Corinthians 13 and John 13, what would our lives look like? How would people come to recognize Christians? Well, they would know us by our <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">patience</strong>. They would know that we are Christians by our <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">contentment</strong>, <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">modesty</strong>, and <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">humility</strong>. They would recognize us, for we would <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">not </strong>be rude. We would <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">seek the best</strong> for others, be <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">difficult </strong>to make angry, and <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">refuse to keep count</strong> of how many times we've been hurt. They would know us because evil makes us sad, and <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">truth </strong>makes us happy. They would know us because we <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">protect the defenseless</strong> and we <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">do not live in suspicion</strong> of others. They would know us by our <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">hope</strong>. They would know us by our <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">perseverance</strong>. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic;">That </span>is what love looks like. Those should be the marks of Christ’s disciples. </p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 12px 0px !important; text-align: left;">Page Details: I used the following <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/">Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps</a> sets: <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/new-life-clear-stamp-set/">New Life</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-resurrection-words-clear-stamp-set/">Resurrection Words</a>, & <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-sweetpea-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Sweetpea Alpha</a>. I used blending brushes to add distress oxides to the page for the background.</p>Andrea Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291188166736217130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-54867051634983677382023-02-12T22:30:00.003-08:002023-02-12T22:30:00.172-08:00Our Glorious King<div style="text-align: center;"> <b><i>On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: King of kings and Lord of lords. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Revelation 19:16</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8seWzKsLgN3GJMSqDVQdCAhTPqlrlWwlONQgZA3fGMWQVpGgd05qwOqDnmZFwZFZjJ10TpV6e2BZPjx9Hm3jhSly3TqohfVUVc-HLzmyDyCSzYAAzrR8-EJSOYoBDiYcnv4bOdkTlBpfq7BRVyaTYMyo-qyhWaF0eRqRfVucRfKUqL_pGqerTTV1/s1600/IMG_8605.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1580" data-original-width="1600" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8seWzKsLgN3GJMSqDVQdCAhTPqlrlWwlONQgZA3fGMWQVpGgd05qwOqDnmZFwZFZjJ10TpV6e2BZPjx9Hm3jhSly3TqohfVUVc-HLzmyDyCSzYAAzrR8-EJSOYoBDiYcnv4bOdkTlBpfq7BRVyaTYMyo-qyhWaF0eRqRfVucRfKUqL_pGqerTTV1/w640-h632/IMG_8605.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hi Friends!</div>Today I'm in Revelation 19. I love Revelation. This book can seem daunting with the prophecy, and judgments, and some pretty weird stuff going on, but at it's core, it is revealing Jesus to us. Throughout the book, Jesus is described in various ways and He is in His rightful place, glorified and praised. It is amazing! I just love it. And every time I read this passage in chapter 19, it just speaks to me. It is so powerful. I’ve journaled these verses many times. I love reading the descriptions of Jesus in all His glory.<br /><br />Verse 11 begins with a rider on a white horse. That rider is Jesus. But He's not the lovey-dovey Jesus some people make Him into these days. Here's how Revelation 19:11-16 describes Jesus:<br /><b><i>I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He Himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following Him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of His mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: King of kings and Lord of lords.</i></b><br />Wow! Jesus is pretty fierce! This is Jesus at His second coming, and He's ready to fight. His holiness demands justice. And His sovereignty demands victory over the ungodly who tried to usurp His throne. I want to focus on the names given to Him in this passage:<br /><ul><li>Faithful and True: Jesus Keeps His promises and all truth comes from Him.</li><li>The Word of God: Jesus is God's Word personified, the Father reveals Himself through Jesus. That sword coming out of Jesus' mouth in verse 15 is Jesus' powerful spoken word- like the Bible is described as a sharp, two-edged sword (Heb 4:12.) Just as the spoken word of Christ has the power to create, it also has the power to judge.</li><li>King of kings and Lord of lords: This is Jesus' exalted and victorious name.He will reign over all.</li></ul><div>We serve a Savior who is very loving. But I think we sometimes forget that He is also fierce, and at His second coming will judge those who chose the beast rather than Him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Page Details: I used the following <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/">Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps</a> supplies: <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/february-product-of-the-month-creative-worship-typewriter-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Typewriter Alpha</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/birch-forest-stencil/">Birch Forest Stencil</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/texture-tiles-9-clear-stamp-set/">Texture Tiles 9</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/gear-up-clear-stamp-set/">Gear Up</a>, and <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-trust-in-the-lord-clear-stamp-set/">Trust in the Lord</a>. I applied distress oxides to the page with blending brushes for the background. I then used a stencil and applied white acrylic paint through the stencil with a baby wipe. Then I stamped.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a blessed week! Andrea</div><div><br /></div>Andrea Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291188166736217130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-38012302774033500852023-01-08T22:30:00.001-08:002023-01-08T22:30:00.174-08:00Come, Lord Jesus<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Revelation 22:20</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjey73oY_4trNN82RfqOfjMDVe4fmtgxVTZmtWQM1cm8k4zqtKbspuIIZc69vIzeaEGRuDb2vd10a5GvqW4nSE9Jw3l8ui1nUBVpsIcNnYI9WxohCxnalZhhaplPnryQCnehHS8jGC7f1uoCIrJPZgfCqL1d5sBoQ5mU_Gv07sLuogZGc-SKVri9j4g/s1600/IMG_8148.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="1600" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjey73oY_4trNN82RfqOfjMDVe4fmtgxVTZmtWQM1cm8k4zqtKbspuIIZc69vIzeaEGRuDb2vd10a5GvqW4nSE9Jw3l8ui1nUBVpsIcNnYI9WxohCxnalZhhaplPnryQCnehHS8jGC7f1uoCIrJPZgfCqL1d5sBoQ5mU_Gv07sLuogZGc-SKVri9j4g/w640-h626/IMG_8148.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope 2023 is getting off to a good start for you. Today our verse is from one of my very favorite books of the Bible, Revelation. Yep, you heard that right. I LOVE Revelation. Yes, it has some pretty scary, crazy stuff that happens in it. But it also has letters to us from Jesus and it shows us Jesus in all His glory. And Jesus, my friends, is outright amazing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After John gives us Jesus’ letters to the churches, describes God’s throne room, what will happen in end times, and Jesus’ return after the great tribulation, he ends the book with a plea. Come, Lord Jesus. It’s not an unwarranted plea as Jesus has just said He would come soon. So it’s a hopeful plea. Come, Lord Jesus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God’s timing is perfect. But for me, Jesus won’t come too soon. I’m tired of this world. I’m tired of struggling with my own sin and flesh. I’m tired of watching the world celebrate its sin and flesh. Do you feel tired too? Sometimes it feels hopeless. That’s why truth isn’t tied to our feelings. That’s why joy isn’t tied to our feelings. Because it’s NOT hopeless. And when we’re tired, Who can give us rest? Who invites us to that rest? Jesus is our Savior, our rest, our All in All. He will help us in this world until He comes again. Oh how I look forward to His coming! Come, Lord Jesus! Please come soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Page details: I used the following <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/">Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps</a> supplies: <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-my-saviors-love-clear-stamp-set/">My Savior’s Love</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/funky-textures-clear-stamp-set/">Funky Textures</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-print-blocks-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Print Blocks Alpha</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-armor-of-god-clear-stamp-set/">Armor of God</a>, and <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/jumbled-hexies-stencil/">Jumbled Hexies Stencil</a>. I applied distress oxide ink to the page with blending brushes for the background and then used the stencil and stamped.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a blessed New Year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Andrea</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Andrea Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291188166736217130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-26412701589021762682022-11-27T22:30:00.001-08:002022-11-27T22:30:00.162-08:00Give to Get<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.</span> <span class="text 2Cor-9-7" id="en-NIV-28964" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. <span class="text 2Cor-9-8" id="en-NIV-28965">And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.</span> <span class="text 2Cor-9-9" id="en-NIV-28966">As it is written: </span></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: arial;">“They have freely scattered their gifts</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: arial;">to the poor;</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: arial; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text 2Cor-9-9" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: arial; position: relative;">their righteousness endures forever.” </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: arial;">Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: arial;">will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: arial;">You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bTKr-GFmdKtWHLVJDbG4V4Ehi4YYZFLwkW-ttdGbf4mMaj5Cvm8XJVeF2xl3h7EXud-AjEUj7AXMA1T3EAYVir8fhpbOXCEjHWioMwAoPJy-tSnrwVeZTIhVCzXCzpp89Y6TcFPLrUWGi1ubvne1lQJo-EVhDog1QhPsArauk7qZGRO9XSuLE4YS/s1600/IMG_8052.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1562" data-original-width="1600" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bTKr-GFmdKtWHLVJDbG4V4Ehi4YYZFLwkW-ttdGbf4mMaj5Cvm8XJVeF2xl3h7EXud-AjEUj7AXMA1T3EAYVir8fhpbOXCEjHWioMwAoPJy-tSnrwVeZTIhVCzXCzpp89Y6TcFPLrUWGi1ubvne1lQJo-EVhDog1QhPsArauk7qZGRO9XSuLE4YS/w640-h624/IMG_8052.PNG" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: arial;">Hi friends!