My last post was on prayer. There is much more to prayer that we never hear about. Do you know why I believe in prayer? It is for the same reason you should. When you pray you become a believer in the most personal way. Yes, you can believe without ever praying but when you pray you are laying yourself out before the Lord and saying "I am in your care and those I am praying for I am trusting to your care". There is nothing else you can offer that would be of value to God. Many have not given thought to why praying is so important and at the same time personal before God. How can prayer be dismissed out of hand that way? I often hear about fearing God and, in fact, I was brought up to FEAR God. YOU CAN NOT LOVE WHEN YOU ARE LIVING IN FEAR. God gave us Jesus and he gave His life so that we could believe in God and have our fear removed from us. Fear means we still have Him on the cross. Praying does not excuse us from life but it makes it possible for us to communicate that we are in His hands and, whatever His plans, we know His hand is in ours and we need not fear. That is why this canvas I am working on is so special. THE LIGHTHOUSE. The light that guides ships to the safety of the port. Again removing the fear and replacing it with trust and ultimately with love. Prayer is our home port. A refuge from all that the world is able to throw at us. The 23rd psalm is what prayer brings us to. How is your prayer life today? Do you fear the Lord or feel the LOVE of the Lord? We were created to Love the Lord not to fear Him. Fear is for those who do not believe. Talk to Him and feel His love fill you up. Prayer is our communion with Him.It is the greatest form of worship.
If we have died with him,
then we shall live with him. If we persevere, then we shall reign with him. If we disown him, then he
will disown us. If we are faithless, he is
faithful still, for he cannot disown his own self.
2 Timothy 2:11–14
The New Jerusalem Bible. (1985). (2 Ti
2:11–13). New York: Doubleday.
I have two projects to share with you today. First is a CAS card I made. It is a tent style card.
I did not finish the inside of the card this time to allow a note to be hand written.
The dove - Sizzix #659126 die set
The glitter die cut - Spellbinders "Fantastic Flourish Thee Die Set
Sentiment - Sweet n' Sassy "The Future" set
Card stock is from my stash. All gluing was done with Sookwang 1/4" and 1/8" tape.
I am going to break with my no challenge tradition and enter this card at:
Word art Wendnesday
The second project is something I made some 40 years ago. It sits in the hallway to our bedroom. It is a reminder of the Lord no longer being on the cross.
The nails are there but he is not. Hold out your hand and He will take it and be your guide.
Blessings and remember to LOVE THE DETAILS.
Prayer, sweet prayer. What a lovely card. Thank you for posting art with us this week during our 151st challenge at Word Art Wednesday. Sending you happy hugs, smiles full of sunshine, and many blessings as you work and play.
ReplyDeleteCarole Robb Bisson
Jim I am always touched by your written word.... and today I am particularly touched! Conversing with the ones we love is a most important part of any relationship... and so it is with our Savior! I always love reading David's prayers... his cries to the God whose heart was close to his. I also love the fact that it's a privilege to intercede for others.... because we know that God does hear our prayers and can be trusted to do the very best thing in any given situation. I believe firmly that He lays people on our hearts so that we will pray for them... because He wants to use us to do something in their lives. How amazing our Lord is! Love your card.... the sentiment is truly wonderful, and the cross with the nails alone is such a wonderful reminder!!! Love your heart for Him and how you share it with others!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs and prayers to you and Jill!
Grace
This was a beautiful post...and yes, it brought the tears again. You and I both know that prayers do get answered! Your card is lovely, and I get to see the behind the scenes work. Like when that beautiful intricate sparkly die did not quite cut. You get out the exacto knife and so expertly cut it out. I'm always amazed at your patience with your crafting.
ReplyDeleteSorry I haven't been around lately.....been out of town for over a week!
ReplyDeleteLove your card and that die you used. The cross is sensational. Great workmanship!
Wonderful post.
Lynn
Absolutely WONERFUL art as well as a really great post. THanks so much for sharing with us, and for taking the time to share your God given talents with us.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you,
Karen
Word Art Wednesday
Great post! I do believe in prayer and having sweet communication with God and trusting in Him.
