Restoration

God's Foundation

"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." (2 Timothy 2:19)

Today is the 17th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.  Who doesn't remember those exact moments when you heard about the terrorist attacks, or the planes crashing into the Towers or the Pentagon, or when the Towers fell to the ground, or the plane crashing in the field in Pennsylvania?  I was shopping at Wal-Mart at the time, and I first heard about it at the checkout.  People were gathered around in the electronics section watching the news on the TVs.  I hurried home with my three year old and six month old boys, and remained glued to the TV for most of the day--as much as I could while trying to shield my little ones from my emotions and the chaotic scenes on the television.

How our world was forever changed on that dreadful day.  Lives were lost, reality was upended, and for many, it was a time of reflection on what was truly important in our lives.  The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center came crashing down upon themselves, revealing not only weaknesses in building design, but vulnerabilities in security.  The towers' frame could not hold the flaming infernos, so the buildings and their very foundations gave way.  As two towers of dust and smoke replaced the once gleaming towers of steel, our own social, cultural and emotional foundations gave way as well.  We each realized our weakness.  We each realized our mortality.

The tragedy of that day will forever be burned in our minds and hearts.  But to the believer, and to many who began searching for answers, the tragedy caused us to grasp the truth of God's sure foundation.  Money and power will fail, but God's security is firm and forever.  He has redeemed us by the blood of Christ, and we are sealed and secure.  We can choose to remain in Him, and to depart from iniquity (sin); or we can choose to depart from Him, and remain in iniquity.  

We have a firm and sure foundation in Christ, one that will never falter.  On that truth we can build our lives.  

For this entry, I began by spritzing some Shimmerz Vibez ("Don't Rain on My Parade") and then spreading it around with a wet paint brush.  I dried that with my heat tool, and then stamped the words and tower from the Mighty Fortress stamp set.  I added some texture to the tower's blocks by painting with my aquabrush and more of that Vibez spritz.  I then splattered some of the Vibez and some black paint around the page.  I stamped a little bit of brick texture with a stamp from Texture Tiles 2.  I added some washi tape, a tab and a bow, and some journaling to complete the page.  

I pray that you find your firm and strong foundation in Jesus today, rather than in the things of this world.  Build your life, your future, your eternity, on His sure foundation!

--Julie

Get Ready!

"preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." 2 Timothy 4:2

Printables like ones used here are so versatile.  I find that using the "Go With God" printable and stamp sets are a great way to record the meaning of God's plan and our purpose.
After reading the devotion written by Diane Noble, my mind got to thinking about other ways that God is calling me after Himself.  I mean, REALLY calling.  He's practically yelling at me, and my soul knows it!

Before I did anything on this page, I prepped - twice.
See, lately I've been intrigued by the simplicity of Crayola Markers.  I bought some for my kids so they could play ALL day this summer if they wanted to.  They love creating.  One night I sat down with my 5yr old and we toyed around with stencils, markers and stickers.  I'm not sure who of you has found the fun in using these markers in your bibles, but if you haven't tried it yet, you should!  Just page prep.  :)  Their ink is rather heavy AND permanent.  They deliver quite the color; bold, daring and bright! Additionally - SO MUCH LOVES the Sunshine Girl Alpha!

I simply swiped across certain areas of the page with 3 different colors.  When that dried, I took the lovely "Texture Tile 3" stamp set and  stamped within the applied color.  I loved it! It gave such great dimension!  This is the easiest type of page to make.  Not too much hassle!  Markers, stamps, printables - DONE!

As 2 Timothy 4 spoke to me, I realized that I have a sin problem I haven't yet dealt with.  See, I have this idea that one day I will impact many with the Word of Christ!  I will go abroad and make more and better disciples for God!  I will even be a part in planting churches, establishing Christian-giving organizations and attempt to couple with Tim Tebow in ministering to 3rd world countries.  Yeah, high ambitions.  High goals.  And even if it's a high honor to win 100's of souls to Christ, God has placed me in a slightly different battle ground.  My home.  My home of 7.  The children He's blessed me with - all 5 of them, ranging from 14 years to 4 months.  

It's difficult to understand the "impact" I seek if I'm here in the humble abode, trying my best to be Christ-like 24/7.  But isn't that what it is?  To be like Christ all the day?  From sun-up to sun-down, aren't we called to be a witness to "reprove, rebuke and exhort with complete patience and teaching?"

The answer is "yes."  Yes, we are called to "be ready in and out of season."  I'm not saying that I will not still aspire to one day help plant churches, or serve as a missionary to other regions of the globe… but for right now, the Lord has me in a home-maker's ministry, serving in a mission field of small hearts and big dreams.  Each dinner.  Each laundry load.  Each eye infection, sore throat, and allergy.  Every lost tooth, bath-time, and holiday.  All present themselves as opportunities to preach the word and to preach it with fervency.
I consider myself in training for other missionary work in the future, but more so, I'm in the thick of ministry on behalf of the gospel of grace RIGHT NOW. 

My kids. 

My husband… and so I go. 

I go with God into this ministry - holding tightly to the hands of compassion of Him that so generously bled for my sins and rose for my victory!

I'm constantly having to re-commit myself to the Word of God as it is preached.  My sin problem is that I'm attempting to fill another's shoes, when the ones that the Lord has given me are a perfect fit.  I need to get ready and "be ready" for whatever comes!

My kids.

My husband… and so I go!

Go with God, friends.  To some, He calls out into the boonies of Africa and Guatemala!  To others, He calls into the battle grounds of intercity ministry, or even the inmates ministry!  To me - and others - He calls to serve my family and preach the gospel of grace - salvation in Christ alone - into my humble abode.  I praise the Lord for His kindness in teaching and lovingly guiding me in MY journey!

Much Love,

Deeds

IG: @mrcfuldeeds2010
Youtube: mrcfuldeeds
 

See the full July Release here.