Sunday, January 23, 2011

Just Saying Hi

A blessed Sunday to you! This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Our challenge hostess this week at Stampin' Sisters in Christ is Lovely Linda Lucas! She has chosen as her inspiration scripture Jeremiah 31:3, "The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Her challenge is to make a vintage style card/project.

God's love is everlasting and unconditional. That's hard for many of us to understand, especially those who have never really experienced unconditional love. Most children are raised to think they need to behave a certain way in order to be loved, and oftentimes parents don't even realize that this is the message they are sending. Many of us have become estranged from someone who was "supposed" to love us unconditionally. And we all know that if we don't behave a certain way... or should I say, we go too far... we will likely lose the love of friends, spouses and family members. No wonder it's hard for our human minds to grasp this concept of everlasting and unconditional love.

But God's everlasting and unconditional love IS there for each of us, my friends. Most assuredly. All sin which separated us from God was washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ. This doesn't give us a free ticket to sin with abandon, but it does give us salvation and assurance of life everlasting if we only reach out and accept God's love and have faith in his promises. It's when the going gets tough that it's the most important for us to remember this.

God loves you and he isn't the one doing bad things to you, but he very much wants to help you get through whatever it is that you are experiencing. Trust in this. Believe in this. Reach out for the peace that passes all understanding. It really does make a difference. I promise.

I hope you'll join us for this week's challenge! Designed 2 Delight is our sponsor. Be sure to pop over to the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog to see all the lovely creations by the rest of the design team and to read Linda's devotional on her scripture choice. You will be blessed!

My card features images from one of the new Hero Arts stamp sets, Just Saying Hi. I love the old-fashioned telephones. It's hard to see in the picture, but I used Ranger's Distress Crackle Paint in Clear Rock Candy over the image. The patterned paper is by Echo Park (love it!), which I distressed with an edge tool and sanding block. The flower is by Prima.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a blessed day my friends!


8 comments:

Grace said...

Hi Lisa! Oh I love your card! I remeber phones like this!!! I even remember being on a party line... where we had to listen to the right ring sequence before we knew if the ringing phone was for us! Great vintage card my friend, and even greater are your words today! What an amazing thing to be loved with unconditional love by the everlasting God! Have a wonderful week!
hugs,
Grace

Miesje said...

I remember those phones too (gee, should we be sharing that?) :-) I really like you reflection. You have a gift for using words perfectly to express what is in you heart! So glad that you are able to share that with so many! Have a wonderful week dear Lisa!

Brenda said...

I love this card!!! Super cute!

Chris Olsen, Glowbug said...

Aw....you played along this week and I missed it!! Boo hoo!! I have enjoyed seeing everyone's creations though. Love that image...so perfect for vintage!! Gorgeous design. I enjoyed your words as well. There is no greater joy than to have the Love of the Father.
hugs,
Chris
Have a great week!

Unknown said...

You know, I wish we had a phone still that looked like this. I think they are so cool! Is it long enough in the past that they could be considered cool again? Trendy? I think it was God's timing that I didn't have a chance to visit blogs from last Sunday until tonight. This was one of those weeks that family of origin really hurt the heart, and I had to remind myself over and over that God's love is the only thing that counts. Its great to read all the thoughts you shared, it helps.

Lovely Linda said...

Oh Lisa - it is always like having a breath of fresh air to come and visit your Blog! I love your card - that image ais divine and the sheet music perfect! Love it! Your words are also wonderful - thank God for His unconditional love! {{{hugs}}}

Alice said...

this is so pretty, Lisa! love the chic colors and design!

Jen said...

Love this card and your insight in the scripture!