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Sunday, April 17, 2011

Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge 85. . . Matthew 16:23



Happy Sunday stampers! It is time for another challenge from Stampin' Sisters in Christ. This week's sponsor is Designed to Delight and one randomly selected participant posting their card on the home page will win a $10 gift certificate to that store. I am the hostess this week and I selected this verse from Matthew 16:23 "Jesus turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me satan!'" My challenge is for you to create a background on your card using tone on tone, either versamark on cardstock or purple on purple, brown on brown, etc. Please go to the main page for Stampin Sisters in Christ to see the gorgeous creations by the rest of the design team. My devotional is as follows:


Get thee behind me Satan. . .

Interesting choice of words to use with a follower, with a friend. Yet these are the words Jesus used with Peter when Peter pulled Jesus aside to admonish him for in the previous passages laying out the plan of salvation. Now it is true that Jesus would have to suffer and die on the cross and we don’t know the level of Peter’s shock or denial when he heard of this future suffering. We do know the reason Jesus said those words to Peter because of the statement immediately following, “for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Peter was trying to stand in the way of God’s plans. Lately this passage has been much on my mind, not only because Easter is approaching, but also because of personal challenges to get out of the way and let God’s will work in my life and those of my family members.

As just one example, my son feels led to enter the mission field, specifically feeling called to go to a remote part of the globe to help spread the gospel. I love my son and I’m proud of him for following God’s call. My mother’s heart, however, keys in on the word “remote.” And my vivid imagination has no trouble at all conjuring up poisonous vipers laced in every tree branch just waiting to drop down and bite him. Not to mention wondering when I’d see him again.

That’s just one example of where my quivering jellyfish insides worries about the what ifs, where I’m thinking of my agenda, of “the things of men” rather than being mindful of the things of God.

So what do I need to do? Support him, pray, trust God, and not pluck at my son’s sleeve telling him what a mistake he’s making, the way Peter tried to do with Jesus.

How often do we do that, even just in our thought life? A friend announces their intention to try foster care, to adopt an older child, to start their own business, or to downsize so they can serve the Lord better and what is our response? How often is it negative or instantly filled with doubts, with what-if scenarios? If the Lord truly is calling them to do these things, then our response should be to remember Jesus’ words, “Get thee behind me Satan.” Get out of the way. Let God work. And better yet, get on our knees to pray for their endeavors and look for any ways we can help.

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Thanks for looking and hope you can play along this week.

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Turning a New Leaf, Waltzingmouse Stamps (sentiment), Layers of Color (flowers)
Paper: pink pirouette, cream
Ink: versamark, black
Other: ribbon, watercolor brush, reinkers

In the category of exciting news:
Lisa, our dear SSIC sister and owner of a brand new on line store, The Crafts Meow, just announced that the talented Nina Brackett will be designing stamps for The Crafts Meow, and that Alice Wertz and Sarah Martina Parker will be joining TCM as kit designers.

Lisa has created a Facebook Page! For every 100 fans by April 30th, she will be giving away a set of the four new stamp sets that were designed by Nina and will be released on May 1st! So click on over to facebook and become a fan! Thanks Lisa for your generosity!

17 comments:

Wendy M said...

Beautiful card Peggysue... Your words come straight from the heart and are a real challenge to me.

Grace said...

Oh Peggysue... wonderful on both counts! Your devotional is spot on and so true... and if we're honest I think we all struggle in this area! Thanks for the reminder this special week! Your card is gorgeous!!! LOVE the shadow box and the LOC images are sooo pretty cut out and framing your oval. Your tone on tone really shows up great! I love this!!! Have a wonderful week!
hugs,
Grace

Jennie said...

This is beautiful Peggysue! Love the soft colors and the open oval design. Thank you for your devotional, I think we all struggle with this...our flesh is so weak and we see limitations where HE sees opportunities for even greater things than we can imagine.

Becky said...

Peggysue, this is stunning girl! I love how you did the leaves in versamark and those flowers are beautiful as well as that butterfly.
Your devotional was really inspiring this morning, it is something I have been talking about for the past 2 days, God's will!
Hugs :)

Miesje said...

WOW - twofold! Love your card and the devotional is so perfect for this week. I can imagine how your feelings are proud of you son and a little worried too. Your personalizing of this devotion is right on and understandable. Thanks for sharing yourself so wonderfully. Have a great week!

Kristine said...

Beautiful shadowbox card Peggysue! And I love your devotional. I admit I was wonering where you were going witth this Scripture, since I didn't get time to read the whole context. I see now and it all makes perfect sense. Wonderful thoughts on the verse.

Matthew 6:27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Hugs,
kris

Carol's Ink Spot said...

Gorgeous! So pretty with all the pink and the lovely butterfly. And I love your devotional this Sunday. How true it is! Thanks for your insight on this. Good luck to your son!

Laura Kirste Campbell said...

Lovely card, Peggysuez!

Chris Olsen, Glowbug said...

Wow!This is stunning!I love the colors and all the details!
Chris

@JoyceCasaldi said...

Very pretty PS!
I need to do the same thing with the dd, my husband is so much better at that.

Elizabeth said...

Peggysue, this is a beautiful card.

Misti said...

Beautiful card, Peggysue!! And I thank you so much for the words of your devotional. I am going to print them & put them in my Bible!

Dell said...

Peggysue, I know you have got to be so very proud of your son! What a compelling message in your post. Interesting how I have been reading scripture in the Bible that focuses on what we should pray for. You are so right about the negativity that people assert when someone decides to do something extraordinary. Instead of having our glass half empty it should be not only be half full but bubbling over when we have Christ as the center of our lives. You are correct in that you should support and pray for him and his decision. I will keep both of you in my prayers as well.

Now on to the card! Well, what can I say about your work but just simply stunning as always! You simply amaze me with your creativity. I wish we were neighbors....

MariLynn said...

Great thoughts in your devotinal. I love how you used the LOC flowers. Have a blessed week!

Lovely Linda said...

Hello Peggysue - your art and your heart' and perfect for this weeks challenge - thank you for sharing both Sistah! I always appreciate the things you share from the heart! I love the Shadowbox Card - it is divine and love seeing the Layers of Color Merci Bouquet flowers - they are so pretty and such a perfect choice! Thanks for sharing and inspiring my friend! {{{hugs}}}

Sabrina Jackson said...

Peggysue, what a beautiful devotional...I needed it on Sunday when I first read it, but more so today...Thank You!!! Your card is absolutely stunning in every sense of the word! Hugs and blessings, Sabrina

Stephanie said...

What a breathtaking card! Love, love, love it!! Definitely going to be CASEing this one.

All the best to your son.