Happy Sunday stampers! It is time for another challenge from Stampin' Sisters in Christ! This week's hostess is the lovely Linda, who has selected this verse from Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is there will your heart be also." Her challenge is 'Use something you treasure on your card - whether it be bling, flowers, something new or have been saving for a long time - show us your treasures!' And our sponsor this week is Simon Says Stamp. They are offering a stamp set to one randomly selected participant from this week's challenge. To read Linda's devotional and to see the fabulous creations by the rest of the design team, please check the home page here.
I have two photos to show you at the top, one of the card I made and one of the beautiful stash of lovely papers and the stamp that a blogger buddy of mine sent me from Japan when she was living there with her husband, stationed in the military. She has now moved to Alaska, but I know her heart is aching for the friends she made and the country she lived in for a time with the tragedies that have struck that country.
I chose these items for this week's challenge because I had never inked up this stamp. You can see the beautiful white rubber it was made of in the second photo. It was so detailed and pretty, part of me was afraid. Another part didn't want to cut into that pretty paper because if I use it, then it will be gone. Mmm hmmm. Wonder why Linda chose this challenge?
I hold on too tightly to some things that are pretty silly. My pride, what if I used that stamp and the card didn't turn out so well? Guess I treasure my own opinion of myself too much. My stamp goods . . . and if I DID use every scrap of paper that I own (not possible) so what? Isn't that the point? I treasure my possessions too much.
What a week to be reminded of what is truly precious in this life. As I was making this card my heart was aching for the people of Japan. Four passenger trains missing and most probably swept away by water. People buried under mudslides triggered by the earthquake and now a nuclear issue growing . . . how many lives were changed in an instant?
I treasure my friends. I need to let them know that more and silly things like pride and politics and possessions and little disagreements; I don't want them to get in the way of relationship. I treasure the person who sent me the beautiful gifts pictured above. I treasure my family, my children. But most of all, when as we've seen life can change in a moment, I treasure the eternity that is secured through faith in Jesus Christ. If I lost a family member in such a tragedy as we've seen on the news recently, I don't know how I'd respond, frankly, I know I'd be devastated. But my children have all placed their trust in Jesus Christ too and we know we'd see each other again one day.
Wishing you all a good week. Pray for your family. Pray for your friends. Pray for others around the globe as God lays them on your heart.
13 comments:
Hi Peggysue! What a gorgeous card! I love the image and wonderful papers... and loved reading your words today! In light of this week's news it's ever so relavant and a wonderful reminder!!! Have a blessed week!
hugs,
Grace
Good morning my sister!
This card is gorgeous. Love the image and papers. Wonderful insight on todays verse.
Have a fabulously blessed week.
Hugs. :)
We were definately on the same train of thought here Peggysue. Even with our cards... a li'l bit. But yours is sooo LOVELY!! I honestly would feel the same about inking up that beautiful stamp and the papers--but just think of how HAPPY and BLESSED someone will be to receive just a portion of the things you treasure!! They will treasure their card and your friendship even more because you shared from your heart. ♥
Gorgeous Gorgeous card! Have a wonderful day and week.
Oh my - so beautiful! I would also hesitate about cutting that paper and inking that white rubber. I agree that we (crafters) probably do "treasure" our stuff a bit too much! :-) Linda certainly was right on with this challenge! I treasure the friends I have made through SSIC! Have a wonderful week!
What a beautiful card!! I can see why you hesitate to cut that paper and ink up that rubber. I think a lot of crafters do the same thing. The recipient of this card will treasure this card using your "Treasured" things. I enjoyed reading your take on the scripture. Yes, our comfort is in Him even if we are devastated by loss.
Have a great Sunday!
hugs,
Chris
Peggysue, your card is breathtaking in every way!! The stamp you've used looks much like one of the castles/temples that you see a lot in Japan and the papers you've used are amazing, almost looks like pieces of a Kimono. Have a blessed week!! Hugs, Sabrina
Gorgeous card Peggysue! Reading your post is such a blessing. I so agree with you about prayer. Everytime I watch what the devestation in Japan my heart aches. Blessings to you and your words of encouragement.
Peggysue, my heart is still breaking for Japan. Everytime I hear the news about all who were lost, I grieve for thier souls. Your card is such a beautiful card. A great reminder not to take life for granted and not hoard for tomorrow that we aren't guarenteed. Such pretty paper. I can see why you were reluctant to use it.
Hey Peggysue!
It's so nice to be visiting again!! I thought of Siobhan as well while listening to the horrible tragedy in Japan, knowing that it must be tough on her. It is so sobering to think how things can change in that instant and how important it is to live your life accordingly.
Beautiful card - I'm so glad to be catching up :)
Aw Peggysue, you actually made me cry. :) My DH probably thinks I am crazy right now! LOL Anyway, it is touching how you used the paper and stamp for this. I have a ton of washi paper I have hoarded and I was just thinking now is the perfect time to use it. Thanks for the inspiration. :) Also, thanks for the prayers for Japan. One of our antique dealers was from Sendai and our contacts there have not been able to get in touch with him. I hope he and his family are in a shelter. I can picture his smiling face and remember vividly the kokeshi dolls and glass floats I bought from him. :(
Inspiring card and words. Our nephew and his wife who just went through the earthquake in Christchurch have family in Japan. Indeed our thoughts and priorities shift when we are reminded how thousands of lives can change in a few minutes.
Peggysue - what a beautiful card to share your earthly treasures on - and what beautiful words to remind us that they aren't where our hearts should be. So many lives have been touched recently by sorrow. And your thoughts for your friend made this tragic time so much more personal for me, reading this post! HUGS!
Your card is beautiful. I know I am guilty of hanging onto things far too long too. I am trying to be more aware of people that I know could use some cheer and sending them cards. I love reading these posts from you. I come away with something that I needed every single time. Thanks for the time and effort you put into writing them. The people of Japan are on my heart as well.
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