Psalm 1:3 "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."
SEASON OF FRIENDSHIP
Stamps: Season of Friendship, You're a Gem
Paper: Blushing Bride, Poppy Parade, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Just Add Cake DSP
Accessories: Scallop Border Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Oval Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch, Square Lattice EF, Poppy Parade Stitched Poly Ribbon, Red Corduroy Button (retired), Espresso Bakers Twine
Sketch Challenge: Card Postioning Systems #249
Sketch Challenge: Card Postioning Systems #249
I joined an online Bible study with Wendy Pope. It is a year long study of the Psalms. We study one Psalm every week. Each day you are to read the Psalm aloud (the hardest part!) and pray for understanding and application. On Mondays she has a short video teaching. On Tuesdays and Thursdays she provides study questions. I figured it was a nice slow study that won't overwhelm me, so I signed up for the emails.
After re-reading Psalm 1 a few times, I had a desire to create a card that represents something from the passage. This is the card I made. I love the word picture of a beautiful, healthy tree filled with glorious green leaves. And when we "delight" in God's Word by making it a part of our everyday life, (when we walk and when we stand and when we sit) then we too will thrive. Rooted and water by our faithful God.
I love the notes in my Life Application Bible concerning verse 3... "When Scripture says, "Whatever he does prospers," it does not mean immunity from failure or difficulties. Nor is it a guarantee of health, wealth, and happiness. What the Bible means by prosperity is this: when we apply God's wisdom, the fruit (results or by-products) we bear will be good and receive God's approval. Just as a tree soaks up water and bears luscious fruit, we also are to soak up God's Word, producing actions and attitudes that honor God. To achieve anything worthwhile, we must have God's Word in our hearts."
I love the notes in my Life Application Bible concerning verse 3... "When Scripture says, "Whatever he does prospers," it does not mean immunity from failure or difficulties. Nor is it a guarantee of health, wealth, and happiness. What the Bible means by prosperity is this: when we apply God's wisdom, the fruit (results or by-products) we bear will be good and receive God's approval. Just as a tree soaks up water and bears luscious fruit, we also are to soak up God's Word, producing actions and attitudes that honor God. To achieve anything worthwhile, we must have God's Word in our hearts."
I've been having a little "spiritual battle" within myself about stamping and being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I don't want my "hobby" to be a burden to our family, monetarily and/or time-wise. But God is so good to me. He showed me this week how important He thinks creativity is. After all, he is the most creative being I know! And he gets pleasure out of creating. In Genesis, after God created the world, it says, "And God saw that it was good." God knows what it feels like to look at something you have made and smile. Just because it makes you happy. Isn't that why He created us? To give Him pleasure? So why do I constantly feel guilty for taking time to be creative? Because the world looks at "crafting" as a silly money/time waster. A diversion from the really "important" things. But if God has given me this gift of creativity, shouldn't I use it? What is wrong with doing something you really enjoy? So I've decided to incorporate my creativity with my Bible study of the Psalms. Not sure if I will accomplish this each week, but when I am inspired, I will not stop myself from creating.
And I plan on being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator until Jesus comes back. Or at least as long as the Lord lets me. :)
If you are interested in finding out more about my local clubs and classes or my February Prize Spectacular, check out this post: New Stampin' News
Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!
And I plan on being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator until Jesus comes back. Or at least as long as the Lord lets me. :)
If you are interested in finding out more about my local clubs and classes or my February Prize Spectacular, check out this post: New Stampin' News
Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!
12 comments:
Beautiful card and beautiful thoughts Krystal.
Gorgeous card, and very nice interpretation of the Psalm. And I'm really glad to hear that you'll keep on being a demo :)
I often have those same thoughts, but I really like using my creativity to make other people smile. This card made me smile - I am sure going to miss that Poppy Parade when it retires this summer!
Beautiful Card!!
Lovely card, Krystal, and if it makes you feel any better, I struggle with the exact same feelings about whether my stamping business is a hobby or money and time-waster, or is it a gift from the Lord that I am using to encourage others? I think Satan likes to make us feel guilty, and as long as we balance it with the other priorities in our life, and don't let it take over, the Lord will bless it. AND He'll let you know if you are! You keep up the good work, and thank you for the insight on Psalm 1. We are reading through the Bible in a year at our church; even my DD is participating, and that is a blessing!
Thank you for sharing from the heart. I have followed your blog for a few months and thought maybe I unsubscribed a little while ago and then you came back.
I do not always read through everything but today I did, maybe because of the Psalm 1 title. You inspired me through your thoughts. I agree God is the greatest creator and I believe He delights when we make beautiful things and especially when we share it with others (which you shared with us). You have inspired me to do some things for my students (I teach nursing at a Christian University) to get them creative and to get them to be creative with caring for others (patients or friends/family).
So you passed on the creativity, I hope I am able to do the same.
Thanks for sharing.
Love this card!! I have to get this set, it's been on my wishlist forever. Love what you said about God saying, It is good, and being pleased with what he'd made! Be not conformed to this world missy ma'am! lol Who cares what the world thinks about what we do. It also brings a lot of joy to a lot of people in so many ways. Anytime you can make someone smile or feel loved or appreciated, you've done a great thing! Hugs!
I've only just recently subscribed to your blog and I just want to tell you that you have so inspired me today, not only with your beautiful card but also with your thoughts. I do think that God gives us talents and creativity (some more than others, lol)and he wants us to use them to bless others. I truly believe that by using your wonderful creativity and sharing your work with us that you are doing something wonderful with your talent. You are making us smile, encouraging us and inspiring us! So please don't stop what you're doing, it is definitely something very valuable! Love your blog and look forward to all your beautiful creations!
Thank you for sharing both this beautiful card and the prayerful thoughts behind it. Your writing today is so timely. At a time of resolutions and new beginnings, it's wonderful to be reminded of our blessings, consider why they are given to us and use these truths to direct our thoughts.
Beautiful beautiful card! Thanks for sharing your thought!
Thanks so much for including us in your spiritual journey, Krystal. I find so much inspiration from your thoughts and ideas, and stamping, too!
Your card is just lovely! I think we all struggle with many things. It wonderful that you are willing to "listen" when the LORD speaks. I often have to remind myself to "Be still and know that I am God!"
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