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Sunday, March 7, 2010

Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge 29 . . . Joy


Happy Sunday stampers! It is time for another challenge this week from Stampin' Sisters in Christ and this week I am the hostess. I chose for my verse
Isaiah 12:6 "Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you."

My challenge is to create a card that displays joy or joyfulness.

This verse might seem like an odd selection for today; there has been very little joy in many parts of the world lately. Earthquakes, war, tsunamis, unemployment, foreclosures, deadly storms . . . there is no shortage of trouble in the news. Looking closer to home, is there trouble under your own roof, in your own heart? My husband said himself this was an odd week for my challenge verse to post because it has been very challenging personally. Nothing super serious, just unpleasant people where I had to set boundaries, and I HATE setting boundaries. I do doormat so much better than assertive. Challenges with finances, challenges with children, family, work . . . nothing out of the ordinary for most families but just a drag on my happiness quotient.

Therein lies the difference. Happiness is distinctly different from joy. Happiness is earthly bound, joy is from the Lord.

This verse serves to remind us that our joy should not be based on our emotions, circumstances or events. Our joy is based on who our God is. The verse tells the people of Israel to shout aloud and sing for joy, why? "For great is the Holy One of Israel among you." We serve a great God, mighty and awesome in power. He is the Holy One of Israel, holy or set apart, unique, distinct. There is none like Him.

If you're having trouble getting to the shouting aloud part, sing out loud instead. Turn on the radio or pop in a favorite worship CD and sing, sing, sing while you work and feel the joy start to fill your soul.

Whenever I hear that verse, inside my head Darlene Zschech is saying it in her Australian accent. I was privileged to hear her perform live years ago at Willow Creek Community Church, bought the worship tape and played it and played it in my car until I wore it out. There is nothing like a good worship tape or CD to put you in a joyful mood. I might not be happy, but my joy is in the Lord.

Stamps: Inky Antics
Paper: white, random pieces of DP, watercolor paper, lemon tart
Ink: black
Other: Lemon tart satin ribbon, koh-i-noor pencils, gamsol, prima flowers, stickles

19 comments:

Karen Lynn said...

Yay! I am the first to post!! The card is perfect! He looks so happy and content! Maybe we should pair him with my Dotty!! BWAHAHA!!

Traci M said...

Yay! I am the second to post!!
I have this froggie, he is so cute, in fact you gave me an image and then I liked it so much I went and bought it.
Anyway, your card is full of joy and I love what you said...I do have much joy in my heart even when my present surroundings may be tainted with the sorrows of this world! Thanks Peggysue!

Becky said...

This is just so adorable. Perfect for this challenge

Laurie said...

Thanks, Peggysue, for a great challenge this week. I needed that reminder! I LOVE your card. I've been trying to get a clear set of frogs by Penny Black, but whenever I have money the store doesnt have the set! Ya think God's tryin' to tell me something? :-D Hugs, Laurie

Stephanie said...

great take on the challenge, Peggysue! It was nice to catch up after a busy week...your posts & projects always make me smile :)

Carol's Ink Spot said...

Very cute card. Your frog does look 'joyful'!

Sharron said...

SO CUTE! Love your little frog--he seems to radiant joy! Great happy colors too!

Terri said...

Great job. Definitely a very happy card. That frog is super cute.

Lori said...

Too cute Peggysue!!! Puts a great big smile on my face!! :)

Angela Toucan said...

fabby frog! and love the flowers you added
wonderful inspiring challenge this week, thank you

Gina Lindsay said...

Great words of wisdom. You always have words that I need to read. Love the card too, that frog is too cute!

Cammie said...

My first thought when I saw this card was "This little frog makes me happy." Such a delightful little lift early in the morning. Thank you! I hope this week is better for you.

Marinette-Scraptherapie said...

ta carte sent bon le printemps, elle me réchauffe, bravo

Natalie said...

That frog is so adorable and made me smile!! Thanks for spreading the joy! Love your card design!

Crystal said...

What an encouraging challenge this week, PeggySue ! Thank you for that! I love reading your post and wish you ABUNDANT joy in spite of all that's around you. Hugs !

The Mama Monkey said...

Hey PS! You have been busy while I was away...on the beach! I can related to your desire for spring. We are getting dumped on now...up to 18 inches and counting. Kids got a snow day, thankfully!

Your projects have all been sooo pretty! I really like that snowflake card in the post below! And this card is beautiful, from the colors to the joyful frog!!

Dell said...

This frog just screams springy fun! You did a fantastic job with this card.

Marlene (cards4u) said...

This card put a smile on my face as soon as I saw it!! What a great image image and your coloring is wonderful!

Helen said...

So joyful! I love your bright colors and that frog makes me smile! Awesome!