Come Messy

For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who in every respect was tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

Hi Friends!

We live in an edited world, don't we? Practically every aspect of our lives is edited in some way- our thoughts, our actions, our words. Now sometimes, editing ourselves can be a good thing. But so often, what we're doing when we edit is just putting on an appearance to others, an appearance that is better than what we truly are. For instance, all these photos we share on social media, most of them are edited or filtered. We take out the imperfections. We fix the lighting. We adjust it to how we think the world wants to see us. Even in our relationships, we edit. How often, as my family scrambled to get ready for church, harsh words were spoken, hurtful actions committed. But man, when we got out of the car and went into church, you would have thought we were the perfect family, loving and glorifying God. Can you relate? The bad news is that we are a mess! We are broken and sinful.

But, I have good news, friends! We don't have to edit ourselves for Jesus. Jesus loves us anyway. He knows who we are- the good and the bad. And He loves us. Jesus loves us so much that He was willing to become man and to live as a man. Because of His earthly life, He knows what we go through. Hebrews 4:15 tells us He sympathizes with our weaknesses; and that He was tempted just as we are. He knows, friends. He died for us knowing all our problems, issues, and sins. And knowing all this, He still invites us to come to Him. Hebrews 4:16 tells us, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and grace to help in time of need." 

Thank You, Lord, for loving us just as we are. Thank You for becoming Man to relate to us in a new way. Thank You for Your invitation to come to you in our brokenness, in our mess- unedited & unfiltered.

Page details: I used the following Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps sets: Joyful Alpha, Marker Alpha, Playful Alpha, Walk Humbly, All Your Heart, and Just Be. I started by applying acrylic paint to the page with a baby wipe. I then glued a hymnal page onto the page. I stamped the words. I stamped the girls on sticker paper and drew the photo frames with a Micron pen. I colored the girls with watercolor crayons.

Come, humble sinner, in whose breast,

A thousand thoughts revolve,

Come, with your guilt and fear oppressed,

And make this last resolve.

Come to Him, friends. He's waiting.

Have a blessed week! Andrea

My Redeemer Has Come

 "The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins," declares the Lord. Isaiah 59:20

Hi Friends!

On the Creative Worship Facebook page, we had a virtual retreat this past Friday and Saturday. Hopefully, some of you were able to participate! Anyway, after the retreat, I found myself looking back at past pages I have journaled. And I found this one. I journaled it at the first of last year. It's a simple page, but I really like how it turned out. This verse spoke to me again. Of course, Isaiah is speaking to the Jews. But that Redeemer he speaks of is my Redeemer too! And oh how I long for Jesus to come back. Do you feel that longing too? To be face to face with our sweet Savior is hard to wait for! Of course, it's all in His timing, isn't it? And His timing is perfect. I look forward to that day, whenever it may be.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You will come again. Thank You for sending Your Spirit to dwell within us while we are here on earth. Thank You for Your perfect plan and Your perfect timing. As I wait for Your return, I rest in You. I hope in You. I trust in You. Amen and amen.

Page details: I used the following Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps sets: His Name, Typewriter Blocks Alpha, and All Your Heart. I drew the hills and sun with Micron pens and used watercolor crayons to color in the page. I also used a Micron pen to shadow the word "come."

Have a blessed week! Andrea

Serve Him

David assigned the following men to lead the music at the house of the Lord after the ark was placed there. 1 Chronicles 6:31

Hello Friends!
I hope you are well. Today, I am in 1 Chronicles 6. It's one of the chapters that lists genealogy, specifically regarding the tribe of Levi. In addition to the lists of names, it speaks of assignments that segments of the Levites would fulfill. Some would be gatekeepers, some would care for the physical building and instruments once the temple was built, some would be music leaders, and those in Aaron's line would be priests. I wonder if all these men thankfully and graciously served in their assigned roles. I mean, the priests were looked up to, they led they sacrifices and worship. They were important in human eyes. The music leaders probably didn't have it too bad. They were to praise God with music. Sounds good to me. The gatekeepers...probably not the top job everyone wanted, but definitely important. What about the men that had to care for the building, the custodians? Were they appreciated? They should have been if they weren't. Can you imagine keeping the temple area clean? Here's my point, to God every single one of these jobs had a purpose in keeping His house holy. And every single job was just as important to Him as another. It's only in human eyes that we tend to rank jobs.

For believers today, we need to be willing to serve God wherever He puts us, even if that means we're serving in a not so glamorous way. And not only do we need to do it, we need to do it joyfully and with a thankful heart.

• Romans 12:4-8, "Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness, do it gladly."
• 1 Corinthians 12, the entire chapter, is about serving in different capacities. Paul tells us about spiritual gifts and how the body of Christ works together best when each person serves in the capacity God wants him in.
• 1 Corinthians 12:5, "There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord."
• 1 Corinthians 12:18-19, "But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where He wants it. How strange a body would be if it only had one part!"
• Ephesians 4:16, "He (Christ) makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love."