ReplyDeleteHi, Jim, Thank you very much for visiting my blog and leaving me lovely words of encouragement. I really appreciate it. I enjoyed my visit to your blog today and was touched by your reflections about prayer. Your card is perfect for Word Art Wednesday and I loved the cross. First time I have seen an empty one with the nails in it. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you!
Oh Jim what a wonderful post - I love prayer and that is the most awesome writing I have seen on it in a long time! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYour card is gorgeous - love the contrasts and the design.
Blessings
Maxine
I love your card- and the scripture you used with the dove and the silver sparkly die. I also really love your writing today- we were brought up with Good and Evil and were taught fear..... of going to Hell and Nuns- who were our teachers. I have worked many years in the Intensive Care Unit as a nurse- it is truly remarkable to see those who do not fear- die so much more peacefully......in my humble opinion- it is now in my past and I miss working with people who need a prayer or just a hand holding........ Thanks for blogging- I always enjoy stopping by!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful on all accounts Jim, Word, Card and nothing more Glorious than the empty Cross.
ReplyDeleteSorry not been around of late, One Mega busy month to say the least.
Hugs To you both XX
Oh, Jim, you are such a blessing! I totally agree with your wonderful post about prayer and so agree! It's not only a privilege but such a wonderful time of fellowship (closeness) with the Lord as we go to Him with love (not fear) pouring our hearts out to Him for others and ourselves, not fearing Him. He loves us so dearly, and what a blessing that He desires to use us as agents to accomplish His plans in praying for others. And prayer definitely changes us as well. I thank you for your love for the Lord and for your ministry of prayer. You are such an encouragement, Jim! I thank Him for you! I love your card - especially the wonderful sentiment reminding us that it's ALL in God's hands - gives me a big sigh! And the cross - I love it! And, yes, praise God that Jesus is no longer on that cross and has risen, defeating sin and death!! Thank you, Jim! And praying for you and Jill, sweet and dear friends! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful post on prayer today and when you spoke of the lighthouse and your canvas, I began to think of the song, The Anchor Holds, also...the light and the anchor.
ReplyDeleteYour card is wonderful and I see Jill said you finished cutting the die with a craft knife. I cannot do much with the craft knife...wish I could. Maybe I don't hold it correctly. Sometimes, I cut clean and sometimes it jag the paper. Ugh!
The cross was a wonderful, long ago project but a wonderful reminder, also, that He is risen.
I am always lifted by your posts and this one is no exception , thank you . I like what you did with the card the die in perfect for the corner over the beautiful sentiment .....Lis
ReplyDeleteA beautiful reflection on prayer. I loved what you shared! I always try to remember to pray unceaseingly and rejoice in all things. This helps me so much during lifes hard times. Thanks for sharing such beautiful posts Jim!
ReplyDelete:) Jill2
I enjoy reading your posts Jim, certainly inspiring. Love your CAS card, the sentiment is wonderful and your cross is beautiful too. Thank you for your lovely comments on my blog. Michelle x
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and well said post Jim. I'm always lifted up by your posts and I'm thankful to you for that. I love, love your beautiful card and sentiment and I really love the cross you made years ago. Thank you to a perfect start to a perfect day for me. Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDeleteA great post today Jim! ! And I love your card and the cross is a great reminder :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card that will bring someone much comfort with the beautiful prayer on it. Your cross from many years ago is beautiful, so is your love of the Lord. ~Diane
ReplyDeleteYour card is so pretty with the red and silver! The sentiment is so nice too!
ReplyDeletehello dear friend: thanks for encouraging and remind us the importance of prayer!
ReplyDeleteas for the card it is lovely, love the spellbinders die and the sentiment is so you!
well done
big hugs bibiana
Une belle carte toute rouge pour annoncer La Bonne Nouvelle ! Bravo Jim!