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: arial;">Last week my pastor preached on this passage. Verse 6 tells us that if we give generously, we will receive generously. The prosperity gospel pastors often use this verse to further their cause. But Paul isn’t saying give more to get more to store and keep it. In verses 8-11, Paul tells us why we should give generously to receive generously- so that we can turn around and give more! God wants us to use what He gives us for the kingdom. Giving generously isn’t a certain amount, it’s in proportion to what you have to give. And giving generously doesn’t always have to be money, it can be time and skills or talents as well. Verse 7 tells us that when we give, we should give cheerfully. We shouldn’t give just because we’re “supposed” to. God doesn’t NEED our help. He wants us to want to help. When my pastor came to our church, he stopped having the plate passed around during the services. This caused giving to go down. The church lost a significant amount of money. But he didn’t want people giving out of compulsion. He wanted them to give out of their love for God. And since he’s been pastoring the church, God has worked in amazing ways. So remember: Give cheerfully generously and receive bountifully so that you can give even more. I have to be honest, I’m not always a cheerful giver. And I could definitely be a more generous giver. So this message hit home for me.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: arial;">Page details: I used the following <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/">Sweet ’n Sassy Stamps</a> products: <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-get-to-the-point-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Get to the Point Alpha</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-living-water-clear-stamp-set/">Living Water</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-to-do-list-clear-stamp-set/">To Do List</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/script-stencil/">Script Stencil</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/grunge-gears-stencil/">Grunge Gears Stencil</a>, and <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/chicken-wire-stencil/">Chicken Wire Stencil</a>. I created the background with distress oxides and stencils. I colored the letters with a colored pencil. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: arial;">Have a blessed week! Andrea</span></div>Andrea Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291188166736217130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-38322962057502064712022-11-13T22:30:00.001-08:002022-11-13T22:30:00.163-08:00Bold<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73TGpxOBTTWkz1KK1pxVCUumpK_acttF2BerKD5bsksq849CGmkokZwfQ-a2mosM4AT7nIK-mWweElegLl376kzuHidT_wQwQmPeHMUxxMdPel6hGt2Qhym8HhRGm1pfknzZ2dVAP5XPhPT-8P0GgGGChfTRpRPKIVPYvoAAzqfVUu7xzmllY6KBp/s1600/IMG_7923.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1551" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73TGpxOBTTWkz1KK1pxVCUumpK_acttF2BerKD5bsksq849CGmkokZwfQ-a2mosM4AT7nIK-mWweElegLl376kzuHidT_wQwQmPeHMUxxMdPel6hGt2Qhym8HhRGm1pfknzZ2dVAP5XPhPT-8P0GgGGChfTRpRPKIVPYvoAAzqfVUu7xzmllY6KBp/w620-h640/IMG_7923.PNG" width="620" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Hi Friends!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Today I'm in Proverbs 28. Verse 1 is perfectly illustrated using the new Lion of Judah set from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. And as I was journaling the page, I was thinking about the meaning of this verse. Who are the wicked? Who are the righteous? Do I flee or am I bold? Hmmmm....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, we know that the wicked are people who haven't put their faith in Jesus. And the righteous are people who have put their faith in Jesus. Because the righteous aren't righteous by their own doing. Jesus gave them HIS righteousness. So, we, those of us who have put our faith in Jesus, can now claim righteousness through Him. We once were wicked, but now we are not because of Him. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now the question is do we flee (& thereby act like the wicked) or are we bold? I think unfortunately, we often flee. We don't rely on Jesus, on His Spirit that is ever-present within us, on His power. Instead we try to rely on ourselves and that doesn't work out so well. Instead, we should be dependent on Him and through that dependence we find our boldness. Because if we are in Him, we have nothing to fear. As Paul said, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) The woes of this world are great. But our Savior is greater. He is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Let's be bold in Him.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Page details: I used the following <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/">Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps</a> supplies: <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-lion-of-judah-clear-stamp-set/">Lion of Judah</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/knit-stencil/">Knit Stencil</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/mixed-up-stencil/">Mixed Up Stencil</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/bubbles-stencil/">Bubbles Stencil</a>, & <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/gel-plate-assortment-3-pack/">gel plate</a>. I inked up my gel plate with distress oxide. I wanted to try that instead of paint, and I like the result! I just tapped the ink pad directly onto the gel plate and pressed the inked gel plate onto the Bible page. I then used stencils to add to the background. I finished the page with the images stamped in black. If you haven't tried gel plates, I'd encourage you to give them a try. You can do all sorts of cool things with them and Korin has some in the SnSS store!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a great week! Andrea</div>Andrea Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291188166736217130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-62765609443239800392022-10-08T06:54:00.000-07:002022-10-08T06:54:19.540-07:00He causes it to happen...<p>Hi friends,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNGA3A5iR3vuzut-Y5jKBBaZ2uhl4PSJwezqnaQI6V-CyGRtS3Md6mxxyArp-Ee9CN-M6ki34yCPOi7GU7jHhUEbry2v_xNS7MB4-WuNSV_SXyjNtwnLkBEDf5EIUUKNKwUXje6uovbIVNj-gLytcRf2EevkTamFi7g6hqf8XtYNU1bdAVtYRfVIN/s2160/land%20or%20love%20top.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNGA3A5iR3vuzut-Y5jKBBaZ2uhl4PSJwezqnaQI6V-CyGRtS3Md6mxxyArp-Ee9CN-M6ki34yCPOi7GU7jHhUEbry2v_xNS7MB4-WuNSV_SXyjNtwnLkBEDf5EIUUKNKwUXje6uovbIVNj-gLytcRf2EevkTamFi7g6hqf8XtYNU1bdAVtYRfVIN/s320/land%20or%20love%20top.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>In Job 37, Elihu describes the majesty of God in creation, including His command over snow, ice, wind, clouds and lightning. In the middle of this chapter, he speaks about the reasons for God's control over the weather:</p><p style="text-align: center;">"Whether for correction or for his land or for love, he causes it to happen."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGG6GA-l1eEiDaMwCgYwNdee7dVCLrRb4WkKGvL6o0TIoEJWkGsDOtk6KNKYBQSp7tOlEOr1HZNWX3jw5QGjvcbmrHxjkR8m5MPx37j6tLhXSaH4J-n8NB2qX1fqqgYrZ1-jAN7fYkbLjAmRfy2KKGwMF68hCAZR7A_I-Upzhp5TR78CAEmc2CCqrA/s2160/land%20or%20love%20supplies.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGG6GA-l1eEiDaMwCgYwNdee7dVCLrRb4WkKGvL6o0TIoEJWkGsDOtk6KNKYBQSp7tOlEOr1HZNWX3jw5QGjvcbmrHxjkR8m5MPx37j6tLhXSaH4J-n8NB2qX1fqqgYrZ1-jAN7fYkbLjAmRfy2KKGwMF68hCAZR7A_I-Upzhp5TR78CAEmc2CCqrA/s320/land%20or%20love%20supplies.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>This verse shows us that there are a variety of reasons why God, in his providence, causes or allows things to happen. The first is for correction. There are times when God uses circumstances to correct something that has gone very wrong because of humanity's choices. That correction is intended to lead to repentance and change, not destruction, which is important to remember. The second is for his land. Sometimes things that happen in nature have nothing to do with humans, but are because God cares about his creation and needs to restore harmony or bring nourishment or balance. This is important to remember as there is a tendency in humanity to think that they are the centre of everything, but God makes clear that his heart is for the flourishing of all creation. And the third reason is for love. Because of God's love for the world, he causes rain and snow to fall. Next time we are tempted to complain about the weather (let's face it, that is a pastime for many!), perhaps we should call this verse to mind.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifw0TmxyZ3ZlvcJWmLLwopi2uEvFU5heT85dKOV_aZyxV047h0YhoRiEEsPFcyFmE-cUMMvLDP31qtszSPG2NFxgFfZ-9p_GOYB1pG20EqPDI5-zI4TU7LtdJaiyeS1Zcr9XDd5mCwOjafFlE7O9LzVbZqCas7wjf6Rr0s-dumYxrj77mKPm9yhPAd/s2160/land%20or%20love.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifw0TmxyZ3ZlvcJWmLLwopi2uEvFU5heT85dKOV_aZyxV047h0YhoRiEEsPFcyFmE-cUMMvLDP31qtszSPG2NFxgFfZ-9p_GOYB1pG20EqPDI5-zI4TU7LtdJaiyeS1Zcr9XDd5mCwOjafFlE7O9LzVbZqCas7wjf6Rr0s-dumYxrj77mKPm9yhPAd/w640-h640/land%20or%20love.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I used the new <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/october-product-of-the-month-snowstorm-stencil/">Snowstorm stencil </a></b>on this page using Nuvo mousse over a background painted with acrylics. I also used the new <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-fun-times-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Fun Times Alpha</a></b> set for some of the text, along with <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-playful-alpha-clear-stamp-set/"><b>Playful Alpha</b></a> and <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-seek-him-clear-stamp-set/">Seek Him</a></b>. I used the new <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/foliage-die-set/">Foliage dies</a></b> to die-cut some leaves from silver glitter paper, then glued them onto the page to finish.</p><p>Be blessed...</p><p>x Amy x</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Amy Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683190429446638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-44626010208578532522022-09-25T22:30:00.004-07:002022-09-25T22:30:00.163-07:00Trust Him<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a Son. And he gave Him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:24-25</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RibrAmIzlJNa8jaxLxOeW47_qnv__8zAALfExovVS8QYotlyN6WwAywl7gEAHuIRpQqChmJSN8Dh7pLOjNjm9xX1AQDIgG1tt5cG2-PwoVimkAj9ERqDUOB8sMO_qhEthtOqTmert2QRRFTxo_62hBIyfNDEqUM8PH96pwb1wok4fsp-sLwUOxxL/s1600/IMG_7600.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1551" data-original-width="1600" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RibrAmIzlJNa8jaxLxOeW47_qnv__8zAALfExovVS8QYotlyN6WwAywl7gEAHuIRpQqChmJSN8Dh7pLOjNjm9xX1AQDIgG1tt5cG2-PwoVimkAj9ERqDUOB8sMO_qhEthtOqTmert2QRRFTxo_62hBIyfNDEqUM8PH96pwb1wok4fsp-sLwUOxxL/w640-h620/IMG_7600.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Hi Friends,</div><div style="text-align: left;">We tend to overlook Joseph. He's in the background. He's a supporting character. But think about what it must have been like for him- first thinking Mary had been unfaithful and then being visited by an angel with an even more astonishing message. Even when he thought Mary had been unfaithful, Scripture tells us that he did not want to disgrace her. He didn't act out in anger towards her or try to shame her. And after the angelic message, Joseph was faithful to complete God's plan. He didn't check out and say, "I didn't sign up for this!" He took Mary as his wife and raised the Son of God. Not much is said of Joseph in Scripture; but what is said shows that he was a godly man who trusted God even in difficult and scandalous circumstances. Sometimes God sends us things in our lives that we didn't sign up for. But let's trust Him like Joseph did. His purpose is good.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Page details: I used the following <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/">Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps</a> supplies: <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/let-us-rejoice-clear-stamp-set/">Let Us Rejoice</a> and the <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/rise-shine-stencil/">Rise & Shine stencil</a>. I stamped the images and colored them with watercolor crayons. The stenciled the rays with distress oxides.