Sunday, December 8, 2013

At the Cross

 
Feeling very humbled today!
 
Cass and I started reading through the gospels this month.  We are going to read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...one chapter a night...until we get through the gospels.  It was a challenge for our students from the pastor to really get to know Christ.
 
I marvel at how God orchestrates events.  I LOVE to sit in awe as His story unfolds.  He truly is an amazing God!
 
Matthew 3:13-17
 
For example...John the Baptist being born to Elizabeth...who was waaaaaaay past child bearing years...to lead the way "one voice calling in the desert"...and to baptize our Savior, Jesus.  To stand in the water with our Lord and King...and to see the Heaven open and hear God say, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Can you even imagine how John must of felt...humbled probably isn't the word he used!
 
I challenge you to read through the gospels with us this year. 
 
God Bless!
 
xo-
Lara

Monday, December 2, 2013

Mail Art Monday

Ho! Ho! Ho! Happy Mail Day!

 
This fun little envelope would be a wonderful way to send a friend a holiday greeting!

 
I made several of these envelopes to use as my daughter's Advent Calendar.
 
There are red and green envelopes.  Each one has Santa stamped on book paper glued to the front.  I LOVE washi tape...so I made a few strips by painting masking tape red and green and then stenciling some white on top.  Each envelope is finished with a painted piece of fabric.
 
I hope you will make a few of your own...or hop on over to my Etsy shop where the extras from my advent calendar are waiting for you!
 
Happy Mail Day!
 
Thanks for stopping by!
 
Expect miracles, laugh often, and always color outside the lines!
 
xo-
Lara
 
 

Sunday, December 1, 2013

At the Cross

 
In the spirit of Thanksgiving...this Scripture is a little longer than I typically post...BUT I feel there is a very special message here!
 
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
 
 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
    their righteousness endures forever.”[a]
 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.  Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
 
 
I've been making cards for my church for about 6-8 months now.  I LOVE the thought of someone opening one of my cards and smiling...knowing they are being thought of and prayed for.
 
 This is the inside of one of the cards.  I made mixed-media crosses to stitch on the front of the cards.  Sometimes I use the stitching to doodle a cross inside.
 
What have you done with your gifts from God lately?
 
As we head into December...I hope you will join me on a 30-day journey to do something to bless another person EACH day this month!  I'll be sharing my adventures of thankfulness and my gifts to God each day!  I don't typically share the things I do to bless others...it's kind of a secret thing I do with God...but I believe He is asking me to challenge you and share the idea of blessing others with my readers! It is a simple thing to do...it doesn't have to cost a lot of money...it just takes some thought and using your gifts to give back to God.  Once you start...it really is amazing how good you feel! 
So...happy December! 
Let's make the end of 2013 the BEST 30-days of the year!
 
xo-
Lara