God assigned the Levites different jobs in the temple. And God gifts believers today in different ways so that we can serve in different areas. Serve joyfully in whichever part of the body you are serving! Every job is important, even those that may seem insignificant, and serves a purpose in completing God's plan.

Page details: I used the following Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps sets: Your Story, All Your Heart, and Vintage Love. I used a Micron pen to shadow the letters of "serve" and "heart." I used watercolor crayons for the background and images.

Have a blessed week! Andrea

Purer in Heart

Purer in heart, O God, help me to be.

Hi Friends!
I have an old hymnal in which I've been journaling. As I was flipping through it, I came across this hymn- Purer in Heart, O God. It really spoke to me. It's a prayer that God help us be purer in heart- that's the first line and it's repeated in each hymn verse. Here are some of the characteristics this hymnal prayer asks God to help with:

• Whole devotion to God in our lives
• That God watch  and guide our wayward feet
• That God teach us to do His will
• That He be our Friend and Guide
• That we abide with Him
• That He keep us from sin
• That He reign in our souls

Wow! I want all of that. And those characteristics are what being pure in heart is all about. In Matthew 5:8, Jesus tells us, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Do you want to see God? I sure do! Being pure in heart means that we are focused on God and desire to please Him throughout our lives. And the only way we can truly be pure in heart is through Jesus. Only He can cleanse us. Psalm 51:10 tells us, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." God is the one who makes our hearts pure. We can't do it ourselves. And that's what this hymn is all about- asking God to help us day in and day out devote ourselves to Him. O that I may be purer in heart, Lord!

Page Details:

I used the following Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps sets for this page: Set Apart, All Your Heart, Walk Humbly, and Love Your Neighbor. I used watercolor crayons and a white pen as well.

Have a blessed week! Andrea

Guard your Heart...

Hi friends,

Have you ever heard a verse quoted so often that it begins to lose meaning for you? Or maybe its been quoted out of context in an unhelpful way? I've heard the verse 'Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life' (Prov 4:23) many, many times. Unfortunately, it was often in a context of covering or excusing other people's words and behaviour and laying  responsibility at the feet of the person who had potentially been hurt. For this reason I got to the point of almost 'eye-rolling' when I heard this verse - which I admit is a very poor response to the word of God! It really is the opposite of 'guarding your heart' ironically!

So as we approach Valentine's Day (and I have heart-themed stamps to play with!) I looked up 'heart' in the Bible and this verse came up. Instead of rolling my eyes, I decided to illustrate this in my Bible and meditate on this scripture in order to hear God's truth. The thing that I realised is that guarding our heart is not about not letting hurt or disappointment touch or affect us. It's not about being robots that don't feel pain or about ignoring the hurtful behaviour of others (which many times needs to be addressed). This scripture is encouraging us to guard our heart with the word of God (read the surrounding verses that talk about paying attention to the writer's words).

You see, when the word of God guards out heart, it will act as a filter for what goes in and what goes out. When hurt or disappointment comes to our heart, the word of God gives us God's perspective, grace and healing. When praise and success come our way, the word of God guards against pride and self-sufficiency. When lies are spoken into our ears and want to filter their way into our hearts, the word of God guards against their impact, holding up the shield of truth to deflect the darts of the enemy. So how do we guard our heart? Fill it up with the word of God! Saturate your heart in the Scriptures. Meditate and memorise God's truth.

I had fun creating a background with gelatos on this page, stamping and using alphabet stickers over the top to create the verse. I drew the red heart first, adding layers of colour around it in rainbow order, then blended the colours with clear gesso and my finger (messy but fun!). When this was dry I went back over the top with some more colour, blending it with my finger again over the background to intensify the colours.  I used the new Stamp of the Month, Filigree Hearts, as well as Happy Alpha and All Your Heart on this page.

Let's guard our hearts with the word of God and allow his truth to shield every part of our lives!

x Amy x

Get Wisdom

Hey friends!  It's been such a whirlwind of a summer, has it not!?

Chunky Lower Case Alpha

Wacky that we're already to August!  Even more amazing is the release for August at SweetnSassyStamps.com!  YAY!!

I've enjoyed the variety of what has become available.  We have a sweet new alpha that I'm using today, called, "Chunky Lower Case."  It's one of my favorites - I LOVE chunky fonts!  A couple months back, Korin also released a stamp set with textures, and the set I'm using for background interest is called, "Texture Tile 2."  VERY, VERY good set!  These with the printable bundle, made by our very own Diane Noble, made the page you see up top. 