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a blessed week! Andrea</div>Andrea Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291188166736217130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-12809708761359219402022-09-11T22:30:00.002-07:002022-09-11T22:30:00.170-07:00Jump for Joy<div style="text-align: center;"> <b><i>Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. Luke 6:23</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwCBMqm_x-jZiuezty_srqE2ZagV8_-vBpwg4GVrtTHNV0XQ_-5E-mAGgEy6E933DJJHcGdICEVRLELNzofP8G2mAyhaew2ISIr5U_7UJEt8oo-9uAVnbn0c80rONmlWhM0FYbX-8lOx-pFgpGQ--aoJ5YCFNEKWnUFRLveQdvWCvZKkg9tnNoz-j/s1600/IMG_7607.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1555" data-original-width="1600" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwCBMqm_x-jZiuezty_srqE2ZagV8_-vBpwg4GVrtTHNV0XQ_-5E-mAGgEy6E933DJJHcGdICEVRLELNzofP8G2mAyhaew2ISIr5U_7UJEt8oo-9uAVnbn0c80rONmlWhM0FYbX-8lOx-pFgpGQ--aoJ5YCFNEKWnUFRLveQdvWCvZKkg9tnNoz-j/w640-h622/IMG_7607.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">When you were a kid, did you jump in piles of leaves? If you did, do you remember the simple joy it brought? When we follow Jesus, our reward is joy. Joy to help us through the hardest of days. It's not a joy that comes and goes, the joy from Jesus is one that is ever present. It doesn't mean we never feel sad or hurt or angry or defeated. It means that no matter what we feel, we have hope in Jesus. And that hope brings joy. We can rejoice no matter what because our God is sovereign over all. He works everything for the good of those who love Him. There is purpose in every situation and circumstance we find ourselves in. Let Jesus' joy get you through the good and the bad.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Page details: I used the following <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/">Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps</a> sets: <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/happy-scarecrow-clear-stamp-set/">Happy Scarecrow,</a> <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/september-product-of-the-month-falling-leaves-clear-stamp-set/">Falling Leaves</a>, and <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-playful-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Playful Alpha</a>. Falling Leaves is FREE with a $65 order in September! And Happy Scarecrow has a <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/happy-scarecrow-die-set/">die set</a> available. I used watercolor crayons to color the scarecrow.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a joy-filled week! Andrea</div>Andrea Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291188166736217130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-79620466907647927672022-09-10T06:25:00.000-07:002022-09-10T06:25:16.301-07:00Godly sorrow...<p>Hi friends,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOaDFKsBD4VTcTAcJoGSDM6aUMCW0z3Jf3NnD6jzaJXm745jY5Hipg-HZAKc7qtPpb-KbFCvaLvQfKqSh2kIdhGcekW9-bYuMUlkqjqgXW5SP1rTIyTv55GrSPgbNqK67kwVzvPLqmH46Rt_Q4gxC0Nw6ihWOZ6NlzSeu1jJjWeD2SLTlt3Bb_QzA/s2160/Goldy%20sorrow%20high.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOaDFKsBD4VTcTAcJoGSDM6aUMCW0z3Jf3NnD6jzaJXm745jY5Hipg-HZAKc7qtPpb-KbFCvaLvQfKqSh2kIdhGcekW9-bYuMUlkqjqgXW5SP1rTIyTv55GrSPgbNqK67kwVzvPLqmH46Rt_Q4gxC0Nw6ihWOZ6NlzSeu1jJjWeD2SLTlt3Bb_QzA/s320/Goldy%20sorrow%20high.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Have you ever experienced someone apologising to you for something they have done, but then they carry on and do that same thing again in the future? Or have you ever said sorry for something that you later repeated? This is one of the things that bothers me most in my relationships, if I'm honest. It has gotten to the point where I have said to someone "please don't say sorry unless you are going to make a change to your behaviour." It is possible to say sorry, to even feel a measure of sorrow for the hurt we've caused (or the shame we feel), but for us to not to change.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26pI1bmkase_Lv--4MSGMbAg9EL4BhYdFrm8Z10iS08oFjB9l9Z-0V7moPK-yDl6lHRm6Cwbv6lIRQVE93yiLwenqSoEaeha25EIIjTbAbsQ5-rlVLNm4TDCdN_DEQrloTgOuqboCArhtT7ARaaWYMwA_LNIK-8bQ1gXIpyCBs-toeSgkW59p84EW/s2160/Godly%20sorrow%20wide.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26pI1bmkase_Lv--4MSGMbAg9EL4BhYdFrm8Z10iS08oFjB9l9Z-0V7moPK-yDl6lHRm6Cwbv6lIRQVE93yiLwenqSoEaeha25EIIjTbAbsQ5-rlVLNm4TDCdN_DEQrloTgOuqboCArhtT7ARaaWYMwA_LNIK-8bQ1gXIpyCBs-toeSgkW59p84EW/w400-h400/Godly%20sorrow%20wide.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>In 2 Corinthians 7, Paul contrasts godly sorrow with worldly sorrow. He describes godly sorrow as bringing repentance, which means a change in direction/behaviour, which leads to salvation (wholeness and healing in life). In v.11, Paul describes godly sorrow even further, describing its effects as including earnestness, alarm, longing, concern, and readiness to see justice done. In contrast to this godly sorrow and its effects, worldly sorry is described as bringing death. I think the reason worldly sorry leads to death is because expressions or feelings of sorry without accompanying repentance (change in direction or behaviour) can lull us into complacency which has dangerous consequences. The feeling of sorrow alone, whether being sorry for hurting others or the shame we feel, does not lead to life. Only repentance - turning around and walking in a new direction - leads to life. How connected are our feelings and expressions of sorrow to our changed actions? That is a challenge to us all.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5jXLMUR1_LtefkGosi1Y0o1M62pyncJj4GNeWjDlWs5bpVYcaph1SqILusIdgGVywCOJpM_GrQ180WRKsDxrko_Qtpo965_YErb_Qv5L5hQDH10zfAC1WfHx7GIHSokRNYX4oGXogBRc5bZcWokQMYdNc8m6MEmAI3cV9OjmB2Vp9pAHnRRyEvCZ/s2160/Godly%20sorrow.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5jXLMUR1_LtefkGosi1Y0o1M62pyncJj4GNeWjDlWs5bpVYcaph1SqILusIdgGVywCOJpM_GrQ180WRKsDxrko_Qtpo965_YErb_Qv5L5hQDH10zfAC1WfHx7GIHSokRNYX4oGXogBRc5bZcWokQMYdNc8m6MEmAI3cV9OjmB2Vp9pAHnRRyEvCZ/w640-h640/Godly%20sorrow.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>On this page I had already stencilled some leaves using leftover acrylic paint and the <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/fall-leaves-stencil/">Fall Leaves </a></b>stencil. When I started adding other things to the page though, I realised the leaves were too dark and competed with other elements on the page, so I added a layer of white gesso over the top to tone it down, which worked well. I applied some subtle colour using gelatos around the edges of the page, blending with my fingers. The leaves were stamped and die-cut using the <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/give-thanks-stamp-die-bundle/">Give Thanks</a></b> bundle and coloured with Inktense blocks and an aquabrush. The text was stamped with a few alpha sets: <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-marker-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Marker Alpha</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-classy-script-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Classy Script Alpha</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-mini-grunge-type-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Mini Grunge Type Alpha</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-sunshine-girl-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Sunshine Girl Alpha</a></b>. </p><p>Be blessed...</p><p>x Amy x</p><p><br /></p>Amy Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683190429446638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-33242780682132578162022-08-27T04:21:00.000-07:002022-08-27T04:21:12.028-07:00Fix your Thoughts...<p>Hi friends,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUyrIpJCanuIp-hP0P8ZMG8_SMgTk3SrhRzv0d_BkQYxA3uB4MarX0HSXC79tjoaKjhXsrxJNN8tMfdSV69G5xtTxxctlsC6I8ygDoNMe7EOfQK14qoT6Y_u4MowZGJOjy8BfRY_nO4YBupjYoF11tOqexEICLNtPd7IngoqaMt63AST7FTXalDli/s2160/Fix%20Your%20Thoughts%20text.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUyrIpJCanuIp-hP0P8ZMG8_SMgTk3SrhRzv0d_BkQYxA3uB4MarX0HSXC79tjoaKjhXsrxJNN8tMfdSV69G5xtTxxctlsC6I8ygDoNMe7EOfQK14qoT6Y_u4MowZGJOjy8BfRY_nO4YBupjYoF11tOqexEICLNtPd7IngoqaMt63AST7FTXalDli/s320/Fix%20Your%20Thoughts%20text.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>If you were to analyse your thought life, what would you discover? Are there particular things that your mind gets fixated on? Are there thought patterns you find difficult to break free from? Do you feel like you don't have control over your thoughts and they tend to go wherever the wind of the moment blows? I think for many of us, we face frequent battles in our thought life. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh983uqdGkbLE5sUePa0dslQLL22a48FWvC_2SfW-tchaufvyw_fZ8mrN_slcshcH-dWKutNUy5hZc11hQ_OXO5nsJrxMpDu4OUFK3_s8nW5Zb9KaoBj7CULJhFduXuxJblXfG2qXGGbqun48ih2njKo7Yfzlbnonud3bqWbyoYgfUNvD36Y4BuUaS7/s2160/Fix%20your%20Thoughts%20flowers.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh983uqdGkbLE5sUePa0dslQLL22a48FWvC_2SfW-tchaufvyw_fZ8mrN_slcshcH-dWKutNUy5hZc11hQ_OXO5nsJrxMpDu4OUFK3_s8nW5Zb9KaoBj7CULJhFduXuxJblXfG2qXGGbqun48ih2njKo7Yfzlbnonud3bqWbyoYgfUNvD36Y4BuUaS7/s320/Fix%20your%20Thoughts%20flowers.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The writer of the letter of Hebrews seems to think that we can be intentional about our thoughts, when he exhorts the church to fix their thoughts on Jesus (3:1) and later to fix their eyes on Jesus (12:2). The act of fixing our attention on something takes intention. We currently live in a world where we are bombarded by images and videos designed to keep our attention bouncing around from one thing to the next, with messages like "you need this!" or "follow me!" or "improve your life in this way!" It takes significant intention to stop being distracted by all this commotion and to fix our thoughts on one thing, one person: Jesus.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXl95f1T3cc4AJhrC2Q7X2lExga5xWETe7f0ukU9uLzZ-f-m3qAfY6HclhL_ba0obN8GS88nzLbW07aTQK_vDnaP6Z-fWfrduMTwFq0kTo2xR3DYl2D6C8TY04DJCYpWEiy73QpZHMBKGOCT5gZK9O3mRE0Qlv1e06GkpOGu_hGFAMYFet9xdQjXQE/s2160/Fix%20Your%20Thoughts%20wide.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXl95f1T3cc4AJhrC2Q7X2lExga5xWETe7f0ukU9uLzZ-f-m3qAfY6HclhL_ba0obN8GS88nzLbW07aTQK_vDnaP6Z-fWfrduMTwFq0kTo2xR3DYl2D6C8TY04DJCYpWEiy73QpZHMBKGOCT5gZK9O3mRE0Qlv1e06GkpOGu_hGFAMYFet9xdQjXQE/w400-h400/Fix%20Your%20Thoughts%20wide.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>The Bible tells us that what we fix our thoughts on is a choice, and it seems that the study of psychology is demonstrating that this is true (just look at the emphasis on mindfulness in recent times). In Philippians 4:8, we are told that we should think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy, and while there are many things that can be described by one or more of these words, there is one person who embodies all of these qualities: Jesus. When we fix our thoughts on Jesus, we are fixing our thoughts on the best possible subject, and in doing so we become transformed more and more into his likeness. Just as butterflies and bees seek out the centre of a flower to draw on its pollen, and they become fixated on that flower, so we should be drawn to Jesus and fix our thoughts and eyes on him, drawing on his goodness and grace.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6HeO5yc-l1GXus0hGUqkcRFrj3nbqadCYULxx-nm_fzwYVpxtD2MpEdc7-g5-2yzslv2l1wbjlX_xW8SaZLzKVzF4PVeRwC18hGAQYPw7Mb71Z8oexKowf8iBP_5_EYnqdZibI-m25GhMvtViM6yuAVa2oTnYzodUz9f2n3EWCEep9OErbyyRgvW/s2160/Fix%20your%20thoughts.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6HeO5yc-l1GXus0hGUqkcRFrj3nbqadCYULxx-nm_fzwYVpxtD2MpEdc7-g5-2yzslv2l1wbjlX_xW8SaZLzKVzF4PVeRwC18hGAQYPw7Mb71Z8oexKowf8iBP_5_EYnqdZibI-m25GhMvtViM6yuAVa2oTnYzodUz9f2n3EWCEep9OErbyyRgvW/w640-h640/Fix%20your%20thoughts.