ReplyDeleteYour post reminds me of my dad--he often covered pulpits when the pastor was gone & would pray with anyone at any time--like the girl at the bank drive through--just a minute. Wonderful card, Jim!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful card. Love the red, and the sentiment is lovely.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Sue
Thanks for yet another beautiful post, Jim!!! Both your card and your cross is beautiful!!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day!!!
Love the Cross!!!! Your card reflects your comments on prayer as well - how great is that. Love what you said - a great sermon to read before I am off to work! Always enjoy your posts Jim. Wonderful stuff here my friend. Hugz!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card and beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteI loved what you wrote about prayer, so true!! Great card and the cross is amazing! Have a great weekend!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your words, Jim. You truly are filled with the Holy Spirit and that shows, in both your words and creations.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, my friend.
Hugs x
I'm behind on visiting, but I wanted to get round to read your post when I had a bit more time to enjoy it. As always, you have hit the nail on the head about the fear & love relationship with God. I believe in a God of love & mercy too, not a fearsome one. I always feel it's rather like a relationship with your parents. You love & respect them, but I don't think the fear factor is one we should strive for. How can you truly love that which you fear???Might not be explaining that all very well. God gave His most precious Son...that is Love. So that we need not Fear. I guess that's a bit too simplistic, but it's how I look at it. And I also think prayer is a dialog. Not just for when you want something either. Being thankful & appreciating just the small things bestowed, like a beautiful sunset to remind us why it is there for us to enjoy. Loved your beautiful card. Equally so on the simple but lovely cross. Truly, He is no longer on it, nor do we have to be either! That is Love in its purest form. Hope ya'll will have a wonderful weekend. TFS & Blessings to you both.
ReplyDeleteLove your card with the beautiful sentiment Jim. Also want to say that the picture is coming along beautifully - I can't wait to see more of it.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs to you and thank you for your lovely comments on my blog.
Sue Pxxx
What a striking card. The bold colours work really well on this design:)
ReplyDeleteHi Jim just been reading your September posts as I've been away all month in Florida . They are so lovely I love your latest CAS card and wow the painting is coming along its really taking shape definitely a labour of love. Your posts are always so interesting. I'm back home now so hopefully back to normal commenting take care Love and Happy Crafting Hugs Carole x
ReplyDeleteSo true. God loves to hear from his children. Love the handmade cross and pretty card.
ReplyDeleteJim, thank you so much for this encouraging and inspiring post....in the middle here of a long wait - of praying, trusting, faltering, wondering, praying, trusting, questioning, praying, trusting....you get the picture. Your post is a wonderful reminder, affirming the trusting...and surrendering the anxiety. Love the empty Cross..what a visual impact. And your card is a beautiful reminder along the same lines....thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis is so elegant, love the silver shimmer over red BG :)
ReplyDeletePrayer is such a blessing! Love the dove and the quote! The glittery corner is awesome! And I love that simple, empty cross! Beautifully and lovingly made.
ReplyDeletesuch beautiful creations, love both :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so talented! Blessings to you for blessing us by sharing your talents and sharing your words!
ReplyDeletePretty CAS Jim and a beautiful cross you created. Thank you for sharing your words and your heart. Prayer is a wonderful blessing and privilege. Blessings! Kathy
ReplyDeleteMorning sweetie, this is just fabulous :0) hugs Pops x x x
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and fancy silver die cut! I really like your sentiment and you've stamped it so perfectly too!
ReplyDeleteLovely!!! The card is so pretty and the sentiment is one to remember. Beautiful wood worked cross. He is risen indeed!
ReplyDeleteThere is such power in Prayer. Amen to that! Great card Jim
ReplyDeleteLeanne
Your reflections on prayer, combined with the gorgeous card and the 'resurrected' Lord cross are, once again, being viewed at a time when I need those reminders of hope and especially, of 'calm'. I'm perpetually 'wound up' (part of my nature I'm trying to contend with and dial down...), yet coming here, this morning, when the sense of being over-whelmed (mainly self-induced) is rather burdensome, I feel a sense of a shift happening. You always find a way - in words and in visuals - to bring new perspective. I don't know if that's your mission, but if so, consider it a success! Smiling...
ReplyDelete~c