Tuesday, February 28, 2012

CLD Challenge 17 ~ Our Refuge & Strength

I have a wonderful story to share. And if you aren't a dog lover or simply stopped by to see a card please scroll down. Otherwise, continue reading.

I received an email recently from a couple who purchased a St. Bernard puppy from us several months back. They took their lovely "little" fellow home and named him Zeus. As we all know St. Bernards can get pretty big... (so big names are a common theme...) Zeus settled in to life on the farm quite nicely. He even had two little friends to play with, a couple of lovable beagles, named Molly and Sadie.

One morning Molly and Sadie were out following the trail of some interesting prey... possibly a wandering rabbit or raccoon... While in hot pursuit of the imagined intruder, Molly wandered out onto a farm pond, frozen over from the cold weather. The weather had been fairly mild up to this point so said pond was not truly frozen over. Poor Molly plummeted into the cold, murky water. Molly is a beagle and as many of you know, Beagles are not known for being long of leg. And try as she might, poor Molly could not make it out of the pond. Molly became frantic as did her buddy Sadie. The noise brought their owners out of the house to see what all the commotion was about.

The couple knew there was nothing they could do to save their beloved beagle. It was clear she was panicking and instead of treading water was getting weaker and weaker. Unbeknownst to them, Zeus had pushed the screen door open and as soon as he heard Sadie's mournful barks and Molly's squeaks he was pond bound. Zeus was always good at minding his owners' commands when given. But try as they might, he would not heed. He hurtled at a barely frozen pond... all 100 pounds of him...

Now here is where the story gets amazing my friends. I know that Saints were bred for rescue. I don't know if instinct kicked in. Or maybe fear for and love of his little friend took over... Zeus jumped in that pond, gingerly grabbed a frozen Molly by the scruff of the neck and swam to shore. He gently deposited her on the bank and then placed his body daintily over hers as if to warm her up. Thankfully Molly, Sadie and Zeus are perfectly fine now! I suspect Zeus received a few extra dog biscuits that week! But that story brings to mind this scripture...

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Such a wonderful example as shown by another one of God's creatures! It was just too wonderful a "tail" to NOT share... Blessings...

Now on to this week's card...



The background is white card stock that I sponged with a light blue ink to resemble clouds. I then placed the black die cut frame (Cheery Lynn Designs) on it to resemble wrought iron. The sunflower is a Spellbinders die and the cute lady bug? A repurposed thumb tack.... Thanks for reading and until next time...

Supplies

Stamps - Our Daily Bread Designs - Light of the World
Paper - Colorbok, Bazzill
Ink - Memento Summer Sky (sky background behind frame die), Versafine Onyx Black
Dies - Spellbinders Labels One & Sunflower Set Two, Cheery Lynn Designs Cathedral
Lace Frame

Accessories - Lady Bug Thumb Tack

Challenges

Cheery Lynn Designs Challenge 17 - Lots of Layers

20 comments:

Rosemary said...

another fabulous card, lori!! thanks for sharing zeus' story! it brought some tears to my eyes!!

Kim said...

Great card and amazing story! Good job Zeus!

Paper Sewn Visions said...

Very beautiful card. Thank you for sharing such an amazing story.

Unknown said...

I was just looking at the other entries from the Cheery Lynn challenge, and saw that your card has the same Bible verse as mine (although mine is a different mfg.) Ever get the feeling God is telling us something! Very pretty card and very encouraging.
hugs,
Gini

Celeste Glover said...

What a lovely story. And what a lovely card too! Thanks for joining in the fun at Cheery Lynn Designs.

Kathy Ethington said...

What a great card, and the tail of Zeus is fabulous. I am a big dog lover!

Bon Bob’s Delights said...

What a heart touching story! Pretty card!! Good luck and thank you for joining us at Cheery Lynn Designs.

Tam said...

awwww!
Nice - that's quite a detailed die!

Grace said...

Oh Lori I came to tell you how much I love your card... but then I read your story and love that even more!!! What an incredible "tail"! God does put amazing instincts in His creatures! Just gives me goose bumps! Hard to believe it's still winter some places since we are so warm down here! No ice or snow this year! Thanks for sharing this great story!!!
hugs,
Grace

Angella D. Crockett said...

Lori, thanks so much for sharing this story...wow, how awesome!!! Your card is super gorgeous too, btw!! Hugs!! Angie

Suzanne C said...

A touching tail. So glad they all were safe and sound. Lovely card! The flower is so happy and cheery with the little ladybug!

Sandee Shanabrough said...

Oh Lori! What an amazing story! Had me in tears!

Dawn said...

awwwwww, sniff sniff

Francie G. said...

Beautiful card and beautiful story! So glad you shared the story!

Kathy said...

Beautiful card, Lori, love your flower! Awesome story, way to go Zeus!

Julie- justwritedesigns said...

Oh my, Lori! What an amazing story! Quick get the kleenex! Thanks so much for sharing!

Joy said...

What a lovely story! And a great card too.

Jan Marie said...

So amazing . .what a hero!! Love your application and transition to the One who has rescued us from a situation even more perilous than little Molly faced. . .and will rescue any other who trusts in Him!! Thank you for turning our meditations to the Lord Jesus Christ! Blessings and hugs!

Kianel said...

Gorgeous work!
Tahnks for joining us at Cheery Lynn designs challenge this week!
Love from France, Kianel.

Donna said...

What a wonderful story of Zeus and his amazing rescue of Molly. I love the black against the white, these doily frames are perfect for this. Thank you for playing along with Cheery Lynn Designs this week.
hugs
Donna xx

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