Words of Wisdom Printable Bundle

When the "Words of Wisdom" printable was created for this month's release, I was excited.  Nervous, and excited.  Why nervous?  Because whenever I ask God for Wisdom, I'm faced with the responsibility to act wisely.  Makes sense doesn't it?  When my kids ask for a drink of water and I give it to them, isn't the expectation that they will drink it?  Hmmm….

I think God does the same with His kids.  When we ask for wisdom, knowing that He will give it to us liberally and without reproach (James 1:5), we can expect He would like us to utilize it.   I know sometimes I have the correct and wisest course of action in front of me, and I can still choose to NOT follow through.  Why in the world would I want to do that?  Why would I ask God for His abundant wisdom, but not apply it? 

Maybe it's that I'm selfish and merely want my way anyway; but as much as that can be true, I think I forget too, that wisdom is a precious thing - a treasure!

The scriptures of Proverbs 8 and 9 leave an impression that wisdom is your best and closest Friend.  They seriously - and with great detail - depict wisdom as a person - of a feminine nature, no less!  Wisdom is something that possesses personality, opinion, and will!  And, it's something with whom God wants us to become very familiar. 

I think of older people - "seasoned" ladies and gents - when I think of wisdom.  There is value to having lived a substantial amount of life.  It's why God says children need to listen to their parents!  As faulty and imperfect as we are, children are supposed to look to us for wisdom in certain things.  Yikes!

But further still, I feel like wisdom is "out of reach."  Sometimes, I just feel like I don't need to seek His wisdom because I would not handle it rightly.  Listen: God doesn't give us wisdom contingent on our being able to handle it rightly; He gives it to us because it's our lifeline to making EVERY LITTLE DECISION of life!  And it's one that He hands over to the one who seeks it - even me!

Anyone at ANY time can gain this wisdom that was with God "ages ago." (v. 23)  I love how Proverbs 8 explains Wisdom's presence WITH God in the beginning.  Above all else, Wisdom handled the matter of creation alongside God.  God utilized Wisdom in all His decisions, creations and dealings with man as well.  He used Wisdom to make man, heal man, and win man!  What's more, God gives us this very notable, valuable gift of Wisdom to connect us to Himself!
"The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."  (9:10)  WOW!

This I love beyond all else.  God gives us an idea of how to become wise (living in reverential awe and worship of Him), so that He may have relationship with us!  WHAT AN AMAZING GOD!  Why?  Why would He want so badly to be in communion with us?  The answer is in the beginning - back where wisdom was with God - when the good Lord created man in His image, to bear His light and life!  He wants us for His glory. 

It seems weird to think that wisdom brings us closer to God, doesn't it?  But becoming wise, is not just about being smart or having an intellect; the act of becoming wise means that you have just entered into a full encounter with God Almighty, and He's ready to infuse you with this incredible gift!  

SO YES!  GET WISDOM!  Get Wisdom, and get close to God!  Get as close as you possibly can to God!

I want this Wisdom.  I have BFF's but THIS one, I need more than anything!  Yes, LORD!  Give me Wisdom!

Much love,

Deeds

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.

Chosen and Loved...

Hi friends,

I have been reading through the Bible using a chronological reading plan this year, and some parts can be really challenging! One book that can sometimes be a bit tough to read is Deuteronomy, partially because it includes a lot of repetition from Exodus and Numbers, and also because there are a lot of laws given that we struggle to relate to everyday life in the 21st century. Nevertheless, I want to encourage you to persevere and pray as you read, asking for God to bring revelation to you as you study His Word. Sometimes there is just one verse that jumps out from the page and into your heart, as God reveals something of Himself to you. This happened to me as I was reading through Deuteronomy 7 and noticed verses 7-8...

 

“The Lord had his heart set on you and chose you, not because you were more numerous than all peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.  But because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your fathers, he brought you out with a strong hand and redeemed you from the place of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt."

What a beautiful picture of God's saving grace! God didn't choose us because we were well behaved or intelligent or gifted... He chose us because He set His heart on us and loves us. And guess what? That will never change! Romans 8:38-39 assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

I really enjoyed creating this page and meditating on the awesome truth of these words. I used a few different stamp sets for this, and wanted to show you how to stretch your stamps further by selectively inking some of the words. I used Hello My Name Is for the words chose and loves but these words do not appear exactly like this in the stamp set:

I took a few photos of the process so you can see how it's done:

The beauty of the high quality clear stamps from Sweet 'n Sassy is that you can choose to ink only portions of the stamp. In this case I left off the 'n' from chosen, and the 'd' from loved. I then inked just the 's' from saved and stamped this at the end of love, joining up the letters with a Micron pen. I encourage you to look at your stamps and see how you can stretch them to create different or new words - there are so many possibilities!

Here are the other sets I used on this page:

       

 

May your heart be encouraged today as you meditate on the fact that God set His heart on you and chose you because He loves you.

x Amy x