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I used the new <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/bold-caps-alpha-die-set/">Bold Caps Alpha die set</a></b> to cut out the FIX letters, then added some words from <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-faith-wordfetti-too-clear-stamp-set/">Faith Wordfetti Too</a></b> to the letters. I stamped the beautiful flowers from <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/flower-garden-clear-stamp-set/"><b>Flower Garden</b></a>, then coloured them and the background with Inktense pencils and an aquabrush, before adding some PanPastel to the background for extra depth. The text was stamped using a combination of <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-lollipop-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Lollipop Alpha</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-bitty-minnie-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Bitty Minnie Alpha</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-all-in-all-clear-stamp-set/">All in All</a></b>. I added a few butterfies from Flower Garden to finish off the page. </p><p>Be blessed...</p><p>x Amy x</p><p><br /></p>Amy Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683190429446638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-22131834188236825732022-08-21T22:30:00.001-07:002022-08-21T22:30:00.167-07:00It's Grace<div style="text-align: center;"> <b><i>Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7PPCvqC2F792W4fUV1w1067x-ELDsUDYCM4BoPT1EhzJ0VbeASsIx5D3HPBeexMEQwjr1oFFiYwJAXUlbuTCd7QKoGYLBTp6nNIYHWy-tnq0Ig9M7-HHYdrEL68c_oiVbgRMTfF4liMSILSX2ClwnNVb1oTSMrsL3t7mHD09GMGsDOariq2YcycR/s3024/IMG_7578.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7PPCvqC2F792W4fUV1w1067x-ELDsUDYCM4BoPT1EhzJ0VbeASsIx5D3HPBeexMEQwjr1oFFiYwJAXUlbuTCd7QKoGYLBTp6nNIYHWy-tnq0Ig9M7-HHYdrEL68c_oiVbgRMTfF4liMSILSX2ClwnNVb1oTSMrsL3t7mHD09GMGsDOariq2YcycR/w640-h640/IMG_7578.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hi Friends!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Today we're in Romans 8, the very first verse. And we may take it as granted, but it's pretty amazing what Jesus did for us. For those of us in Christ, there is no condemnation- no punishment. If when we die, we have taken Jesus as our Savior, it won't matter if we murdered someone, if we stole, if we hurt others, no matter how we sinned, we won't be punished. Is that fair? No, it unquestionably is not. It's grace. And I'm thankful in this instance that God is not being fair. Aren't you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65iM64q8im7Fn-2XRtey2jcn-qaVizR4i742NRQ-0VCU-lGxyQDfDZfQHygfogPEJ3_abUOfDddLKhqyf0O74L9hULnrSq7ZUptRD_TLGVZBhifTfxoP024ypxd39ylr95HVfffrLqlYm8LUmWlHTISq28p3Q24-aF7cEfvK6tCml6FBK1fwgDsXp/s3024/IMG_7577.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65iM64q8im7Fn-2XRtey2jcn-qaVizR4i742NRQ-0VCU-lGxyQDfDZfQHygfogPEJ3_abUOfDddLKhqyf0O74L9hULnrSq7ZUptRD_TLGVZBhifTfxoP024ypxd39ylr95HVfffrLqlYm8LUmWlHTISq28p3Q24-aF7cEfvK6tCml6FBK1fwgDsXp/w640-h640/IMG_7577.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">When my girls were growing up, I heard that phrase- it's not fair!- a few times. They had a hard time understanding why certain things happened or why one got something the other didn't. We can have a hard time understanding God's ways too. His ways are not our ways. And we should be thankful for that! While I've never murdered anyone, and I may think my sin is less offensive than someone else's sin, God's grace covers it all. So, it may not be fair. And we should thank God it's not. Because without His grace, we'd all be condemned.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Page Details: I used the following sets from <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/">Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps</a>: <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/down-on-the-farm-clear-stamp-set/">Down on the Farm</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-grace-upon-grace-clear-stamp-set/">Grace Upon Grace</a>, and <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-mini-bold-print-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Mini Bold Print Alpha</a>. I used watercolor crayons to color the images and background.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a blessed week! Andrea</div>Andrea Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291188166736217130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-41401697672009822462022-08-13T02:35:00.001-07:002022-08-13T02:35:59.153-07:00On Pearls & Pigs...<p>Hi friends,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1KXNotOHbEcwVpn9B3yuxB7calrrcvNAhuI0gSmBhMbsMjMxpIu5GOhG-gdLlS957WfrPpLyqXKfnrjCO2vsd6iOrn7rhpedpLaS-wZ-BZPLA2_X7YuRbFmwV8p4Id9nlcwdbn3NZ_lietz1pb41vWm5YWqTNbxa_u19CVw_VoqITdKD0AOeDhPx/s2160/pearls%20&%20pigs%20image.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1KXNotOHbEcwVpn9B3yuxB7calrrcvNAhuI0gSmBhMbsMjMxpIu5GOhG-gdLlS957WfrPpLyqXKfnrjCO2vsd6iOrn7rhpedpLaS-wZ-BZPLA2_X7YuRbFmwV8p4Id9nlcwdbn3NZ_lietz1pb41vWm5YWqTNbxa_u19CVw_VoqITdKD0AOeDhPx/s320/pearls%20&%20pigs%20image.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>We've probably all heard the phrase 'don't throw your pearls before swine' as this is one of the phrases from the Bible that has made its way into common speech. But have we really thought about what Jesus meant when he said this in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount? When you read the context, it seems a bit of a random comment in the middle of other longer pieces of teaching about taking the log out of our own eye, and asking, seeking and knocking in prayer. So what does this piece of wisdom from Jesus mean for us?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwotATPKb9hxKl4ehCYY9RPVb3w9NGoH5JTGXP1nlnkFZlb1iIyjL9FIHitxPaXzLNZp7y5TIC3kEHlgOcytffxJPHoLmfbsTLdYnqMBmgkTbEsWwF9AUifalrfox5TPUwRlsQfmjWqG6RVoIDaAz1A2Ab33k-d_NFj0IwvuuUE6BwzYG8sMV2zlY2/s2160/pearls%20&%20pigs%20text.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwotATPKb9hxKl4ehCYY9RPVb3w9NGoH5JTGXP1nlnkFZlb1iIyjL9FIHitxPaXzLNZp7y5TIC3kEHlgOcytffxJPHoLmfbsTLdYnqMBmgkTbEsWwF9AUifalrfox5TPUwRlsQfmjWqG6RVoIDaAz1A2Ab33k-d_NFj0IwvuuUE6BwzYG8sMV2zlY2/s320/pearls%20&%20pigs%20text.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I think the key is in identifying what the 'pearls' are here. Pearls are things of great value that are not easily reproduced, so are treated as treasures. I was thinking about what might correspond to that in our lives today. I don't own any pearls, but there are things in my life of great value because they are not able to be reproduced or manufactured. One of these precious commodities is my time. We each get 24 hours in a day, 7 days a week - no more, no less. And there is no guarantee that we will have tomorrow's 24 hours. That makes time one of my most valuable commodities. The question then must be asked: what am I giving my time to? Am I recognising it as the precious treasure it is and therefore only spending it on things of value, or am I throwing it to the 'pigs' of life. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCWmDCX3KD8CErptxy3bhCg0KU-3bWlSogmHrQFYyaJU8IFoit6rDrKXiTNzeI6UO9lgYIzczl9T7YWu70lXrMb0jlN1vFsjFnqI8AKqye3PRLn6XETxwAFvjtkwGpFzlShXfPNbuayDuiYx_9gEY6RZby2XGlCuzGXrfOZcW5WuqjYQC9yu5nU9V/s2160/pearls%20&%20pigs%20wide.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCWmDCX3KD8CErptxy3bhCg0KU-3bWlSogmHrQFYyaJU8IFoit6rDrKXiTNzeI6UO9lgYIzczl9T7YWu70lXrMb0jlN1vFsjFnqI8AKqye3PRLn6XETxwAFvjtkwGpFzlShXfPNbuayDuiYx_9gEY6RZby2XGlCuzGXrfOZcW5WuqjYQC9yu5nU9V/w400-h400/pearls%20&%20pigs%20wide.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>It's not that pigs are of less value than other animals, but in the Jewish world that Jesus was speaking to, pigs were considered highly unclean. Pigs have no discernment when it comes to pearls - they don't know that these little round gems are precious. So they trample them. What might be the 'pigs' of our lives today? What is it that doesn't see the value in the pearls of our hours and days and because of this, tramples them? I know for me, one of the most insidious and demanding 'pigs' comes in the form of a screen - whether my phone (social media, internet surfing, etc) or tv (on-demand shows and binge watching). When I was creating this page I was reminded that this wisdom from Jesus applies to my life here and now in the use of my time. Am I reserving the pearls of my hours and days for the things that matter, or am I throwing them indiscriminately to the pigs and getting them trampled? That's a challenge to me - I wonder what the pearls and pigs are in your life?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkWHGR1Yg_pdGpZCaa8olfh8CgyLJuRZTwqotpTHOmp1Zl8GnHr3lmj6ChC_8fgORd7tjynA0B7z5iuQmSxYybDdVz4An0hECEYm1f5GgasbeEEi7coIDLJ7mPEJCz5wRpZnVTcIbkFCQlcYC8_uZyezC_zhffdGZBvOFwi-zgmG8QOMAxtAU2LEe/s2160/pearls%20&%20pigs.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkWHGR1Yg_pdGpZCaa8olfh8CgyLJuRZTwqotpTHOmp1Zl8GnHr3lmj6ChC_8fgORd7tjynA0B7z5iuQmSxYybDdVz4An0hECEYm1f5GgasbeEEi7coIDLJ7mPEJCz5wRpZnVTcIbkFCQlcYC8_uZyezC_zhffdGZBvOFwi-zgmG8QOMAxtAU2LEe/w640-h640/pearls%20&%20pigs.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I used the new <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/down-on-the-farm-clear-stamp-set/">Down on the Farm</a></b> set for the pigs on this page, painting the background with acrylic paints and adding some 'pearls' using the <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/delightfully-delicate-stencil/">Delightfully Delicate stencil</a></b> and Nuvo mousse. The text was stamped with a combination of <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-all-of-me-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">All of Me Alpha</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-loop-da-loop-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Loop da Loop Alpha</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-sweet-simple-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Sweet & Simple Alpha</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-love-ya-like-a-sister-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Love ya Like a Sister Alpha</a></b>. I added a butterfly from <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/made-new-clear-stamp-set/">Made New</a></b>, white embossed on vellum, to finish.</p><p>Be blessed...</p><p>x Amy x</p>Amy Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683190429446638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-34211296798824502332022-08-07T22:30:00.005-07:002022-08-07T22:30:00.162-07:00Work Hard<div style="text-align: center;"> <b><i>Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>stay awake and you will have food to spare. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Proverbs 20:13</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38dV5NCwqaDDv2pC7UPTZx9q0ZQ31IIRE6MEylfRLQVU-lOmnHMQPv8Kr8oIq3ncxNyWiubOkBE8GyzgZcGJJx-ZuJt2jJqyJMr_Nhk61LbqTJwF7QPbqCOEWx9o5Kh38RQf_FBXZG50zAzCwueFn1_sMmMPBnZTFyvyxZFseU-q0yKMJo8u02lNg/s1600/IMG_6212.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1600" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38dV5NCwqaDDv2pC7UPTZx9q0ZQ31IIRE6MEylfRLQVU-lOmnHMQPv8Kr8oIq3ncxNyWiubOkBE8GyzgZcGJJx-ZuJt2jJqyJMr_Nhk61LbqTJwF7QPbqCOEWx9o5Kh38RQf_FBXZG50zAzCwueFn1_sMmMPBnZTFyvyxZFseU-q0yKMJo8u02lNg/w640-h618/IMG_6212.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Hi Friends!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Today we're in Proverbs 20. Verse 13 is talking about work. Sometimes, we think of work as a bad thing. Something that we do only because we have to. But, biblically, work is seen as beneficial- and not because it's financially beneficial! We see work in Genesis with God being the Worker, busy creating the world. When God created Adam and Eve, He put them to work over the garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve sinned, unfortunately one of the consequences is that work became hard. The work itself was still good, but it would be more difficult, and the result would not always be positive. The important thing is that we should involve God in our work, whatever it is. As 1 Cor 10:31 tells us, we should glorify God in whatever we do. Our jobs should be our ministries.