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Sunday, February 13, 2011

Stampin Sisters in Christ challenge 76 . . . K.I.S.S.


Happy Sunday stampers! It is time for another challenge from Stampin' Sisters in Christ. This week's hostess is Patii!!! Our sponsor is Simon Says stamp and you can read all about them and read Patti's devotional on our home page here. Her chosen verse for this week is from Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) "Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have, because God has said 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'" For Valentine's week she is challenging us to make a one layer card, Keep It Simple Sisters!

That verse is so rich in content. Keep your lives free from the love of money. As Valentine's Day approaches, think about it . . . can money buy you love? And if your primary love in life is money, will it bring you happiness?

I remember many years ago when my middle child was a toddler and I was a single parent, a group of us from church went on a 4th of July camping trip. It was great to be outdoors and the camaraderie and fellowship helped soothe our aching hearts; all of us had been abandoned by a spouse who sought greener pastures elsewhere. As we were having a devotional service and the kids were playing, my daughter, about three at the time, wandered through the field nearby and unprompted, carefully selected and picked individual flowers, one at a time. Then she would look at the group, come dancing back, and one by one, present a single stem to each of the people participating in the impromptu service. She didn't talk or interrupt, just presented her flower, then skipped back to find another.

It was a sweet touch of the Holy Spirit during that time and many in the group told me they kept those flowers pressed in their bibles for years afterwards. This card I made in remembrance of that day. You can't buy spontaneous acts of affection.

So what comfort to know that you don't have to buy the greatest love of all, in fact, that bill has been paid for you. Jesus Christ paid for it all on the cross and when you accept that gift, from that day forward you can carry those words in your heart at all times. "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you."

The world can reject you or forsake you. I've experienced that first hand. I'm sure there isn't a single person reading this post who hasn't been betrayed or rejected by someone, whether parent, spouse, coworker or friend. And no amount of money can fix those relational problems. No amount can buy a friend or the love of a spouse. But you can content yourself with God's wonderful promises and know that His love never fails.

Thanks for looking. Hope you can play along this week!

Stamps: Mark's Finest Papers Greet the Day with Gerber
Ink: black craft
Paper: white
Other: cuttlebug embossing folder, MFP yellow gingham ribbon, prismacolor pencils, gamsol, chalk, dew drops

15 comments:

Wendy m said...

Beautiful, fresh looking card - love it.

Aimes said...

This card makes me desperate for spring to arrive! Love the frame around your pretty flowers :)
Hugs,
Aimes
x

Chris Olsen, Glowbug said...

This is stunning Peggysue!! Love the yellow and white with the flower and the embossing!! Gorgeous! I can't wait for spring!!
Have a great day!!
hugs,
Chris

Grace said...

Oh Ps your story is so moving! Don't you love the thoughtfulness of a child? Your card is beautiful! I love how you created the illusion of a layer with your image! It's gorgeous!!! Loved reading your thoughts today too! Thanks for always inspiring me!!!
Have a wonderful week!
hugs,
Grace

Miesje said...

I loved reading that story! It made me remember a few of my own. Your card is amazing! It sure doesn't even look like a single layer - the way you did that is wonderful. A card that reminds me of spring coming for all my northern friends! Have a wonderful week!

Becky said...

Beautiful story Peggysue, I know I would have kept my flower too. Love your kiss card, beautiful colored and shaded.
hugs

Patti J said...

What a beautiful and happy card, Peggysue! And your story just so touched my heart - thank you for sharing it! Have a good week! Hugs...

Diane Jaquay said...

This is so pretty! I love the beautiful flowers and the gingham ribbon, makes me thing of summer!

The Mama Monkey said...

BEAUTIFUL cas card! I love the ribbon and how you used it to set off those glorious flowers!

Sharron said...

What a wonderful fresh, spring-like card! The flowers are beautiful and I love the touch of embossing hiding behind the gingham ribbon!

Angy said...

Great thoughts Peggysue ~ isn't it so comforting to know that God will NEVER leave NOR forsake us. I for one and so thankful.

Beautiful card as well. That bow is just amazing!

Terri said...

Very pretty, Love the gingham ribbon and the memory of your daughter too.

Lovely Linda said...

Hello Peggysue - what a gorgeous card and so much moreso because of the inspiration that is behind it! Your worlds are lovely my friend and so is your CAS card! you are amazing at all you do! Thank you for inspiring Peggysue! {{{hugs}}}

Nerina said...

Oh so delicately beautiful! I love the way you've left the ribbon to drape and the soft focus of the oval around your floral image! This is gorgeous!

Patricia Garcia said...

Beautiful card, reminds me of Spring! Love the image and the Gingham ribbon!

Hugs,
Patricia