Sunday, October 30, 2011

SSIC 113~Christmas Tree



Another week has flown by so quickly...and it's time for a new Stampin' Sisters in Christ card challenge!
This week our hostess is the wonderfully talented Lisa from The Craft's Meow.  You can view the devotional on the SSIC blog and read along with the rest of the design team. It's always exciting to see each week's thoughts  and applications.
Well, we had a "sneak peek" of winter here a couple of days ago as overnight the snow caught us by surprise, leaving a scene of winter wonderland along with many damaged trees in our town and neighborhoods. The beauty of the fist snowfall of the year sparked the creativity in today's card. This week's challenge was to use "fall colors like crimson, orange or golds."
Crimson it is...and this Christmas striped ribbon reminds me of today's verse:
Isaiah 1:18" Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
I stamped the tree and gave it a gold halo with Tim Holtz antique linen and tea dye inks...(my touch of gold) and added a bit more gold with stickles along the branches. The crimson was added with the back panel and the red and white striped ribbon tied in a big fat bow. These oversized bows seem to be my trademark!

I see this verse as such a "gift" from God...the one we as Christians can celebrate any day...and that is the complete wiping out of our sins by a completely Holy God. Some may ask, "What is sin? " Sin as used in scripture means to "miss the mark." God has set a perfect and holy standard in the Bible. Just reading the Ten Commandments, none of us has to go far to realize that we don't meet any of them perfectly. God is holy, which means he is completely without sin. In order to enter in to his presence and enjoy fellowship with him...we also need to have that holiness imparted to us. Thankfully, we don't have to wait until some distant day far off into the future. God provided a way...and that is by believing in His son, Jesus Christ and repenting (turning away from) our sin. If any of this is confusing or you would like to know more about how to have your sins completely removed (past , present, and future) now and forever...please leave me a comment and we can reason together through the scriptures.
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This week's prize sponsors are a 10 pound gift card from Lily of the Valley. I just received an order from them yesterday, and can't wait to make a card with one of these adorable images!
 I hope you can join in our challenge this week...and be reminded of the weight that has been lifted as we rejoice over the promise of this scripture when we confess our sins and turn away from them...putting our trust in God's son as the perfect sacrifice for all of our sins.
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Today's card is also being submitted for this week's Flourishes
card challenge to use a tree or leaves on your card!
And one more submission for this month's Flourishes Christmas Card Challenge FLLCNOEL18!

13 comments:

  1. OH I love that tree and the ribbon is perfect! Great in those fall colors. Love it Traci! Have an awesome week!

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  2. Very pretty. I'm always afraid to use a big bow, but I love how this turned out!

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  3. Another beauty! I love that particular shade of green with the bright red.

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  4. Oh how stunning and elegant Miesje!! I just love your colors, the design, and your choice of ribbon!! I love your writing and take on the scripture. What a blessing!!
    hugs,
    Chris

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  5. This is so pretty Traci. I love the way you sponged around the edges. What a great write up too. You are so good with this challenge. I struggle with just the right words. Hope you have a great week with less snow. :)

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  6. so very classic AND classy.....beautiful sponging on that gorgeous tree....fab work

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  7. Traci your card is so beautiful! The ribbon made me think of another part of this equation... "and with His stripes, we are healed" (and forgiven). Anyway... loved reading your thoughts today and thanks so much for your willingness to share from the heart! Hope the storm damage isn't as great as it sounds!
    Have a wonderful week!
    hugs,
    Grace

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  8. Traci, this popped up on my screen so bright and beautiful, just like a brand new crisp winter day. Beautiful words to accompany a beautiful card, too. It sounds like the cold weather season is off to a strong start. I've been watching the snow on the news. It seems early.

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  9. This is beautifully done Traci - such rich warmth and elegance to the card to illustrate such beautiful truths for us too!

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  10. Very pretty card! You tie your bows perfectly. (Love the song!)

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  11. Hello Traci - a late visit from me due to computer issues, but I am glad to be here! YOur card is divine Traci - and so elegant! I agree with Grace about the ribbon - beautiful symbolisim! Thank you for always sharing from the ehart my friend! {{{hugs}}}

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  12. This is so pretty, Traci! Your striped ribbon is the perfect accent.
    We saw our first few snowflakes today.

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