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This verse also speaks to work ethic. The Bible condemns laziness. While there are times when someone may not be able to work, or take care of themselves (and we are called to help those people,) if we are able, we are to work. This verse made me think of farmers. I have never farmed myself. But both of my grandfathers were farmers. And farmers work hard! There are many times that they work from sun up to sun down. They have to get up and stay awake and because they are willing to do that, they produce food for themselves as well as others.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">No matter what you do, do it for the glory of God. Remember, work has no value unless God is in it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Page details: This super cute <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/down-on-the-farm-clear-stamp-set/">Down on the Farm</a> set from <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/">Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps</a> was perfect for this verse! There are matching <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/down-on-the-farm-die-set/">dies</a> as well! I also used 2 alpha sets: <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-old-fashioned-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Old Fashioned</a> & <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-playful-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Playful</a>. I colored the page with watercolor crayons.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a blessed week! Andrea</div>Andrea Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291188166736217130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-33407750587959645742022-07-24T22:30:00.003-07:002022-07-24T22:30:00.177-07:00Don't Play Church<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heat to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?" Acts 5:3</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwvjh5siDSbQEXRs5pYQG5851g9OOyUU6cJnrSaoxHUgus9ONC9pv_1UVuw_83Bv_-xViRjjmnodCcxhfZtlYvqg3HegUOzOHKP_GKth5PMcwbwEdkzQlxeJODXq7fyvGE879LKtraia-LaX_HYh3Pn9-_d_DoGe-9z3joBiHKInc_fhFvOJx1Pr9/s1600/IMG_6125.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1585" data-original-width="1600" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwvjh5siDSbQEXRs5pYQG5851g9OOyUU6cJnrSaoxHUgus9ONC9pv_1UVuw_83Bv_-xViRjjmnodCcxhfZtlYvqg3HegUOzOHKP_GKth5PMcwbwEdkzQlxeJODXq7fyvGE879LKtraia-LaX_HYh3Pn9-_d_DoGe-9z3joBiHKInc_fhFvOJx1Pr9/w640-h634/IMG_6125.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Hi Friends!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Today, I'm in Acts 5. You may be familiar with the story of Ananias and his wife, Sapphira. It's a pretty unsettling story. In summary, they sold some property, kept some of the proceeds, and took the rest to the apostles implying that what they brought to the apostles was the entire amount of the proceeds. They got caught in the lie, and both died. Just fell down dead. Right there. It left the people who witnessed it unsettled. And it should leave us unsettled too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My pastor spoke on this passage last week. And he said the problem wasn't that they kept a portion of the proceeds. The problem was that they lied about it. Even Peter said that it was theirs to do with what they wanted. But they lied- not to man, Peter said, but to God. And my pastor said they were suffering with what he called "perception management." See, they want to be perceived a certain way. Just before this episode, we see in Acts 4:36-37, a man sold some land and he brought the money from the sale to the apostles. Ananias and Sapphira wanted to be like that guy. They wanted everyone to think they were just as generous and just as faithful. It's all about perception, right? Here's the thing though- we might be able to trick people, but we cannot trick God. He knows our hearts, our motives, our faith. He knows.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's easy to sit back and think that we'd never do something like that. But don't we? Don't we all have "perception management" issues? We want people to see us a certain way. Have you ever been fighting with your family before church but when you get there you all plaster smiles on your faces as you walk in? No? Just me? We all do it. We do it when we edit photos before we post them. We do it when we only post the good stuff on social media. We do it when we give time or money because we're "supposed" to. We do it when we try to keep up with the Joneses. But God knows. He knows our hearts and our motives. So let's not worry about what people think. Let's worry about what God thinks. Don't just put on a show. Don't just play church. Let's BE the church Jesus wants us to be. When we struggle with perception management, we must pray for God's help to overcome it. I pray that we can have enough faith in our great God to give Him our ALL, not just some, but all.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Page details: I used the following <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/">Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps</a> sets: <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-marker-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Marker Alpha</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-skinny-minnie-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Skinny Minnie Alpha</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-my-fathers-house-clear-stamp-set/">My Father's House</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-knit-together-clear-stamp-set/">Knit Together</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/texture-tiles-8-clear-stamp-set/">Texture Tiles 8</a>, and <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/products/Serene-Silhouettes-Clear-Stamp-Set.html">Serene Silhouettes</a>. I used distress oxides for the background. I stamped the church on a hymnal page. The letters didn't ink evenly, and I ended up liking that look, so I left them that way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a blessed week! Andrea</div>Andrea Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291188166736217130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-73196083125369190222022-07-23T09:19:00.000-07:002022-07-23T09:19:28.688-07:00Wash me clean...<p>Hi friends,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUc2BERvrAlwzkJVYj1jhfPOfAvj9n2x48xKzt8X8kALDeSobRsnyjbCi6oBcC8a_aeSQ-LXVngHG0TiHsvm_Nnu_NWDOUJootL85BwUBq1NR7dCBCHwcRL3LjbMokgChKuDl205v0yoOVLDGapgvqD0629H6rG5OA8r8CIfMvs0ZDHWC4CcY6B8j/s2160/wash%20me%20close%20.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUc2BERvrAlwzkJVYj1jhfPOfAvj9n2x48xKzt8X8kALDeSobRsnyjbCi6oBcC8a_aeSQ-LXVngHG0TiHsvm_Nnu_NWDOUJootL85BwUBq1NR7dCBCHwcRL3LjbMokgChKuDl205v0yoOVLDGapgvqD0629H6rG5OA8r8CIfMvs0ZDHWC4CcY6B8j/s320/wash%20me%20close%20.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Have you ever wondered why stain removers are such a highly advertised and sought after product? Whether for removing stains from clothes or furniture or carpet, there is a big need for products that will magically remove the ugly stain that ruins our lovely clothes, carpets, or sofas. There is something in us that knows that stains are ugly, that they ruin the look and value of things, and we want to get rid of them. There are some stains that just won't come out though, no matter what wonder-product we apply to them. We can scrub and wash and soak all day, but the oil or ink won't go away. The same is true for the sin in our lives. No amount of self-effort or new year's resolutions or willpower can deal with the stain of sin in our lives. So what can?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNi6PmH-xJE8IAUK9ViETOPST0TRLIV8_6W7yECN_-lAbjDyLVzBK2Tr8HKaNCyM8LDIV2trcVnF1kcqJsmxEgw1B1wO2snuO-njLChMd6LnN4YKjYQRLVyLl69E68CuFmXt-YaJZ9VsKJjlfReiJsUn-F1LdjNn9K8ElBHjbieo6ChEzpZsLCj5_/s2160/wash%20me%20full.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNi6PmH-xJE8IAUK9ViETOPST0TRLIV8_6W7yECN_-lAbjDyLVzBK2Tr8HKaNCyM8LDIV2trcVnF1kcqJsmxEgw1B1wO2snuO-njLChMd6LnN4YKjYQRLVyLl69E68CuFmXt-YaJZ9VsKJjlfReiJsUn-F1LdjNn9K8ElBHjbieo6ChEzpZsLCj5_/w400-h400/wash%20me%20full.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Only God can wash us so thoroughly that he can cleanse us from our sin. When King David sinned horrifically by sleeping with another man's wife, then arranging for that man to be killed in an attempt to cover his sin, he had to be confronted by the prophet for him to finally realise the gravity of his sin. When that gravity hit him, he didn't try to make amends himself, but realised that he needed God to wash him clean from his sin. So he wrote Psalm 51 to express that plea to the Lord. And this psalm has been included in our Bible to show us how to pray when we realise our sin. David throws himself on the mercy of God, and realises that only God can truly make him clean. Only God can remove the stubborn stains of his heart. When we are confronted with the reality of our sin, do we hide? Do we try to make things right in our own strength? Do we promise to do better next time? Or do we cry out to God "wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin"?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPcvMoSnhsAYyXtZSpWjWNacir1TPUvFHJc6j-yn4ZARlt_BZxY-s04XZnj223YNHSNHStiXbZ2tUq-nA2pyfaXzzwhcYLbf7vgEh-2q3yEzVF8q0DeBJrVQx4EhsofNAcAPVLXnqavHrZu8BYIzZNEeqm-oU93h2A_JMdgdLUyxjT0d0wuKccPtU/s2160/wash%20me%20supplies.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPcvMoSnhsAYyXtZSpWjWNacir1TPUvFHJc6j-yn4ZARlt_BZxY-s04XZnj223YNHSNHStiXbZ2tUq-nA2pyfaXzzwhcYLbf7vgEh-2q3yEzVF8q0DeBJrVQx4EhsofNAcAPVLXnqavHrZu8BYIzZNEeqm-oU93h2A_JMdgdLUyxjT0d0wuKccPtU/w640-h640/wash%20me%20supplies.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I created the background on this page in my Journaling Psalter using acrylic paints and gelatos, then stamped the text using a mixture of sets: <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-script-outline-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Script Outline Alpha</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-messy-stamped-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Messy Stamped Alpha</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-skinny-caps-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Skinny Caps Alpha</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-freedom-in-christ-clear-stamp-set/">Freedom in Christ</a></b>. I then stamped the raindrops from <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-living-water-clear-stamp-set/">Living Water</a></b> with blue ink and painted them with a few layers of acrylic paint to get the shading and shimmer. I finished the page off with a few butterfly stickers. </p><p>Let's bring our ugly, sinful, stains to the only one who has the power to remove them: let's bring them to the Lord in prayer.</p><p>Be blessed...</p><p>x Amy x</p><p><br /></p>Amy Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683190429446638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-23883236721483610412022-07-10T22:30:00.001-07:002022-07-10T22:30:00.157-07:00Share God's Love<div style="text-align: center;"> <b><i>Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Hebrews 13:1</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzR-QhAjps_bFoxK0i9AQKeh8saWnugJweKJIrfJeakzIfeIwPt_Pr7HfHkPJ9_D2-IfjnYaShybu9WcRphXKZ-nJPSniS5VW6Kve3p51NLtXfXtyrIZUBup41sH5mDWtzC-6BJ_VsZ6PKTjaLsetueog6eopuMt1T3ea36AdoBJIRq0zbSg-tPHGe/s1600/IMG_6025.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="1600" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzR-QhAjps_bFoxK0i9AQKeh8saWnugJweKJIrfJeakzIfeIwPt_Pr7HfHkPJ9_D2-IfjnYaShybu9WcRphXKZ-nJPSniS5VW6Kve3p51NLtXfXtyrIZUBup41sH5mDWtzC-6BJ_VsZ6PKTjaLsetueog6eopuMt1T3ea36AdoBJIRq0zbSg-tPHGe/w640-h614/IMG_6025.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Hi Friends!