It is a cold winter's day as I write this post, both outside and in my heart. The terrible events of Friday have chilled me to my very bone. I have heard the word "evil" used repeatedly in the last 48 hours. Scripture says...
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12
This very card was on my craft table waiting to be photographed and blogged...
I created this card with a couple of challenges in mind including The Shabby Tea Room and Mojo Monday. I opted to use some blossoms on this winter card to symbolize how God's spirit can warm even the darkest of nights. No matter the depth of evil, God is there. He can shine his warmth into the darkest of places.
There is a die cut panel nestled under the sentiment panel with a bit of ecru holly. The stamps are by Our Daily Bread Designs and may be found in their December release. Thanks for stopping in!
Card Recipe
Stamps - Our Daily Bread Designs - Snowflake Mini Set, Snowflake Sentiments
Paper - The Paper Studio, Carta Bella Beautiful Moments, Bazzill, My Mind's Eye Merry, The Paper Studio Old World Winter
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black
Dies/Punches - MS Craft Punches, Spellbinder Holly Motifs
Blossoms - Inspired To Stamp, Stash, Offray
Misc. - Tim Holtz Tinsel Twine
Challenges
Mojo Monday - MOJO271
A few additional thoughts...
Do we live in a broken and dying world? Yes.
Why is the world this way?
We live in a fallen world. Before Adam's rebellion, the world was perfect. God made it that way... no death, no illness, NO SIN... When Adam and Eve chose to disobey God, they were cast out for fear they would eat fruit from the tree of life. The fruit would allow them to live forever. God loved his creation so much that he knew it was impossible for them to live forever in such a broken form. He made a way.
Well, I'm a good person. I give money to charities and help my neighbors. I don't really sin... I follow the ten commandments as best I can. I haven't done anything that bad....
Being a "good person" won't cut it. You can follow all of the commandments, follow the golden rule and still not be "good enough." Sin is sin and according to God's law deserves corporal punishment.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23
I know I am a sinner. I want to be right with God. I want to know I will go to Heaven if something happens to me. What do I do?
It starts with you.
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13
It's that easy. Admit that you are a sinner. Know that you will never be "good enough." God loved us so much that he created a way for us to be redeemed. He sent his son, Jesus, to die for our sins. He suffered a horrible punishment, one that you and I deserved. But it doesn't end there. Christ defeated death by rising from the grave on the 3rd day. He overcame the Devil and made a way for us to be with our heavenly Father eternally. CONFESS that you are a sinner and accept Jesus as your Savior.
Thank you for allowing me to share my heart today! Hugs and blessings...
8 comments:
Thank you so much! Not only for the beautiful card, but for the wonderful lesson in faith, humility and the opportunity and blessing our heavenly Father has given us for redemption through Jesus Christ! I too have had a heavy heart after the horrifying events of last week. Praise the Lord that there is HOPE in HIM! :) Bless you.
Just gorgeous, Lori. Your cards are not only beautiful, but SO uplifting. Thanks for sharing this - it reall is lovely!
Karen
Lori, thank you for your encouraging post and for sharing the only hope that there is for this world and the next: the Gospel, the Good News of our Savior, whose incarnation we celebrate at this time of year. . . thank you for the visual reminder in your gorgeous card. Powerful message and may the Lord use to bring light into this present darkness. . .for His glory! Hugs and blessings!
Gorgeous work, Lori! Thank you for your powerful words of faith and encouragement. Have a blessed Christmas!
Such a beautiful card.
Thanks for sharing it with us in the Tea Room this week:)
Lori- there are no accidents or coincidences. The Lord, who works in even the smallest details, had a plan for your post. As my heart has broken for those families, it is this good news that I have prayed for them in the hours and days since. Thank you for being obedient and sharing/reminding us of the good news which has already conquered.
pretty!
Just looking through your blog and enjoying all the lovely cards! I had to comment on this particular stunning card and the message with it. Yes, very sad hearts due to what happened that day. And, I truly thank you for your meaningful uplifting message of faith! Take care, hugs!
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