Happy Sunday stampers! It is time for another challenge from Stampin' Sisters in Christ!
This week's hostess is the talented and lovely Grace, who selected this verse from John 3:3o "He must increase and I must decrease."
Her challenge is to make a CAS card if you need to decrease and a more embellished card if Christ in your life needs to increase, or, you can do both. Our sponsor this week is Simon Says Stamp! And you can read Grace's thoughts on her chosen verse on the home page for Stampin' Sisters in Christ right here.
I am sorry to have missed last week's challenge. We had a death in the family and were out of town for over a week. Then, just this week a dear friend of mine lost her husband. Every day this week all I could think about were the families I know who have lost loved ones and will sorely miss their presence in the days, weeks and years to come.
Yet each of these people who have gone home had expressed firm belief in the sovereignty of Jesus Christ and their families have no doubts that they will see them again. There is much comfort in that knowledge.
Before I started working on Grace's challenge, because of the events of the past two weeks, my thoughts already were turning to. . .how am I helping others? Am I reaching out as effectively as I can or could I do more? I can if I decrease and allow Christ to increase in my life.
And its those little two- and three-letter words that can really trip you up to prevent you from achieving this goal.
'if'-- If is conditional, it has strings attached, whereas Christ had no strings attached to his love--just accept His sacrifice on the cross and the gift of eternal life is yours.
'my' -- My is a possessive when nothing in this life is really mine. "My' time, 'my' possessions, 'my' next breath--they all belong to Him. How does God want me to use the gifts, talents, time and space that He has given?
'but' -- Just add water and you get instant selfishness . . . I'd forgive him but. . . I'd go visit her but . . .I'd donate that gift but . . . I'd volunteer for that but . . .
I'm sure you can think of more.
CAS . . . I must decrease. More elaborate . . . He must increase. More of Christ in my life means more of life lived more abundantly, because the life lived in Christ is abundant with eternal riches. Who wouldn't trade those eternal riches for a few small, short mys, but or ifs?
Wishing you a blessed week and hoping you can play along.
19 comments:
What a beautifully written post Peggysue and so true. To be rich is to be rich in Christ!! I love both of your cards with the black and white and the texture. The verse you chose is perfect. I love the ruffled ribbon on your second card.
hugs,
Chris
Oh Peggysue I just love your cards.... beautiful examples!!! Love the white space! Pure beauty! I so appreciate your words today! I love how each one expounds still more on the verses selected for the week and how blessed we are by reading! I hope your week will be one of relishing God's glory as you move through this next big thing on your plate! Hugs and prayers,
Grace
Amen my dear sister. To be full with Christ is worth it all.
What a beautiful card for such a sad occasion. Have a great week (Hugs) :)
Beautiful and elegant describe both your cards. Hoping this week is a good one for you.
Love your CAS style Peggysue - so very pretty!
I'm sorry to hear things have been tough recently...sending you positive vibes and cyber hugs in the hope things improve!
Hugs,
Aimes
x
As always PS, your cards are beautiful!!!
Peggysue that was so well written! Your words spoke clear and true right to my heart. I love the cards - both of them! I hope you have a week that gives you some peace.
A beautiful devotional, thanks for sharing and you cards are beautiful also.
I love both of your cards...but that top one is my personal favorite!
Sorry to hear of your recent losses.
Beautiful cards!! Your skills amaze me.
Beautiful card and so very elegant. So sorry to hear about your loss and your friends too.
Hello Peggysue - there is always a treat for the eyes here and food for the soul! I love your thoughts this week and those gorgeous cards - you are such an elegant card maker my friend! Gorgeous (and the cards are too! LOL!) Thanks for sharing! {{{hugs}}}
Peggysue, I love your cards--so elegant in black and white! And the pearls and other added touches on the second are so lovely. I am so sorry to hear of the sad times you have been dealing with and hope things get better soon. My thoughts are with you. Sending HUGS!!
Beautiful cards. I am so sorry to hear about the people passing in your life. I am glad you have found comfort in your faith though. I hope this week has been better for you.
What a lovely post and lovely cards. You are certainly increasing my awareness of the grace God provides us when we give our troubles to Him.
Peggysue, WOW. Your cards are superb. I also want to thank you for the beautiful card that you sent me and I pray for you daily. God is faithful girlfriend. I miss you. Much love and many hugs.
Peggysue, I just run unto your blog and I truly agree with what you said! I am a believer in Jesus Christ also and totally agree that ALL we have is a gift from Him!!! Your cards are VERY pretty! I am just trying to learn how to do this. Keep creating for HIM!
Love the cards. I am sorry for the loss!
wonderful post. I love the card and I think the CAS look is perfect for sympathy cards. Sorry you have had to deal with the passing of family and friends recently. I just want you to know that your posts that you write to go along with these challenges really inspire me. I usually come back to read them a couple of times, just to make sure that I didn't miss anything I needed to learn. My husband and I have been spending a lot of time discussing that "if" word. Such a tiny little word, but it can have such an effect on our lives--depending if we are willing to take the risk or if we let it hold us back.
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