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Are you feeling the love? Yeah, me neither. The church has missed the mark on the whole "love" thing. As a whole, we haven't done well with loving those outside the church. And we haven't even been able to love each other within the church very well. Think of all the divisions within the church. This verse is speaking to believers loving one another. There should be unity in the church because we're unified in Christ. And we should love each other not only for our own sakes, but as a testimony. The world is watching. Believers are going to have differences. And that's ok. In fact, God doesn't want us all alike. Those differences are normal and healthy and make us a stronger body- if we let them. We can use those differences to reach the world. The church should be a group of vastly different people who are unified in our diversity by our love of Jesus.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So how do we love each other? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We accept one another as they are. They are sinners, but we are too. We all need a Savior.</li><li>We are subject to one another. Instead of always trying to get our own way, surrender to God's will and let Him use each of us within the context of the church for His great purpose.</li><li>Pray for each other- especially other believers we dislike or are bothered by.</li><li>Forgive each other.</li><li>Serve one another.</li><li>Encourage each other..</li><li>Comfort one another.</li><li>Bear each other's burdens. We're all busy. But take the time to really care for others.</li><li>Admonish one another. Be willing to lovingly confront other believers who are living in disobedience. But do it humbly and with the motivation to restore their intimacy with God.</li></ul><div>Let's love each other. Let the world see our love. It will draw them to Jesus.</div><div><br /></div><div>Page details: I used the following <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/">Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps</a> sets: <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/happy-mail-clear-stamp-set/">Happy Mail</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-send-me-clear-stamp-set/">Send Me</a>, and <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-trust-in-the-lord-clear-stamp-set/">Trust in the Lord</a>. I used colored pencils to color in the images. Quick tip: Use Gamsol to blend in colored pencil lines so it looks smooth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a blessed week! Andrea</div><div>*source: "How to Love One Another...Even Other Christians" Whitney Hopler</div></div>Andrea Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291188166736217130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-9450235502347657122022-07-09T11:09:00.002-07:002022-07-09T11:09:39.842-07:00A little or a lot?<p>Hi friends,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJovDYZ-101uZSkgZGO4AcXxPb14h278RIUQFJZ0uSnw2rJ6nrhMU5_xgHP83Exwptcr5HgZ67VAcjsx04c8hnrypBeZXSbzfJFgIoeASg8y1sNkw2mWEGSMnQvUmoYnDzjxxlxp0bW4qsm8H63Xu8pYHgVImy9lVTs7FhJUSseQnu4XR3lPzKjKEV/s2160/better%20a%20little%20imagr.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJovDYZ-101uZSkgZGO4AcXxPb14h278RIUQFJZ0uSnw2rJ6nrhMU5_xgHP83Exwptcr5HgZ67VAcjsx04c8hnrypBeZXSbzfJFgIoeASg8y1sNkw2mWEGSMnQvUmoYnDzjxxlxp0bW4qsm8H63Xu8pYHgVImy9lVTs7FhJUSseQnu4XR3lPzKjKEV/s320/better%20a%20little%20imagr.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>We live in a world where the message we often hear is 'bigger is better,' 'more is more,' and that we should be seeking to grow and gain in many different ways. But what if that isn't the way we are called to live as the people of God? What if there are things more important than growth and gain and having more? What if justice is more important? The writer of Proverbs certainly seemed to think so when he wrote: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>'Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.'</i> (Proverbs 16:8)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TJAF3XI__VGGzXiUFK8qhjtiQBEi1l84Lxlsk15yCwfmuSHgp9nQTV0hv0A05ZvwQLOdVtguCHf865MtqPJogVKPBG6sNJMRrWjpdjeDly6c3_Ui5HZyw48Bb4lhWhHvjlH6Kp1G97-OlFuVxADhhqWISq3SsNQwKwFZYlAqJAU3ctQG-p7WVfwH/s2160/better%20a%20little%20text.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TJAF3XI__VGGzXiUFK8qhjtiQBEi1l84Lxlsk15yCwfmuSHgp9nQTV0hv0A05ZvwQLOdVtguCHf865MtqPJogVKPBG6sNJMRrWjpdjeDly6c3_Ui5HZyw48Bb4lhWhHvjlH6Kp1G97-OlFuVxADhhqWISq3SsNQwKwFZYlAqJAU3ctQG-p7WVfwH/s320/better%20a%20little%20text.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>We may read this proverb and agree, thinking that this is talking about bribery or corruption in the workplace, encouraging honest work that pays less than dishonest work that pays more. This may well be part of the meaning of this verse, but I've also been thinking about some other applications that may hit closer to home for many of us. I wonder how often we turn away from or ignore injustice because it is inconvenient to gaining what we want, to having more? Here are a couple of examples that come to my mind: How easily do we ignore the injustice of how cheap clothing is made so that we can have more of it? How easily do we ignore the injustice of knock-off products we can buy cheaply whose designs have been stolen from others so we can have more to play with? Are there other areas where we are compromising righteousness in order to gain what we want? These are sobering questions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSU7JIAKH6bKSs0OKV1FSGh2gbqikuEj8xQyDMHY1KGFVmEa0TYzppsg3Rn9LpidBKiD-xNTrDx261FaJF53-bBnbcrHXMhsRVEmC9YCHXElM9Yjs7yMFncZYAeC-kXCSvPFaySefPgmGe57HvynvauvONhhqo4EK_cYkXFPUTrABOoYzTj8NkdH5/s2160/better%20a%20little%20wide.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSU7JIAKH6bKSs0OKV1FSGh2gbqikuEj8xQyDMHY1KGFVmEa0TYzppsg3Rn9LpidBKiD-xNTrDx261FaJF53-bBnbcrHXMhsRVEmC9YCHXElM9Yjs7yMFncZYAeC-kXCSvPFaySefPgmGe57HvynvauvONhhqo4EK_cYkXFPUTrABOoYzTj8NkdH5/w400-h400/better%20a%20little%20wide.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>As the people of God who represent their Heavenly Father and follow Jesus Christ, we are called to be people who live righteously, who uphold justice, even when it costs us things we desire, even when it requires that we live in ways that are contrary to the culture around us. What examples can you think of where this verse applies? Are there any that hit close to home for you? May God help us live as ambassadors of the kingdom of righteousness.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFr09GwmNenvLaTLQLpxweUesR6qN1hy241mW9p6vEkxiS1nsV262gcjmKOGgeVwtXTbS3idccL1betplI4tRl0_YtbFuSxYKrK7tS4lBjEytYXvWd9RQ-dQ1CDiLTvfqRwKCCwyyUvAIDyVxKcvSOJ3Ba9l-ExxTZ_lg2NSL5HkNIz_nmydOEprv1/s2160/better%20a%20little.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFr09GwmNenvLaTLQLpxweUesR6qN1hy241mW9p6vEkxiS1nsV262gcjmKOGgeVwtXTbS3idccL1betplI4tRl0_YtbFuSxYKrK7tS4lBjEytYXvWd9RQ-dQ1CDiLTvfqRwKCCwyyUvAIDyVxKcvSOJ3Ba9l-ExxTZ_lg2NSL5HkNIz_nmydOEprv1/w640-h640/better%20a%20little.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I used the cute <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/fur-ever-friends-clear-stamp-set/">Fur-Ever Friends</a></b> sets for the images on this page, colouring with watercolours. The text was stamped with a combination of <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-rebecca-script-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Rebecca Script Alpha</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-armor-of-god-clear-stamp-set/">Armor of God</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-typewriter-blocks-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Typewriter Blocks Alpha</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-watch-your-mouth-clear-stamp-set/">Watch Your Mouth</a></b>. </p><p>Let's be people who are content with all we have been given in Christ, and who therefore don't seek gain that is accompanied by injustice.</p><p>Be blessed...</p><p>x Amy x</p>Amy Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683190429446638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-30643746365180608172022-06-26T22:30:00.003-07:002022-06-26T22:30:00.166-07:00Thrive<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i>This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Jeremiah 29:4-7</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6ArfOwDMKZrCDqeFBQhfKyW-3CTYUgayP9oFcH2EbMg1blV4vCtS39WWNDDOToezGPjkj80mHLfvvi8MsMlXDyfYnv0r8gQHOwxiqJ1nNQRH6sMwEQnYawTvukFxbBxyPoHuF-s4hW0mXGOOGVAS876VLDm2ltRoTMv4Rdj4G71gJr07GX7aeY_2/s1170/IMG_5883.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1170" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6ArfOwDMKZrCDqeFBQhfKyW-3CTYUgayP9oFcH2EbMg1blV4vCtS39WWNDDOToezGPjkj80mHLfvvi8MsMlXDyfYnv0r8gQHOwxiqJ1nNQRH6sMwEQnYawTvukFxbBxyPoHuF-s4hW0mXGOOGVAS876VLDm2ltRoTMv4Rdj4G71gJr07GX7aeY_2/w640-h618/IMG_5883.PNG" width="640" /></a></div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">When people think of Jeremiah 29, they often think of verse 11. But just a few verses before that, there is a beautiful passage of how to live in circumstances in which you might not want to be. You see, Jeremiah was writing to the Jewish people who had been sent into exile. And that exile lasted 70 years! Yep, not 7, not 17, but 70 years. And God told them to flourish, to build houses and plant gardens, to marry and have families- to build a life, a good life. We may not be living in exile, but there are probably circumstances of your life that are difficult. You may not be living where you want to live. You may not have the life you expected to have. Your community may not be thriving. But God is there just like He was there for the Jews these verses were written to. And He wants you to thrive anyway.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He also told them to pray for their community. The cities they found themselves in, in exile, they were to pray for peace and prosperity. So what should we do? We should PRAY!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">These instructions, although given to the Jews a long time ago, can be applied in our lives. My nation has been struggling and the state of this nation isn’t where I want it to be. But nonetheless, I am to make the best of my circumstances, to build a house and a family, to plant gardens of love and unity and Jesus’ light, to pray for my city, my state, my country- peace and prosperity for them all regardless of whether I voted for the people in office or not. Plant gardens, my friends, and pray. If your city/state/nation prospers, you too will prosper.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Page details: I used the following <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/">Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps</a> sets: <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-boss-lady-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Boss Lady Alpha</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/welcome-home-clear-stamp-set/">Welcome Home</a>, and <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-love-your-neighbor-clear-stamp-set/">Love Your Neighbor</a>. To shadow the words, I used a pencil. I love using a pencil because you can erase it if you mess up and make it darker or lighter depending on what you want it to look like.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Thrive wherever you are because God is there too. Andrea</span></span></div>Andrea Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291188166736217130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-70865760853715071612022-06-25T10:30:00.002-07:002022-06-25T10:30:48.860-07:00Seeking & Thirsting...<p>Hi friends,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorJqqQo92Wfa-1T688dc7AAdWQgwRWOjoJQgszzTUKiT4-6AgPks6Dhj-V-bEjYUzkJKTQaZ-4OkqlcUDxeB9gTY18ACYy55mxaUemX__DVRIHDKVrgwE4M-Cew4xWLVSF6cMqVFdgK7G1hpvU-VjYuC2WrRY6t1KidFjGJM7U7OwsMovhxEWCj2j/s2160/seek%20thirst%20image.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorJqqQo92Wfa-1T688dc7AAdWQgwRWOjoJQgszzTUKiT4-6AgPks6Dhj-V-bEjYUzkJKTQaZ-4OkqlcUDxeB9gTY18ACYy55mxaUemX__DVRIHDKVrgwE4M-Cew4xWLVSF6cMqVFdgK7G1hpvU-VjYuC2WrRY6t1KidFjGJM7U7OwsMovhxEWCj2j/s320/seek%20thirst%20image.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Have you ever had a craving for something? I'm sure we all can identify with that feeling of being desperate for a drink of water (or coffee!) or for something sweet, or something comforting. Desire, or thirst, is what drives us to seek the thing that will quench our thirst. When we are thirsty, we become determined, focused, intentional, even desperate.