Sunday, February 13, 2011

Happy Sunday!

I am honored to be your Stampin Sisters in Christ hostess today. I'm not a very good public speaker, and always get so nervous when it is my turn! I chose today's scripture for several reasons. Mainly, because it is one of my favorite verses! I find that I must repeat it to myself quite often!


Head over to the Stampin Sisters in Christ Blog to see some gorgeous inspiration from my stampin sisters! You can visit them at their personal blogs, as well: Chris, Linda, Peggysue, Miesje, Rebekka, Lisa, Grace, Randi (on leave)






The scripture that I've chosen this week is: "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." ~Hebrews 13:5


As it is Valentine's week, my challenge to you this week is to make a KISS card...Keep It Simple Sisters! Let's make a one-layer card!



Our sponsor this week is Simon Says Stamp. They are back again with another wonderful prize for one special participant, and we appreciate their support!



My card today is one layer. I sort of cased it from Susan Rahalia (thanks, Susan!).

Supplies used: Nestie tag center for oval shape, Tim Holtz Stormy Sky Distress Ink, Silver Spica Glitter Pen, Prismacolor pencil and LOMS for lampshade, sentiment from The Angel Company


Just before the holidays, I 'met' a lady on one of the crafting community sites. She is a beginning stamper. She has no blog, very limited supplies, and very little knowledge or confidence in what she is doing. She is also very limited financially. She had commented on something that I had posted. After emailing her a time or two, and learning of her limited resources, I immediately mailed her my stamp, acrylic block, and completed sample of the item she wanted to create. She was awed that I would send my supplies to a stranger. As a beginning stamper, she had not yet experienced the 'family' that we all become. At the same time, I was reminded of that day a few years ago, when every single one of my stamping supplies would fit in a single shoebox, and now I am envious of folks with entire craft rooms!



I often wonder why is it that even though we have as much as we do, we never seem to have enough? If we have a little money, we want more. If our car is nice, we want a nicer and newer car. If we have several stamps, we want several more. I believe that this verse is saying that God wants us to be content with what we have, AND to thank him for it. I know that whatever I have, I only have because of God's trust in me to have it.



I know I'm not the only one feeling financially burdened right now. Lately, I have heard fellow crafters speak of selling the stamps that they have in order to buy more stamps or supplies. Some of my good blogging friends are seeking budgeting solutions that might allow them to purchase more craft items. How is it that we can seek 'more', and seek 'contentment' at the same time?



I believe that contentment is that 'thing' we feel in our hearts when we take time to think about God's presence in, and his priorities for our lives. Money and 'things' can't give us the peace, or the satisfaction that God offers. Maybe you are one of the wealthiest people in the world, but if you have no treasure in heaven, then you are indeed, poor. In my humble opinion, those of us who have our treasures in heaven will know true riches.



I once read someplace that we should pray for God's help to look for 'things' above, not below. Sounds like good advice to me!



Since it is Valentine's Week, I hope that you will join us in our KISS Challenge (Keep it Simple, Sisters!), and create a one-layer card, or project. I'm looking forward to seeing your beautiful creations!



Hugs and blessings,
Patti J.

21 comments:

Grace said...

Hi Patti! Your devotion and challenge were wonderful! I loved reading your thoughts and you are so right! Matt. 6:33! Love the light you shed! :) Your lamp image is just perfect and looks great on a single layer card!!! Have a wonderful week! hugs,
Grace

Chelsea said...

Cute card .... What a great saying with a great image!

STAMPING SAM said...

Every New Year I try to think of a new philosophy to get through the year. I think your challenge is perfect! Somedays everything seems so complicated and now at work (especially work) or home, when I feel that way I can just throw everyone a KISS!

By the way, it's our kids getting older, not us!

Glittered Paws said...

So enjoyed reading your "essay" so to speak - and oh my how true - the words hit home - I am always looking for more stuff yet I am so happy when I create with what I already have. Love the "new" lamp - it surely stands alone. Great job.

Miesje said...

Perfect words this week Patti! You inspire me and countless others - thank you sister! What an adorable card! I love the way you laid out the image and the sentiment and the sponging around the edges. Great card and extra great inspirations - your words hit home to me and will countless others! Have a wonderful week!

Caryl P said...

Patti this is a beautiful card, but an even more beautiful post. I love that scripture, and it is another way I can stick to my word 'simplify' this year. I can relate to the budget of tough times. I have only allowed myself a purchase recently when I needed supplies for a set of wedding invites, and I'm taking some of the time I used to shop to search for those blessings. KISS is something I may need to make time to make this week. Thank you again for sharing!

Becky said...

What a wonderful Kiss card Patti. The devotional this morning is so thought provoking, especially in this day of bigger is better, and give me more!
This devotional should be on our minds and hearts daily!
love & hugs :)

Beate said...

Patti, what a wonderful post. It's so true.
Your card is a beautiful CAS card. I have a hard time with those.
Thanks so much for the inspirational post and the wonderful pick of scripture. You did a fabulous hostess job.
Have a wonderful Sunday and a Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow.
Hugs and smiles

Dana said...

Oh Patti! What a lovely post and card!! I too am so amazed at how loving and kind our community is and bless you for all you do to share God's love!
Hugs~
Dana

Iris said...

Simple yet amazing card! Lovely post! Our community is amazing and we're all part of it!

The Other Patti Sue said...

You are so right girl.... contentment totally comes from the Lord and is always a work in progress! Love your card!

Unknown said...

Love that little lamp, you're letting your gospel light shine! Thanks for your fabulous words of reminder this week.

Nikki Schmaltz said...

I have missed popping in to see you and I'm so happy that I was able to do so today. What a beautiful post. Would you email me your friends email. I would be happy to send her some supplies too.

I hope that I can participate, but I just don't know. It's a great, easy challenge though. I shall try!

Take care sweet friend!

Patti P. said...

Your words were just perfect and I so enjoyed your post today....can't wait to try the challenge. TFS your lovely CAS card.

Danni said...

Such a nice card, made me smile!

Amy Johnson said...

wow! Well said! Love what you wrote. And your one layer card is adorable too!

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

Perfect K I S S card, Patti J.! Sorry I have been a wee bit scarce.

Brenda said...

Wow what a wonderful CAS card Patti. I have a hard time with CAS, but so enjoy seeing them. I am hoping to play along this week if I can find some time as it is one of those weeks were I have nothing but meeting after meeting and still have to get my normal work done. And that my friend is why I love stamping so much, it is a great escape from the stresses of work.

Lovely Linda said...

Hello dear Patti - what a bbeautifully said word form the heart - definitley a 'word in season!' You are so right with all that you have shared this week at SSIC!!! Thank you Patti for all that you bring - you are a blessing dear sistah! Love your card - that sentiment is gorgeous and the lamp divine! Love it! {{{hugs}}}

Wendy @ E-1-A said...

Thank you for this week's challenge. Love your fun card - it's bril. Also, the word which you brought and the thoughts you shared this week really speak to my heart. My hubby and I are converting an old steading (stable) into a home at present and I know it will be lovely once completed but there is always the danger of going overboard with non necessities. I want to keep God at the heart of the new home and thank you for your post which reminds me of the dangers and trappings of this world (even in the seemingly good things if we are not careful). Thank you.

Curt in Indy said...

Love your take on the verse this week. Love what you said about always wanting more. I find myself wanting more and more, and yet I probably have only used a third of what I have, and what I have used I've only used a couple of times. This post really made me think. Love your card. I'm really starting to like the cas cards and making them as well. Best, Curt