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ua81eny-LcZ8ElnBiw10h0PL8K2pMO63WzUvVcwTvxl1s4aIRuIzuYRYS_eHNMxHzmAvVSXgqmYD8SXXZd3qnbt1Rj8URiI-ixVc0aOkOe4pGW-4fbpim4U-o14TamOVLSRqvNX-vPEL7IjUm-mpXWcWiVuNy_jpJEMFMcCzQ4wo4-bZbVY_ktYb/s2160/seek%20thirst%20text.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ua81eny-LcZ8ElnBiw10h0PL8K2pMO63WzUvVcwTvxl1s4aIRuIzuYRYS_eHNMxHzmAvVSXgqmYD8SXXZd3qnbt1Rj8URiI-ixVc0aOkOe4pGW-4fbpim4U-o14TamOVLSRqvNX-vPEL7IjUm-mpXWcWiVuNy_jpJEMFMcCzQ4wo4-bZbVY_ktYb/s320/seek%20thirst%20text.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Sometimes in the Christian life (ok, maybe more than sometimes!), we can live without intention, focus or drive toward God and his Word. We can drift into a spiritual state of ambivalence, with other concerns taking our focus and attention. When I have been in this place, it's been easy to wonder what's wrong with me. Why am I not seeking God like I should? Why am I not more disciplined? And a guilt trip is easy to take.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj128zhG0k3DiqHe_q0cRUq67pI5Sl9cUItpbAyq0YSFOHWUR0csEO5YbGBEseLCyUyHrqK07BLwrKPj7mr7BcQBf4HjcQ0CsNtivXQ8p8V4DTX4z0CIEGEDpQIjfInAwHgCYH5Vbagk9nAqxxyeT_t9jfM0_hcGbt1bugYvmWS6ZIpUaGS1pdpqR8/s2160/seek%20thirst%20wide.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj128zhG0k3DiqHe_q0cRUq67pI5Sl9cUItpbAyq0YSFOHWUR0csEO5YbGBEseLCyUyHrqK07BLwrKPj7mr7BcQBf4HjcQ0CsNtivXQ8p8V4DTX4z0CIEGEDpQIjfInAwHgCYH5Vbagk9nAqxxyeT_t9jfM0_hcGbt1bugYvmWS6ZIpUaGS1pdpqR8/s320/seek%20thirst%20wide.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>But what if the problem is not with our seeking but with our thirsting? What if the reason we are not seeking is that we are not thirsty or that we are quenching our thirst with other things? Thirst is natural, but not everything that quenches our thirst is good for us. Sometimes we can quench our thirst with so much coffee or soft drink that we don't drink enough water, which is actually the healthiest way to quench our thirst. What if the same is true spiritually? What if we are quenching our thirst on things that are providing immediate relief but are not truly life-giving? This makes me think: what have I been 'drinking' lately? How am I satisfying my spiritual thirst? The writer of Psalm 63 shows us a vivid picture of what it looks like to thirst for God, and this inspires and challenges me to have that same posture. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBefWV5Sn71_31TKJid3lBXPcsFKHENC9pMd5_WzTDozw0Nvd6j2xXnA0n8BkVkYV9WYsMFDwG_nKOTrxXn3Dnbiis90zXjCyM862eVK8BxfChIuxanUqWpRgSpTwB7o0f5en0_HjN6n7Im2YTFWUDZpg2c98AyJUVlQwki0rhWr_W8Tt__8CMkwb6/s2160/seek%20thirst.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBefWV5Sn71_31TKJid3lBXPcsFKHENC9pMd5_WzTDozw0Nvd6j2xXnA0n8BkVkYV9WYsMFDwG_nKOTrxXn3Dnbiis90zXjCyM862eVK8BxfChIuxanUqWpRgSpTwB7o0f5en0_HjN6n7Im2YTFWUDZpg2c98AyJUVlQwki0rhWr_W8Tt__8CMkwb6/w640-h640/seek%20thirst.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I created the background on this page using acrylic paint and used a few stamp sets for the verse: <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-refresh-my-soul-clear-stamp-set/">Refresh My Soul</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-seek-him-clear-stamp-set/">Seek Him</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-mini-bold-print-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Mini Bold Print Alpha</a></b>. I used the new <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/special-blooms-stamp-die-bundle/">Special Blooms</a></b> bundle for the focal image, stamping on watercolour card then colouring and die-cutting before gluing to the page. I added some butterflies from <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/spread-your-wings-stamp-die-bundle/">Spread Your Wings</a></b> and some wordfetti from <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-prayer-time-clear-stamp-set/">Prayer Time</a></b> to finish.</p><p>Be blessed...</p><p>x Amy x</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Amy Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683190429446638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-20016356753375874582022-06-12T22:30:00.002-07:002022-06-12T22:30:00.165-07:00Set Free<div style="text-align: center;"> <b><i>Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>John 8:32</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFUnMH220G0b5r8uNe1gBGNLC6oqvw96xMEfN7iLF6hltgPaipNCVlgXORNg6yRkjToi76vQmQCH3m9-4xlEPd7zQ0Yrmd156Spwnh4-aTivVYxLwrU-2m5rUeDobixqADZR_7yix4hbbzy1w7q3N378iA6OuKpAEpc8Nv4geLRAKbl_hRSZYKH7_/s1170/IMG_5860.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1170" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFUnMH220G0b5r8uNe1gBGNLC6oqvw96xMEfN7iLF6hltgPaipNCVlgXORNg6yRkjToi76vQmQCH3m9-4xlEPd7zQ0Yrmd156Spwnh4-aTivVYxLwrU-2m5rUeDobixqADZR_7yix4hbbzy1w7q3N378iA6OuKpAEpc8Nv4geLRAKbl_hRSZYKH7_/w640-h614/IMG_5860.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Hi Friends,</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm sure most of you have heard the phrase, "the truth will set you free." Many schools and universities use it as a motto. But Jesus was the One who said it and He wasn't talking about academia. He also wasn't talking of political freedom. That's how the Jews took what He said, but they missed His point. Jesus was talking about spiritual freedom. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jesus is Truth. When we know Him, we are free from sin, free from condemnation, and free from death. So friends, are you living free? For many of us, we think of freedom as personal independence- being able to do what we want when we want. But Jesus wasn't setting us free do do whatever we want. He was freeing us to fellowship with Him and the Father, and that means we live in a way that we obey Him and choose His will for our lives. As we submit to Christ, to Truth, sin has less power over us. We make choices that glorify God most of the time. We can live knowing that Jesus doesn't condemn us and that while we will experience physical death, we won't experience spiritual death. That is freedom only Christ can give us!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">No matter what happens in the world, we will always be free in Christ. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Page details: I used the following <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/">Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps</a> sets: <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-freedom-in-christ-clear-stamp-set/">Freedom in Christ</a> and <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/mixed-up-stencil/">Mixed Up Stencil</a>. I used distress oxides for the background.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a blessed week! Andrea</div>Andrea Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291188166736217130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-56978293161568556402022-06-11T06:55:00.001-07:002022-06-11T06:55:26.183-07:00Giving thanks...<p>Hi friends,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiyNb5-bnsAL-6XiZPzbRuz1oe4F1Qvfn_FVHVu7ph6llMnU-wDX1yPZ9HB7mXOR5dc3OXotL--hBECyPTjNSoIQubkxelDV8-a_DGJYbsQmyFaqNrS3ss8h2E5FPF9rhPFvRgnL-QD7lfCqGiiT5gUymsqtXC1GvnMm4QbBkh_Ldi8K6JS6nrmWU/s2160/Give%20Thanks%20text.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiyNb5-bnsAL-6XiZPzbRuz1oe4F1Qvfn_FVHVu7ph6llMnU-wDX1yPZ9HB7mXOR5dc3OXotL--hBECyPTjNSoIQubkxelDV8-a_DGJYbsQmyFaqNrS3ss8h2E5FPF9rhPFvRgnL-QD7lfCqGiiT5gUymsqtXC1GvnMm4QbBkh_Ldi8K6JS6nrmWU/s320/Give%20Thanks%20text.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I've been reading a book recently which has challenged me on the practice of giving thanks - both to God and to one another in community. The uncomfortable truth is that I don't give thanks as often as it is needed. Whether it is busyness, self-centredness, forgetfulness, or entitlement, there are many reasons why we fail to give thanks to God for all his many blessings, and to one another for the ways in which they bless us. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDg6PeILNRBzHkPa8MGxlsTngfWOdhdWE0eS4MJ-xuRUMrJEUmQiP8ljSJBZHZKnB_LGqw6mAEXmTn2sJC5Eo0Gb3C_lVdj-52CDGce1xM-KkNe9-mBSBf58lqIJfmbFQrYNgyardmQQ5-HObEapIRBpjLSLo16HaK28rLlXLy9R_7eHg1i6MNoRcd/s2160/Give%20Thanks%20animals.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDg6PeILNRBzHkPa8MGxlsTngfWOdhdWE0eS4MJ-xuRUMrJEUmQiP8ljSJBZHZKnB_LGqw6mAEXmTn2sJC5Eo0Gb3C_lVdj-52CDGce1xM-KkNe9-mBSBf58lqIJfmbFQrYNgyardmQQ5-HObEapIRBpjLSLo16HaK28rLlXLy9R_7eHg1i6MNoRcd/s320/Give%20Thanks%20animals.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I once heard a preacher say that anything we are not grateful for is something that we think we are entitled to, and many years later I've never forgotten that. In a world that is focused so much on what we are entitled to, what our rights are, fulfilling our deepest desires, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that we are actually entitled to nothing really. Everything, including our every breath, is a gift from God. I've heard that it is often the poorest countries and communities that actually exude the most joy and gratitude, because they are grateful for every small blessing. What a challenge to so many of us who have so much we forget to be grateful for.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusjzpJs5wzjc62U5Nw0My9Qu7DdLGV-sFZT_PYjy2RxD2hvPUpTY9HZVvzGO5Ih3Jddi3kn7L3581RstCK12RfiH3f0EPqal_zzFXvTYaml8j5sQHP5yMj-_jYZHoCYfjGVpx5iWqewcDODNBx-6cfj6uRQ7K-lxFcz-7_u61RJG0SIN3sT1hcdw9/s2160/Give%20Thanks.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusjzpJs5wzjc62U5Nw0My9Qu7DdLGV-sFZT_PYjy2RxD2hvPUpTY9HZVvzGO5Ih3Jddi3kn7L3581RstCK12RfiH3f0EPqal_zzFXvTYaml8j5sQHP5yMj-_jYZHoCYfjGVpx5iWqewcDODNBx-6cfj6uRQ7K-lxFcz-7_u61RJG0SIN3sT1hcdw9/w400-h400/Give%20Thanks.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>As I was looking at Scriptures on gratitude, I found this one in Psalm 145, which says that all the Lord's works will give thanks to him, and it made me wonder: if the animals and stars and trees can give thanks to the Lord, why am I falling short? I don't know how a deer or a fox or a butterfly give thanks to the Lord (something to look forward to finding out in the new heaven and the new earth I think!), but I do know that for humans to give thanks it requires words. We need to open our mouths in speech or song, or we can write down our thanks in a journal or our Bible or on a keyboard and screen. So I'm making a commitment that I want to grow in gratitude and express my thanks more and more frequently. What about you? What would you say your gratitude quotient is like at the moment? </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhGRy_SyZGbLfpTQ43hxT3xFr36_LyrF8w-1RHpd64Xy0bK95gmSlqZmeG9r_HF4B6mVjviKEm3fnqeLm05jNZJlK1e8g2yJFzMJrIhEIG9_KM0E7HTpLds0x7TF876s3RNWugbhRknR7M7pcVsAXaa2H4ND0qW2Jw4ET2PL7Aq5nqNF67xAkcC3B/s2160/Give%20Thanks%20supplies.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhGRy_SyZGbLfpTQ43hxT3xFr36_LyrF8w-1RHpd64Xy0bK95gmSlqZmeG9r_HF4B6mVjviKEm3fnqeLm05jNZJlK1e8g2yJFzMJrIhEIG9_KM0E7HTpLds0x7TF876s3RNWugbhRknR7M7pcVsAXaa2H4ND0qW2Jw4ET2PL7Aq5nqNF67xAkcC3B/w640-h640/Give%20Thanks%20supplies.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I created the background on this page with acrylic paints and the new <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/june-2022-product-of-the-month-grunge-gears-stencil/">Grunge Gears</a></b> stencil with my Gel Press plate, which was fun. The animals from <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/fur-ever-friends-stamp-die-bundle/">Fur-Ever Friends</a></b> were stamped on card then die-cut and watercoloured. I stamped some grass from <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/products/Nature-Silhouettes-Clear-Stamp-Set.html">Nature Silhouettes </a></b>along the bottom of the page before gluing on the die-cut animals. The text was stamped with a combination of <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/faith-phrases-clear-stamp-set/">Faith Phrases</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-women-of-praise-clear-stamp-set/">Women of Praise</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-boss-lady-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Boss Lady Alpha</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-school-days-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">School Days Alpha</a></b>. </p><p>Let's be people to commit to grow in gratitude, so that it overflows out of our hearts and our mouths.</p><p>Be blessed...</p><p>x Amy x</p><p><br /></p></div>Amy Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683190429446638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-28496299759261417032022-06-08T15:11:00.005-07:002022-06-08T15:11:52.921-07:00A Bruised Reed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>"a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice."</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>Isaiah 42:3</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-An7No82RuSU/YqDp0my9NRI/AAAAAAAACTw/7zGcViFvcJImt6bJE0fcYtRO_fFB5EvBwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/1654712783049051-1.png" width="400" />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">I'm sure you've heard the expression "God will never give you more than you can handle." Unfortunately, there's no real biblical truth to that statement. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">In reality, God will often give more than you think you can handle </span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">in your own strength</i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">. The Apostle Paul himself says that he and his friends were "so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself (2 Cor 1:8)." But then in 2 Corinthians 12, he says:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><i>"So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me form becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, <b>'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'</b> Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">That sounds a lot like God giving Paul more than he could handle!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">However, I think it's we easy to swing so far back the other way that we think God will just "pile on" trial after trial, and hardship after hardship, in an effort to "toughen us up" or to get us to rely on Him. This is simply not the case either!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">I think a safe place to be is right in the middle. We often experience more than we can handle in life, but the Lord provides his strength and love (yes, love) to navigate the difficult times of life. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com?aff=20" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g_KBO2-FJ5w/YqDp1JFq0RI/AAAAAAAACT0/PdLo6y91JqEAFQhB4ocKVsaA7lML_pZEQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/1654712785224618-0.png" width="400" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Isaiah 42 specifically speaks to the gentle, loving character of Jesus. David Guzik has this to say about verse 3: "Often we feel that God deals roughly with our weaknesses and failures. Just the opposite is true. He deals with them gently, tenderly, helping them along until the bruised reed is strong and the smoking flax is in full flame." Isn't that encouraging?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"<i>Think again of that reed: something that has been crushed, or hurt by unkindness, a life that is somehow bent and bruised and shattered, without strength or beauty. There is nothing attractive about a reed, and there is certainly nothing very pleasant about the circumstances in which it lives! Usually it grows in a smelly, unsavory swamp. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>We call ourselves Christians, but if you are like me, sometimes you are desperately ashamed of how dimly your light burns. There is far more smoke than fire: so little prayer, so little real testimony, so much depression and discouragement. But the Lord says He will not extinguish the smoking flax.</i>" (Redpath)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">I read this passage in my personal quiet time last week and I was so overcome by the sweet tenderness of this verse. I am like a reed - a little bent, bruised, and crushed. I feel like things have been "piled on" this year and I was starting to get discouraged. This verse was a sweet reminder that, while I may be bruised, I won't be broken.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">If you're feeling a little bruised (like me!) this year, I hope this verse brings encouragement to your heart as it did to mine. There will be things in life that are too much to handle on your own strength. Things that God either allows or ordains. But God has promised to be with you every step of the way, and your gentle Savior will help you along until you are strong again. 💜</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Much love in Christ, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Janelle</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">IG: @journalingjoy</span></div>Janelle Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777160783904579400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-14404885853030022722022-05-22T22:30:00.005-07:002022-05-22T22:30:00.170-07:00Just Enough<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i> For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, "The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth." 1 Kings 17:14</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjd7dKik2-lYwpM9v8UUX7Po-vxbJQFzYCTQhBgG2c5kIgHXF_OwtHUPBv3MkHMmkYyFacol4QPcSiEm6uUvAEJY3SYJepQce40C65pdW_DtQDzLXNnrGVSTlqS5IYBLob3aZRx7mVFGI5322uIthl0CHrtMiXi4azkMbMRQhQaATd7tGpyCPHh2y/s1170/IMG_5425.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="1170" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjd7dKik2-lYwpM9v8UUX7Po-vxbJQFzYCTQhBgG2c5kIgHXF_OwtHUPBv3MkHMmkYyFacol4QPcSiEm6uUvAEJY3SYJepQce40C65pdW_DtQDzLXNnrGVSTlqS5IYBLob3aZRx7mVFGI5322uIthl0CHrtMiXi4azkMbMRQhQaATd7tGpyCPHh2y/w640-h630/IMG_5425.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Hi Friends,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have you ever felt desperate? I think that's probably what this widow was feeling when Elijah spoke to her. She had so very little that she was planning to prepare the last meal for herself and her son. And Elijah asked her to use what she had on him. When we're desperate, we often don't think about others outside of our closest family and friends, certainly not a stranger. But when Elijah made his request, he also gave her a promise from God. She would have just enough. Just enough flour and just enough oil to make it through until the end of the drought. And she had just enough faith to do what Elijah asked.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just enough. We often think that "just enough" is not enough. In the western world, it's all about excess. We want more and more. We have to keep up with the Joneses. We need the newest, the biggest, and the brightest.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think this story is beautiful in the fact that God provided for them but it wasn't all at once. It wasn't in excess. It was just enough. God can certainly give us more than enough and He often does. But sometimes we need to be satisfied with just enough. And when we've got just enough, aren't we more dependent on God? Aren't we more likely to go to Him? When we have more than enough it's easy to begin thinking we are self-sufficient.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just enough can be hard for those of us used to more than enough. But what a rich experience it can be!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Page details: I used the following <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/">Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps</a> sets: <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-boss-lady-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Boss Lady Alpha</a>, <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-watch-your-mouth-clear-stamp-set/">Watch Your Mouth,</a> and<a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-in-his-image-clear-stamp-set/"> In His image</a>. Simple page of stamping. I used a pencil to shadow the letters.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a blessed week! Andrea </div>Andrea Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291188166736217130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701772350146596900.post-13165272532218429172022-05-08T22:30:00.014-07:002022-05-08T22:30:00.175-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12</i></b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogvknmNOiC_IS-vj6kjwj0p8_Sx1j-oM0G7LG8M6hCtbRW57wrnsvVOHLq7ZoTo5qqIvhoygKZCvyJbMjzVW-M8J0G_GnZq9nPCFwgqR4JdsEX4zGL5wEvdjZqLWdIXF5CgQbMZVECpqLSrJ3guOX3H9MYHFSDYVaJA32LpCUoPPHERAHYihCetG0/s1600/IMG_3507.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1555" data-original-width="1600" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogvknmNOiC_IS-vj6kjwj0p8_Sx1j-oM0G7LG8M6hCtbRW57wrnsvVOHLq7ZoTo5qqIvhoygKZCvyJbMjzVW-M8J0G_GnZq9nPCFwgqR4JdsEX4zGL5wEvdjZqLWdIXF5CgQbMZVECpqLSrJ3guOX3H9MYHFSDYVaJA32LpCUoPPHERAHYihCetG0/w640-h622/IMG_3507.PNG" width="640" /></a></div></i>Dear Friends,</div>This is one of my favorite verses! I've journaled this verse many times, and even written a blog on it before. And here it is again! LOL <div><br /></div><div>This verse shows how amazingly forgiving our God is. It tells us how far God separates us from our sin when He forgives us. Have you ever thought of how far the east is from the west? Think about it. If you travel north, you eventually get to the North Pole and start going south. However, if you travel east, no matter how far you travel, you will NEVER start going west! And if you travel west, you will NEVER start going east. So, that's how far God has removed our sin from us- it can't be measured because it's never ending! Wow! Wow! Wow!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It can be hard for us to understand just how forgiving our God is because we tend to be just a bit less forgiving, right? I know I'm far, far less forgiving than Him. But Colossians 3:13 tells us "as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." Eeeek! OK, so God wants me to forgive when someone says they're sorry. Yes. But, what about when they aren't sorry? Guess what, God still wants us to forgive them. Our forgiving others is NOT dependent on whether they are sorry or necessarily deserving of that forgiveness. We need to forgive others solely because God forgave us, pure and simple. And honestly, when we forgive, it does as much good for us as it does the other party because we can let go of the bad feelings. Is it always easy to forgive? No. But remember, God is with you. He has removed your sin as far as the east is from the west!! He will help you to forgive others just as He has forgiven you.</div><div><br /></div><div>Page details: I used a brand new alpha set from <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/">Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps</a> called <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-boss-lady-alpha-clear-stamp-set/">Boss Lady Alpha</a>. It's great! I love all the alphas!! And there are <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/creative-worship-boss-lady-alpha-die-set/">dies</a> to go with it!!! My black ink was a little funky. I didn't get good coverage on all the letters for some reason. That's what you see in the photo (the letters that look shiny), but I just decided to go with it. :) I also used 2 SNSS stencils: <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/starry-night-stencil/">Starry Night</a> and <a href="https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/sunburst-layering-stencils/">Sunburst</a>. The Starburst is a 2 step stencil and really cool!</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a blessed week, and remember how forgiven you are! Andrea</div>Andrea Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291188166736217130noreply@blogger.com0